The Weekend Duffel bag is a good project to learn bag making skills and it is also a practical bag that you can use to travel or even as a gym bag. In the interior, the bag features a zipper pocket and an interior divided pocket. In the exterior it has nice accent patches, a front pocket with flap, straps, an adjustable strap, and a handle that closes with velcro.
I used Aztec prints fabrics that I bought at my local Joann’s Fabrics. The only issue that I had was that the fabric shrank when I fused the interfacing. I was able to construct the bag but it came out smaller.
Lesson learned: always check if you need to pre-shrink your fabric before cutting 🙁
Pattern: Templates from the Craftsy Class Sew Better Bags: The Weekend Duffel
Fabric: Aztec prints fabrics from Joann’s Fabrics.
Stabilizer: Fusible Fleece
Materials Needed
- 3 1/2 yds of fabric (1 yd main fabric, 1 yd contrasting fabric, and 1 1/2 yd for the lining)
- 4 yds SF101 Interfacing
- 1 yd Fusible fleece
- 18″ or 22″ zipper (depending on the bag size)
- 7″ zipper for the interior zipper pocket
- 4″ piece of 1″ velcro
- base insert (heavy duty stabilizer such as peltex or plastic canvas)
- 5 yds 1 1/4″ webbing (if used for straps)
Hardware
- 2 twist-lock (or magnetic snaps)
- 2 – 1 1/4″ D rings
- 2 – 1 1/4″ rectangle rings
- 2 – 1 1/4″ swivel snap hook
- 2 – 1 1/4″ slider
Weekend Duffel Bag Pattern
I used the instructions and templates provided with this Craftsy Class.
In general the bag was easy to sew and I learned new bag making techniques. The class include instructions for two sizes (Finished Measurements: Regular: 19¼” x 10¼” x 8¼”
Long: 23¼” x 10¼” x 8¼”) and there are two different options for the exterior pockets. I chose to make a bellows pocket and used a magnetic snap to close it, but you can also make it as shown in the class picture (using a pleated pocket and close it using a twist lock)
There are also two options to make the straps. You can make the straps with a contrasting fabric or you can also use webbing. I chose to make my straps using a contrasting fabric.
I enjoyed sewing this bag and would make it again.
These are some pictures of Weekend Duffel bags from other people (pictures from the Crafsty Platform)
Happy Sewing!
Anabelle