Customisable Duffle Bag Pattern

In this week’s blog post we’re introducing our new sewing pattern, the Travel Light duffle (duffel) bag. This pattern has a feature that’s completely new to our patterns – it’s customisable to your exact size requirements.

To see the full tester photos, scroll to the bottom of the page. They’re gorgeous and will inspire you with your bag.

Grab the sewing pattern here

What’s special about this Duffle bag pattern?

We designed this bag because we’d booked a £40 weekend flight to Alicante with Ryanair. HOWEVER, to get the flights at that price you can’t take any “carry on” or “check-in” luggage. All you can take is your “personal” bag, which is intended to be a handbag or backpack. We figured it was going to be tough managing the whole weekend with just a handbag so we decided to make a bag to the maximum size requirements allowed by the airline. We were so happy with the results and ended up making two more for some of our friends travelling with us.

Customisable size

Unfortunately each airline has different size requirements for personal luggage, which is why we came up with the idea to make the pattern totally customisable to your size requirements.

To use the “customise the size” portion of the pattern, all you need is the maximum size measurements from your airline (these are usually available from the airline’s website). You’ll also need to be happy to do a bit of maths. All the calculations are provided for you, but if you have a particular aversion to maths then you may not enjoy this part and may prefer to stick with the standard pattern size.

To make it simple, we included a blank cutting chart that you can fill in with your final measurements. If you’re looking for a duffle bag sewing pattern that can be customised to your size requirements, this is the sewing pattern for you!

Unique construction

We also used a unique method for the construction. The design means you get a really neat finish on the corners without any difficult corner sewing. We hope you’re going to love this technique!

WHAT DID THE PATTERN TESTERS THINK of our new Duffle Bag Sewing Pattern?

“I do love how this bag came together and wow it’s so roomy and sturdy.” – Quilting Elissa

“Thanks again for having me as a tester. I love this bag.” – Michelle, M Graham Sews

“I think I might make a few more of these.  It was fun!” – Amy, Bed Hog Shop

“Thank you for having me as a tester. Your patterns are always so well presented!” – Barbara, Bee Dee Swiss Made

“This final assembly is something new for me, and I have not seen it in any other pattern….Pattern is easy to follow, and I enjoyed sewing it – Dunja Sije

Clear step by step instructions

It’s tough when you start sewing a project and then find the instructions aren’t quite as thorough as you’d like. It can leave us doubting what we do next and worrying we’re going to make a mistake.
As with all our patterns, we’ve included step by step photo instructions that should leave you feeling completely confident of each step.

And of course, there’s the video tutorial as a backup when pictures just aren’t working for you.

THERE’S A VIDEO FOR VISUAL LEARNERS

If you don’t enjoy learning by reading, don’t worry. There’s a full video tutorial included! In it, I cover every step of the pattern and explain how to use the cutting chart. Watch the video here.

OTHER FEATURES

• Imperial and metric measurements
• Provided in both A4 paper and letter paper sizes to ensure a smooth printing experience wherever you live in the world
• A0 pattern pieces if you prefer to use a projector or get your pattern pieces printed by a print shop

We’re confident you’re going to love this pattern and pick up some new techniques to use in your future makes.

Grab a copy of the pattern from our shop and get started. Leave a comment below to let us know what you love about this bag pattern or anything you’d like us to consider changing/adding for future patterns. We hope you enjoy making it as much as we have.

Jo & Adam

Tester Photos to Inspire You

Made by Nancy of Lakeside Saks

Made by Adam, Country Cow Designs (handles and leather are different to the pattern instructions)

Made by Quilting Elissa

Made by Sew Honey Bea

Made by Bed Hog Shop

Made by M Graham Sews

Made by Bee Dee Swiss Made

Made by Jo, Country Cow Designs

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