By Sew to Speak Staff
We’ve recently come across a new trend on social media that we can definitely get behind: analog bag-making, aimed at getting us off our phones and into more screenless hobbies. In this post, we’ll explore the best analog bag ideas to help you build your own kit and cut down your average screen time.
We hope you use these ideas to reclaim your time, boost your creativity, and find a little peace in a busy world.
What is an Analog Bag?
Before we get into our analog bag ideas, let’s discuss the concept itself. It was introduced to us by creator Sierra Campbell (@SieceCampbell on Instagram), who was inspired by the book The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg. In this book, Charles explains that the most effective way to break an old habit is to replace it with a new one. So, to cut down on screentime and shake the automatic habit of reaching for her phone whenever she had a spare moment, Sierra created a replacement behavior by putting together an easily accessible bag of tangible and non-digital options to busy herself with in her idle time —whether waiting in line, sitting at a cafe, or riding public transit.
She filled her bag with a crossword puzzle book, a knitting project, a Polaroid camera, a portable watercolor set, and a paper planner. Expanding on this concept, we’ve brainstormed our favorite analog bag ideas, especially suited for makers, great for waiting for appointments, riding public transportation, hanging out with friends and family, or just relaxing at home.
This is the kind of influencing we love to see! Keep yourself busy and off your phone by making your favorite hobbies available on the go.
Great Analog Bag Ideas for Makers
As makers, we have a unique advantage here. Our hobbies are naturally analog! Here are some fantastic analog bag ideas for makers that fit perfectly into a tote or backpack.
1. Knitting or Crochet Projects
These might be some of the best portable crafts around. Grab a skein of yarn and your needles or a hook, and you are ready to go. Small projects like socks, hats, or dishcloths are ideal because they don't take up much space. There are endless patterns available at every skill level to get you started. (Check out the patterns we have available at Sew to Speak.)
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Want to learn more? If you are new to fiber arts, visit our Classes & Events page to find a class that works with your skill level! We love helping beginners start their journey.
2. Hand Embroidery or Cross Stitch
Embroidery and cross-stitch are perfect analog bag ideas to avoid scrolling because they require intense focus, which naturally quiets the mind. These crafts often only require a small amount of supplies—just a hoop, fabric, needle, and floss—that can easily travel with you in a small pouch.
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Class Alert: We have embroidery and cross-stitch classes too! These are perfect for beginners looking to learn the basics of hoop art.
3. Appliqué or English Paper Piecing (EPP)
You probably won’t be toting your sewing machine around with you, but hand-sewing techniques like EPP are perfect for on-the-go sewing. EPP involves wrapping fabric around paper shapes and stitching them together. It’s meditative, rhythmic, and requires very few tools. Grab a few fat quarters, some paper templates, a needle, and thread, and you will be stitching in no time!
Need some help getting your sewing supplies on-the-go ready? Shop our sewing kits and more at Sew to Speak.
4. Sketchbook with Colored Pencils or Watercolors
You don’t have to be a professional artist to use these tools. A small sketchbook coupled with a travel watercolor set or a pack of colored pencils is a great addition to any bag. Try drawing easy geometric shapes, doodling what you see around you, or simply playing with color palettes. It will keep you busy and keep your creative juices flowing.
More Analog Bag Ideas to Avoid Scrolling
If you aren't in the mood for crafting, there are plenty of other ways to keep your brain engaged without a screen.
Books
Probably the easiest option on the list! Stop by your local book shop or library to find your next read. Whether it's fiction, a biography, or a book on craft theory, after a few pages, once you’ve been hooked by your topic of choice, you will forget your phone is even around.
Puzzle Books
Crossword puzzles, Sudoku, or logic puzzle books are fantastic for mental agility. While apps for these are convenient, they keep you tethered to a screen. Grab a physical book and a pencil to give your brain a workout the old-fashioned way.
Fidgets
These small toys aren’t just for kids. Grab a few tactile fidgets to keep your hands busy while you listen to a podcast or sit in silence. They are great for reducing anxiety and can even be passed around to friends!
Keep your mind and fingers busy without a screen with fidget toys and handheld puzzles.
Find Your Analog Bag Ideas at Sew to Speak
Having a variety of analog activities to fill your bag with will make your swap from the digital world even easier. Take some time to think about what activities would fill you up and keep your brain active, then visit us in-store (or scroll for just a little bit on our online store) to make your bag uniquely yours.
The options to fill your analog bag with are truly endless! Let your creativity take over and give yourself a variety of activities to choose from.
Already thinking about what to put in your bag?
Whether you need the bag itself, fresh yarn for a portable knitting project, or an embroidery kit to start your stitching journey, we have everything you need in-store and online at Sew to Speak. Browsing our selection of fabrics, yarns, and notions is sure to spark your creativity and make your analog bag a reality!
About the Author
At Sew to Speak, we are all about collaboration, and this blog post is no different! These words are a group effort with thoughtful input from our team.