Make a Sparkling Sequin Beach Bag: DIY Step-by-Step Tutorial

A beach bag

Hello! If you’ve seen those sequined hats around, you’ll love this sequin beach bag makeover. We started with a simple straw tote and gave it a mermaid-inspired upgrade—an easy way to personalize your summer accessories.

A beach bag and balloons A beach bag and craft materials

Someone writing something on paper
Someone writing something on a paper
Someone gluing string to a basket
Someone gluing string to a basket
Someone gluing something to a basket
Someone gluing something to a basket
Someone gluing something to a bag
Someone gluing string to a bag

DIY Sequin Beach Bag

Total Time: One hour

Supplies

Beach bag (we removed the tassels), sequin trim, sequin patches (shell, pink star, hot pink, blue star), satin cord or string (optional for the handle), hot glue, scissors (and X-Acto knife if desired), computer paper, Sharpie.

Directions

1. On a sheet of computer paper, sketch the phrase or word you want on your bag. If your handwriting isn’t ideal, print a script font you like and use that. Cut out the letters to create a stencil.

2. Place the stencil where you want the text on the bag and trace the outline with a Sharpie so you have a clear guide.

3. Working in small sections, apply a thin line of hot glue along the traced letters and press sequin trim into the glue. Start with connected letters, then return to add details like crossing t’s or dotting i’s.

4. Arrange any sequin patches where you want them and secure with hot glue.

5. If you’d like to add color to the handle, attach the end of a satin cord with a small dot of hot glue and wrap the cord around the handle, securing the other end with another dab of hot glue.

Baskets and balloons Baskets and balloons A woman sitting on a shell floatie

Photos by Jeff Mindell | Craft production by Annie Steward | Creative direction by Kelly Mindell

This project is a quick, affordable way to refresh a basic straw bag and give it a playful, summery look. The sequin trim and patches let you customize colors and wording to match your style. If you try this, share your creation on Instagram with the tag #troopstudiodiy—we’d love to see it!