I got fed up with transparent PVC bags that show the world what you take with you when swimming (and mine still had the Tweenies on - the boys wouldn't use it anymore!). This bag comes out of less than 1/2m (or 1/2 yard) of oilcloth/PVC coated cotton.

On the inside there is a pocket for your watch and other small items, a keyring loop so your keys don't fall out and on the outside I have put a small transparent pocket for my pool membership card so I don't forget it.

Step 1: What You Need

1/2" yard or 0.5m of PVC coated cotton/oilcloth (I chose a fairly floppy oilcloth so the top would draw shut more easily)
A piece of see through PVC a bit bigger than a credit card
1" (2.5cm) piece of velcro (sew-in is best for this)
6" (15cm) piece of 1" (25mm) wide twill tape
1 keyring
2 yards or 2m of cord (cut into 2 equal pieces)
thread
scissors
sewing machine
marking pen or pencil
6 eyelets (optional)

Step 2: Cut Out the Pieces

I wanted my new bag to be a little bigger than my old bag, so allowing for seams, first I cut across the width of the fabric at 16" (40cm) and then I cut the overall length at 42" (106cm). This should give me bag with finished size about 15" x 19".

From the offcuts I cut a piece 6" x 5" (15cm x 12.5cm) - this will be the inside pocket.

Cut the clear vinyl at 4" x 3" (10cm x 7.5cm)

Step 3: Prepare the Sub Units

Turn under the edges of the pocket piece and sew down all around, on the wrong side sew one part of the velcro centrally just below the top edge.

Slip the keyring onto the twill tape and sew across as close to the keyring as you can.

Step 4: Sew the Top Edges

HINT 1: When using oilcloth (or any coated fabric) do not use pins as the holes don't close up as they do in a non coated fabric. If you need to secure your pieces clothes pegs are effective.

HINT 2: At the beginning of each seam backstitch and then stitch over your start point to prevent unravelling, backstitch over your sewing line at the end of each seam too, this helps prevent your seams pulling apart.

On the wrong side of the main piece mark a line 3" (7.5cm) from each short side. Fold the fabric over to meet this line giving a 1 1/2" (3.75cm) hem and sew down with two rows of stitching 5mm or 1/4" apart. The large channel will form the casing for your cord. If you prefer to run your cord through eyelets, turn in a small hem on each short side and place an eyelet 2.5cm or 1" in from each edge and one centrally between these two.

Step 5: Add the Pockets

On the wrong side (inside of the bag) sew the other half of the velcro centrally 5cm or 2" down from the bottom of the hem on one side. Using the velcro attach the pocket, tuck the raw edge of the twill tape into the pocket so about 2" and the keyring are showing and sew down one side, across the bottom and up the sides. At the top edges sew a little reinforcing triangle as shown.

On the right side (outside) of the bag, on the other side to the side with the inner pocket, sew around three sides of your clear PVC, leaving the top side unsewn.

Step 6: Sew the Sides

Fold the bag right sides together matching the top edges and sew the side seams from your double line of stitching down to the bottom. I sewed about 3/8" (1cm) in from the edge.

If you want your bag to have a flat bottom fold the side seam so it lies directly on top of the bottom "fold" of the bag, mark a line about 3" (7.5cm) from the point of the triangle and sew along the marked line, repeat for the other side. Trim the triangles leaving 3/8" (1cm) seam allowance

Step 7: Insert the Cords

Thread your cord through the top channel or eyelets (heat seal the ends if necessary - my cord was polyester which frayed easily), tie the ends, load in your swimming kit and you are good to go.