Today we’re sketching one of the most iconic accessories in fashion history: the Dior Saddle Bag. If you’ve ever wanted to capture its playful, asymmetrical silhouette in your illustrations, you’re in the right place. I’m also sharing a free printable template you can trace, tweak, or color however you want.
Whether you’re practicing your fashion sketching skills or dreaming up your next sewing project, this tutorial will help you nail the essentials
What You’ll Need:
- Pencil + eraser
- Plain white paper or a sketchbook
- Fine pen ( optional, for finishing touches or creating the sketch in ink )
- Colored pencils or markers
- Download the free template here
Step-by-Step: How to Draw the Dior Saddle Bag
Step 1: Sketch the Basic Shape
Lightly draw a soft, slightly curved rectangle. This will be the basic shape of the bag.
The Saddle Bag has a super unique structure — it’s not a regular rectangle or circle, but somewhere beautifully in between. Think: a rounded top, with an almost “swooping” bottom edge.
Tip: Imagine it hugging the side of a horse
Step 2: Add the Flap
Lightly draw a flap that mirrors the curve of the main bag body but cuts across the top third. The Dior flap is distinct — it doesn’t cover the whole bag, just the upper portion.
Step 3: Draw the “D” Charm and lower straps
This is the part that gives the bag its iconic detail!
Under the flap, sketch two small leather straps, and on the left side, create a hanging “D” charm. Keep your lines clean but playful, it doesn’t have to be perfect! You’ll also have to erase a bit of the bag so that it looks like the straps are hanging over the body.
Step 4: Sketch the Handle and hardware
The handle is slim and a bit slouchy — not too stiff. It attaches diagonally from the top corners of the bag, giving it that carefree, almost bohemian feel. The shape isn’t perfect since the “C” and “D” metal hardware is part of the handle. So it’s okay if it’s not a perfect line since we want to incorporate these details.
Step 5: It’s all in the Details
Softly outline any visible stitching or hardware. Dior Saddle Bags often have simple seams and minimal metallic hardware on the handle clips.
Step 6: Ink + Color (Optional!)
Once you’re happy with your pencil lines, go over your favorite ones with a fine liner for that crisp illustrated look. You can leave it monochrome or use soft tones like dusty blue, classic black, or even wild patterns
Free Template Download
Want to skip the structure sketching and dive straight into the fun parts?
Here’s a free line art template you can download, print, and trace or color:
👉 [Download the Dior Saddle Bag Sketch Template (PDF)]
What Should We Sketch Next?
I’m thinking… maybe a Chanel Flap Bag? Or the new Loewe Puzzle bag? Leave a comment below or message me!