I'm not sure how I stumbled across this free pattern from Noodlehead, but I'm glad I did. My version is much much simpler than her version, but I'm really happy with how it came out. I read a lot of various blogs and reviews before I started sewing mine.
I was totally inspired by Coconut Robot's Cargo Duffle. Her version is beautiful. And though I used a lot of her modifications and I love the look of the quilting, I just couldn't bring myself to spend that much time on it.
I also chose to leave off the front snap pockets and opted for a zip pocket instead. Adding the zip pocket was a lot easier and I like the look better as well.
Another change I made was making the handles out of upholstery vinyl. I just cut a 4 inch wide strip, folded it in half and sewed down both sides.
To finish off the bag, I added a lining and used a heavy weight sew-in interfacing on the side and bottom panels. The bag ends up having great structure, but is still lightweight. I took this bag on an overnight trip recently and it was the perfect size for all of my husband and my stuff.
I'm so happy with how this bag came out and happy with all the changes I made. If you give it a try, I'd love to hear what you think.
I just made my first tote bag and I like how it turned out but the zipper was a pain for me. I'll be trying your duffer bag version, yes the wider bag looks better and I believe would be more useful for me.
ReplyDeleteit looks great!!
ReplyDeleteVery nice!
ReplyDeleteSonnenblume
This looks great!! I can't wait to try making my own. I was wondering about the handles though, I didn't quite understand how you made them. Could you explain a bit further?
ReplyDelete-Sarah
Hi, I just bought materials for this bag and have been looking through various tutorials. I'm wanting to do canvas on the outside (similar to your bag I think?) and line it with cotton ~ you said you used heavy duty interfacing but did you line it with anything else (batting additional layer of cotton)? Love your bag! Beautiful :)
ReplyDeleteHi! I think the lining I used was a fusible Peltex. I cut the pieces about an inch smaller than the sides and bottom, but didn't use any on the zipper panel. It's a great pattern!
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