Duffel Bag - Free Sewing Tutorial

Drawstring Duffel Backpack FREE Sewing Pattern and Tutorial. Beginner Sewing Project: Learn to Sew a Bag.

 You will need:
Fabric and lining scraps
A plate
Some quilt batting
A cord

1. Using the plate as a template, cut out a round base for the duffel bag—one piece from the outer fabric and one from the lining. Then, use a tape measure to measure the circumference of the circle and make a note of the measurement.

2. Next, cut out strips for the body of the duffel bag; the length should be the circumference you just measured plus 2 cm for the seam allowance. You can decide for yourself how wide the strips should be and how many to use.

3. Then, sew the strips together and press the seam allowances open. Using this new, large piece as a template, cut out the body of the lining as well.

4. Next, cut 4 strips for the straps; the width should be 6 cm, while the length is up to you. Using these same dimensions, cut 2 strips of batting as well.

5. Then, stack one strip of batting and two strips of fabric (with the right sides of the fabric facing each other) and sew the long edges together using a 1 cm seam allowance. Turn the straps right side out so the batting is hidden in the middle, and topstitch the straps.

6. Now, the straps are sewn onto the base, positioned side by side.

7. The sewn-together strips of the outer fabric are now stitched into a tube and then sewn to the base (with the straps positioned between the body section and the base); the back seam of the body section is aligned between the straps.

8. Finally, the straps are also sewn securely at the top.

9. The lining is now sewn just like the outer fabric, except that a 15 cm section is left open in the back seam to allow the bag to be turned right-side out later.

10. Next, place the outer fabric (right side facing out) inside the lining (right side facing in) and sew the top edges together, aligning the center-back seams.

11. Turn the bag right-side out through the opening and then sew the opening shut. Finally, press the top edge.

12. Next, you need a strip of fabric 3.5 cm wide and slightly shorter than the circumference of the bag. Fold under and topstitch the short edges, and press a 0.5 cm hem along both long edges. 

Then, pin the strip onto the bag—a few centimeters below the top edge—and sew it in place.

Finally, simply thread the cord through, and you're done!