Sewing the Sidekick 2.0 by Annie: Fabric and Notion Prep

By Sallie Tomato | Published: 2026-11-05

Category: How-to Guides

Prep your fabric and notions for the Sidekick 2.0 by Annie with a clear order of work: read the pattern, cut accurately, and set up hardware before you sew.

Quick answer

Treat the Sidekick 2.0 byAnnie as a prep-first project: read the pattern through, confirm your fabric and notion list, cut and label every piece, and set up the zipper and hardware before you sit down to sew. That order prevents the most common rework.

Why prep matters more than speed on this pattern

The Sidekick 2.0 is a multi-pocketed saddlebag with a double-sided design that holds the organizer securely in place. That structure means several layers and compartments come together in a specific order. If you cut fabric or install hardware as you go, you risk mismatched pieces and unpicking seams.

The pattern itself is the authority on fabric requirements and cutting layouts. Use this guide to organize the work around it, not to replace it. If a detail is not in the pattern or your supplied materials, do not guess; check the pattern instructions or the product listing before cutting.

Choose fabric and notions with the bag's job in mind

Because the Sidekick 2.0 is designed to drape over an armrest or attach to a walker or rollator, the fabric needs to hold up to frequent handling and light abrasion. Durable woven fabrics and stable interfacings are safer choices than loose weaves or very stretchy materials. The pattern's fabric requirements tell you how much yardage each view needs; buy slightly more if you plan to fussy-cut or match a print.

Notions are where many makers stall. Gather zippers, hardware, and any stabilizers before you cut so you can test fit and finish. If your pattern lists a notion you do not have, decide on a substitution before sewing rather than midway through a seam.

Step-by-step prep for the Sidekick 2.0

Read the pattern end to end: Read the full pattern once before touching fabric, noting the order of construction and every notion listed. Common mistake: cutting fabric after skimming only the first page, then discovering a later step needs a different piece or interfacing. Mark the steps that require hardware or zippers so you can prepare them early.
Build your fabric and notion list: List each fabric piece, interfacing, zipper, and hardware item from the pattern's requirements. Check quantities against your stash and buy what is missing in one trip. Common mistake: assuming you have enough of a contrast fabric without measuring. Keep the list with the pattern so substitutions are recorded.
Pre-shrink and press your fabric: Pre-shrink washable fabrics and press out wrinkles before cutting. Common mistake: skipping pre-shrinking, which can distort seams after the bag is finished. Press, do not stretch, stable wovens before laying out pattern pieces.
Cut and label every piece: Cut all pieces according to the pattern layout, then label each with painter's tape or a fabric marker. Common mistake: stacking similar pieces and losing track of which is the main compartment and which is a pocket. Group pieces by construction step so you can grab the right set when sewing begins.
Prepare zippers and hardware: Install or shorten zippers and assemble any hardware called for before joining major panels. Common mistake: leaving zipper prep until after the main compartment is sewn, which makes installation awkward. Test the zipper pull and hardware movement before committing to seams.
Do a dry-fit check: Lay out the cut pieces in the order the pattern joins them and confirm nothing is missing or reversed. Common mistake: discovering a missing piece after the first seam is sewn. If a piece is missing, recut it now rather than substituting later.

Product facts

Sidekick 2.0 ByAnnie: The Sidekick 2.0 byAnnie is a multi-pocketed saddlebag designed to drape over an armrest or attach to a walker or rollator. That end use tells you to prioritize durable fabric and secure hardware that can handle daily handling and movement.
Sidekick 2.0 ByAnnie