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This pattern is copyrighted 2021 to Rebecca Page by app.youmakehq.com
Please feel free to make garments from this pattern to sell. If you do, we would love you to include a credit to app.youmakehq.com as the pattern designer, but it is up to you.
The finished product may only be sold by crafters. It may not be mass produced. You can only sell the finished product; you cannot sell the pattern or these instructions.
Best of luck and happy sewing!
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Duffel Bag
Member Rating
Difficulty Level
Beginner
Equipment Needed
Description
This duffle bag pattern is perfect as a sports or weekend away bag. It features a main compartment with zip closure and optional side slats, optional zip pockets and two carry straps with optional padding.
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- +Preparation
- 1x 20-inch Zipper
- OPTIONAL 7-inch Zippers for Pockets – Up to 6 (4x Bag Pockets and 2x End Pockets)
- Midweight Fusible Woven Interfacing – approximately 4.5 yards will be sufficient
- High Loft Fusible Fleece Interfacing – approximately 1 yard x 60 inches wide is sufficient
- OPTIONAL Nylon straps – 1 ½ inch wide Webbing, approximately 3.6 yards will be sufficient
- OR OPTIONAL Foam Interfacing for Straps – approximately 1.3 yards will be sufficient
- OPTIONAL Zipper tape instead of zippers – approximately 2 yards will be sufficient for either bag size with all pockets
- Thread to match
- 1x 24-inch Zipper
- OPTIONAL 8-inch Zippers for Pockets – Up to 6 (4x Bag Pockets and 2x End Pockets)
- Midweight Fusible Woven Interfacing – approximately 4.5 yards will be sufficient
- High Loft Fusible Fleece Interfacing – approximately 1 yard x 60 inches wide is sufficient
- OPTIONAL Nylon straps – 1 ½ inch wide Webbing OR OPTIONAL Foam Interfacing for Straps, approximately 3 yards will be sufficient
- OPTIONAL Zipper tape instead of zippers – approximately 2 yards will be sufficient for either bag size with all pockets
- Thread to match
- Bag:
- Fabric – cut 2
- Lining – cut 2
- Interfacing – cut 4
- Fusible Fleece – cut 2
- Bag End:
- Fabric – cut 2
- Lining – cut 2
- Interfacing – cut 4
- Fusible Fleece – cut 2
- Zipper Pull Tab:
- Fabric – cut 2
- Interfacing – cut 2
- OPTIONAL Fabric Straps
- Fabric – cut 6
- Interfacing – cut 6
- OPTIONAL Strap Padding – Foam interfacing cut 2
- OR OPTIONAL Strap Webbing – cut 2 (see cut chart above)
- OPTIONAL Side Zipper Pocket (up to 2 per bag)
- Fabric – cut 1 per pocket
- Interfacing – cut 1 per pocket
- OPTIONAL Zipper Pocket (up to 4 per bag)
- Fabric – cut 1 per pocket
- Interfacing – cut 1 per pocket
- NOTE – If you are using directional fabric, check the placement of your fabric against the direction of the pattern piece.
- OPTIONAL Inside Slat Pocket (up to 2 per bag)
- Fabric – cut 1 per pocket
- Interfacing – cut 1 per pocket
Project OverviewDuffel Bag
Difficulty Level = Beginner
The Duffel Bag comes in two sizes: Sports Bag and Weekender Bag. It has a large main compartment with optional inside slat pockets – perfect for all your essentials. Add the optional inner or outer zipper pockets or optional side zipper pockets for extra storage to hold all your items. It has two carry straps, either fabric with a padded middle or use webbing. The zipper pull tab on either end of the large zipper makes it easier to open and close. The perfect bag for all your needs.
Our Facebook group is a great place to get help, share your tips and creations! We are a friendly bunch, and we love to help and see what you have made.
Please read the full instructions before getting started.
Wash, dry, and press your fabric before starting your project. A bit of prep now prevents shrinking and means your garment will stay the same size you made it.
Never leave a child or baby unattended or allow to sleep in a garment made from one of our patterns with ties, snaps, buttons, or anything they could remove, choke on, or get caught on. Always use caution if you are unsure. We love our patterns, but we love your bundles of joy more!
SizingSize Range
Bag
Finished Measurements (Inches)
Width
Length
Small – Sports Bag
10.0
20.0
Medium – Weekender Bag
12.0
24.0
Materials and ToolsYou will need a woven or non-stretch fabric. Cotton, quilting cotton, denim, cotton lawn, canvas or upholstery fabric would work.
Main
Lining
OPTIONAL Fabric Straps
OPTIONAL Inside Slat Pockets (up to 2 per bag)
OPTIONAL Zipper Pocket (up to 4 per bag)
OPTIONAL Side Zipper Pocket (up to 2 per bag)
Sports
1.25
1.00
1.00
0.50
0.50
0.50
Weekender
2.25
1.25
1.00
0.50
0.50
0.50
Main
Lining
OPTIONAL Fabric Straps
OPTIONAL Inside Slat Pockets (up to 2 per bag)
OPTIONAL Zipper Pocket (up to 4 per bag)
OPTIONAL Side Zipper Pocket (up to 2 per bag)
Sports
1.00
1.00
0.75
0.50
0.50
0.50
Weekender
1.00
1.00
0.75
0.50
0.50
0.50
* If you are using a narrower fabric, a directional print, or a fabric with nap you may need more.
** Make sure to wash, dry, and press all fabrics before cutting out in case they shrink.You will also need:
Sports Bag (Small)
Weekender Bag (Medium)
Tools needed are a sewing machine, zipper foot, scissors, pins or clips, ruler, and a needle.
Printing Your PatternSettings
The pattern is a separate download. Choose either the US letter paper, A4 paper, or A0 paper size based on the printer you wish to use. If you are in the US or Canada then your printer will likely use US letter paper. Other regions normally use A4 paper. Some people prefer to print their patterns at a print shop: A0 is best in this case.
Print at 100%.
On the second page, you will find a 1-inch and a 3-inch square test box. Print this page first, on its own, and measure these squares.
Once you are happy that the test box is accurate, print the rest of the pattern pages.
Please follow this video for information and assistance on assembling this pattern.
Also, please note that some Rebecca Page patterns and projects also come with cut files and a printable design page which you can use to plan your project if you wish. These are provided in a separate section below to avoid any confusion!
+US Print Charts
Here are which pages to print for the US Files
OPTIONAL Bag Side Zipper Pocket Zipper Pocket Inside Slat Pocket Fabric Straps Straps Padding S 2-4, 9-14, 19-20 21-22 7-8, 14-15 5-7, 11-14 16-18 16-18 M 2-5, 9-14, 19-20 21-23 7-8, 14-15 5-7, 11-14 16-18 16-18 +A4 Print Charts
Here are which pages to print for the A4 Files
OPTIONAL Bag Side Zipper Pocket Zipper Pocket Inside Slat Pocket Fabric Straps Straps Padding 2-5, 10-15, 21-22 23-25 8-9, 16-17 5-7, 13-15 18-20 18-20 2-5, 10-15, 21-22 23-25 8-9, 16-17 5-7, 13-15 18-20 18-20 Cutting InstructionsCut each of the pieces according to the directions on the pattern piece. Seam allowances are all included so just cut them as is.
Cutting Charts – All pattern pieces are included, however if you prefer to cut using a cutting chart, the dimensions for the rectangular pieces (in INCHES) are below:
Bag (Cut 2: Fabric, Lining, Fusible Fleece, Interfacing – cut 4)
OPTIONAL Fabric Straps (Cut 6: Fabric, Interfacing)
OPTIONAL Strap Padding (Cut 2 Foam Interfacing)
OPTIONAL Strap Webbing (Cut 2)
Width
Length
Width
Length
Width
Length
Width
Length
Sports
16.5
21.0
6.0
20.0
1.5
18.0
1.5
58.0
Weekender
19.6
25.0
6.0
22.0
1.5
20.0
1.5
64.0
OPTIONAL Inside Slat Pocket (Cut 1 per pocket: Fabric, Interfacing)
OPTIONAL Zipper Pocket (Cut 1 per pocket: Fabric, Interfacing)
Zipper Pull Tab (Cut 1: Fabric, Interfacing)
Width
Length
Width
Length
Width
Length
Sports
13.0
14.0
13.3
9.0
3.0
3.0
Weekender
14.1
16.0
14.3
11.0
3.0
3.0
Cutting Checklist:
NOTE – If you are using directional fabric, check the placement of your fabric against the direction of the pattern piece.
- + Instructions
- PATTERN MARKINGS – Transfer all pattern markings to fabric.
- INTERFACING – Using the manufacturer’s instructions, apply iron-on interfacing to the Outer Bag, Outer Bag Ends, Straps, Bag Lining, and OPTIONAL Outer Pockets and Zipper Pocket.
- OPTIONAL INSIDE SLAT POCKETS – Fold Pocket in half, right sides together, longest edges together, matching all raw edges. Stitch leaving 2-3 inches gap. Turn, press and optional topstitch. Place Pocket at pocket markings on Bag Lining. Mark preferred slat pockets. Topstitch.
- OPTIONAL ZIPPER POCKETS – Stitch Pocket to Main Bag, right sides facing. Draw central line and up to corners. Cut. Flip Pocket right sides together. Stitch zipper to opening. Finish raw edges. SIDE END ZIPPER POCKETS: Baste bottom of Zipper Pocket to Main Side End. Repeat for any additional Zipper Pockets.
- ZIPPER – Stitch zipper onto Main Bag, right sides together. Stitch Bag Lining to zipper, right side facing the wrong side of the zipper. Flip the Main Bag and Bag Lining wrong sides together. Press. Repeat for other side.
- ZIPPER PULLS – Fold Zipper Pull in half wrong sides together, press. Open and fold raw edges to center, press, then fold in half again. Topstitch ⅛ inch. Fold in half and pin to Zipper Tape. Baste. Repeat for other side.
- STRAPS – Fold two Straps, right sides together, matching short ends. Stitch and press open. Repeat to attach a Strap to other side. Fold the Strap in half lengthwise, wrong sides together. Press. Open Strap and fold it in half again and press. Fold Strap in half again. Topstitch long edges. Place Strap at markings on Main Bag, wrong side of Strap facing right side of Main Bag. Stitch up to marking, across and down. Repeat to attach other side of the Strap. Repeat for second Strap.
- BAG BOTTOM – Match bottom edge of Main Bag, right sides together. Stitch. Press seam open. Match the bottom edge of Bag Lining, right sides together. Stitch leaving 4-6 inch gap. Press seam open.
- BAG ENDS – Baste Main Bag End. Mark top and bottom center points. Right sides together, pin the Main Bag End to the Main Bag. Stitch. Trim and press. Repeat for other Main Bag End, and for both Bag End Lining pieces, attaching them to the Bag Lining.
- FINISH BAG – Pull Main Bag through the gap in Bag Lining. Use slipstitch to close the gap.
Quick Glance Cheat Sheet½ inch seam allowance included – Top stitching ⅛ inch – Basting ¼ inch
Preparation –
Sewing –
0 . PreparationSeam Allowance
½ inch seam allowance included – Top stitching ⅛ inch – Basting ¼ inch
0.1Pattern Markings
Transfer all pattern markings. Mark the pattern using either tailors chalk or a disappearing fabric marker, or pins.
1 . OPTIONAL Inside Slat Pockets1.0If you are not adding the OPTIONAL Inside Slat Pocket to your Duffel Bag, skip to step 2 for the OPTIONAL Zipper Pockets or to step 3 for the Zipper.
This Pocket can be added to one or both Bag Lining pieces. Follow the instructions to add the first Inside Slat Pocket, then repeat for the additional Inside Slat Pocket.
1.1Fold the Pocket in half, right sides together, longest edges together, matching all raw edges. Pin.
1.4Turn the Pocket right sides out.
TIP – Push out the corners with a blunt object, like a chopstick, so that there are crisp, sharp edges and corners.
1.7Take the Pocket and match the folded top edge to the top line of the rectangle pocket placement lines, matching the center of the Pocket to the center of the Bag Lining. Pin along the outside edges.
1.8Mark your preferred Slat Pocket locations. Pin in place.
NOTE – I am showing how to create two equal sized Slat Pockets. However, you can create any size for as many or as few Slat Pockets as you prefer.
1.9Topstitch to create the Slat Pockets.
1.11OPTIONAL – Repeat steps 1.1 to 1.11 if adding a second Inside Slat Pocket to the other Bag Lining piece.
2 . OPTIONAL Zipper Pockets2.0If you are not adding the OPTIONAL Zipper Pockets to your Duffel Bag, skip to step 3 for the Zipper.
This Pocket can be added to one or both Main Bag and Lining pieces, as well as both Bag End pieces. Follow the instructions to add the first Zipper Pocket, then repeat for each additional Zipper Pocket you would like to add.
2.1With right sides facing, match the rectangle pocket marking on the Zipper Pocket to the rectangle pocket marking on the Main Bag. Pin.
NOTE – The pocket marking is not in the center of the Pocket. Check that you have the Pocket the correct way, with the Pocket Bottom (marked on the pattern piece) below your zipper.
2.2Starting at one long edge, stitch along the rectangle.
When you reach a corner, leave your needle down, lift the presser foot and turn the Bag. Lower the presser foot and stitch down the short side.
Repeat to sew the entire rectangle.
2.3Draw a line down the center of the rectangle, stopping ½ inch from each end.
2.4Draw a line connecting the end of that line to each corner, creating Y shapes at each end of the line.
2.5Carefully snip through both layers along the central line, and up to the corners on each end. Take careful, slow snips up the Y toward one corner. Be sure to clip all the way to but not through the stitches.
2.6From the right side of the Main Bag, start pressing the Pocket toward the opening.
2.7Push the Pocket through the opening and continue pressing until the Pocket lays smooth and flat.
2.8Place the zipper behind the opening created and secure in place.
TIP – Pins can distort the line around the pocket. Using wonder tape as an alternative works well to secure the zipper in place while attaching.
2.9Topstitch around the Pocket opening, using the same turning technique from above.
NOTE – Be sure to catch the little triangles at the end of the Pocket when you topstitch.
If needed, trim zipper tails.
2.10Flip the Pocket down, right sides together, covering the zipper and matching the raw edges of Pocket. Pin.
NOTE – You are only pinning the Pocket piece together.
2.12Finish the ends of the fabric using a serger or overlock stitch on a regular machine.
2.14Repeat steps 2.1 to 2.13 for any additional Zipper Pockets you would like to add.
3 . Zipper3.1Place the 20/24 inch zipper onto the Main Bag, right sides together, matching raw edges. Pin in place.
3.3Place the Bag Lining onto the zipper, right side facing the wrong side of the zipper. Pin along the same edge previously sewn.
3.5Flip the Main Bag and Bag Lining so they are wrong sides together. Press.
3.6Repeat steps 3.1 to 3.5 for the opposite side of the Bag.
3.8Trim off the excess zipper tape.
4 . Zipper Pulls4.0If you are familiar with making double fold bias tape, please use this. If not, don’t worry, just follow along here!
4.1Fold the Zipper Pull in half lengthwise, wrong sides together. Press.
4.2Open the Zipper Pull then fold the two long sides into the middle and press.
4.3Refold the Zipper Pull along the center edge, folding the raw edges to the inside.
4.4Topstitch ⅛ inch from each long edge.
Fold in half matching the raw edges.
4.5Aligning the raw edges, match the Zipper Pull along the top of the zipper tape and pin in place.
4.7Repeat steps 4.1 to 4.6 for the second Zipper Pull.
5 . Straps5.0If you are using Strap Webbing in place of making Fabric Straps, skip to step 5.10 to attach them to your Bag.
5.1Place two Straps, right sides together, matching the short ends. Pin.
5.4Repeat steps 5.1 to 5.3 to attach the third Strap piece.
5.5If you are familiar with making double fold bias tape, please use this. If not, don’t worry, just follow along here!
Fold the Strap in half lengthwise, wrong sides together. Press.
5.6Open the Strap then fold the two long sides into the middle and press.
If adding optional strap padding, follow the next steps. If you are not adding optional strap padding skip to step 5.9.
5.7OPTIONAL STRAP PADDING: Insert the Strap Padding onto the wrong side of the Strap, near the center fold.
Press to adhere to Strap.
5.8Refold the Strap along the center edge, folding the raw edges to the inside.
5.10Take one side of the Strap and place it onto the Main Bag, with wrong side of the Strap facing right side of the Main Bag. Use the strap placement markings as a guide. Pin.
NOTE – You are only attaching the Strap to the Main fabric. Flip the Lining out of the way before pinning the Strap.
5.11Starting at the bottom raw edge, stitch up to the top Strap marking, stitching over your previous stitches from step 5.9 at ⅛ inch. Then stitch across the top, then down the other side of the Strap.
TIP – Stitch a rectangle across the top of the stitched section of the Strap. Add additional stitches across the rectangle to create an X. This will reinforce the Strap, preventing it from ripping away from the Bag.
5.12Making sure the Strap isn’t twisted, take the other side of the Strap and place it onto the strap markings on the other side of the Bag.
Repeat steps 5.10 to 5.11 to attach the Strap to the Main Bag.
5.13Repeat steps 5.1 to 5.12 for the second Strap.
6 . Bag Bottom6.1Match the bottom edge of the Main Bag, right sides together. Pin.
TIP – Place a pin through or right next to each Strap edge to make sure they stay lined up during sewing.
6.4Match the bottom edge of the Bag Lining, right sides together. Pin.
7 . Bag Ends7.2Fold the Main Bag End piece in half to find the center top and center bottom. Mark with a pin.
NOTE – If you’ve added a pocket or used directional fabric, be sure to fold so they will be facing up.
7.6Repeat steps 7.1 to 7.5 for the other Main Bag End.
NOTE – When attaching the second Main Bag End, ensure that the zipper is slightly open in order to be able to open the zipper to turn the bag the right way out.
Repeat steps 7.1 to 7.5 to attach the Bag End Lining pieces to the Bag Lining. Do not stitch the Main fabric into the circle. Leave a gap at the center bottom of the Bag End where the zipper is.
7.7Match the Bag End Lining to the Main Bag End at the zipper, where the gap was left in step 7.6. Pin.
7.8Stitch over the gap.
TIP – You will be stitching through lots of layers here. You may find it easier to use the hand wheel to slowly stitch this gap closed.
Repeat steps 7.7 to 7.8 for the other side.
8 . Finish Bag8.1Pull the Main Bag through the gap left in the Bag Lining step 6.5.
TIP – Run your finger or a blunt object over the Bag End seams. This helps smooth the seam line giving the Bag a beautiful finish.
8.2We will be using a slipstitch (or ladder stitch) to close the gap left in step 6.5 on the Main and Lining.
If you prefer to stitch the gap closed by machine, and do not mind your stitches being visible, skip to step 8.3.
Thread the needle, tying the thread tail ends together in a knot. This will provide added strength to the finished seam. Push the needle up through one of the folded seams, from the inside of the lining to the outside, pulling the thread tail completely through.
The knotted end will now be nicely concealed within the seam on the inside.
Skip to step 8.4.
8.3Align folded edges of the gap left in step 6.5.
Stitch as close to the folded edge of the gap as possible to close the gap.
8.4Push lining inside bag and smooth everything out.
8.5OPTIONAL – Topstitch ⅛ inch from each side of the zipper.
- + Finishing Notes and Congratulations
Finishing Notes and Congratulations
Congratulations, your Duffel Bag is done. Enjoy!
We would love to hear how you got on and see photos of your finished project!
Join us at our Facebook Group, tag us on Instagram, or use the hashtag #rpduffelbag.
Thank you for using a Rebecca Page pattern.
© Copyright 2021
All Rights Reserved
Sales + Licencing InformationProject OverviewDuffel Bag
Difficulty Level = Beginner
The Duffel Bag comes in two sizes: Sports Bag and Weekender Bag. It has a large main compartment with optional inside slat pockets – perfect for all your essentials. Add the optional inner or outer zipper pockets or optional side zipper pockets for extra storage to hold all your items. It has two carry straps, either fabric with a padded middle or use webbing. The zipper pull tab on either end of the large zipper makes it easier to open and close. The perfect bag for all your needs.
SizingSize Range
Bag
Finished Measurements (Inches)
Width
Length
Small – Sports Bag
10.0
20.0
Medium – Weekender Bag
12.0
24.0
Materials and ToolsYou will need a woven or non-stretch fabric. Cotton, quilting cotton, denim, cotton lawn, canvas or upholstery fabric would work.
Main
Lining
OPTIONAL Fabric Straps
OPTIONAL Inside Slat Pockets (up to 2 per bag)
OPTIONAL Zipper Pocket (up to 4 per bag)
OPTIONAL Side Zipper Pocket (up to 2 per bag)
Sports
1.25
1.00
1.00
0.50
0.50
0.50
Weekender
2.25
1.25
1.00
0.50
0.50
0.50
Main
Lining
OPTIONAL Fabric Straps
OPTIONAL Inside Slat Pockets (up to 2 per bag)
OPTIONAL Zipper Pocket (up to 4 per bag)
OPTIONAL Side Zipper Pocket (up to 2 per bag)
Sports
1.00
1.00
0.75
0.50
0.50
0.50
Weekender
1.00
1.00
0.75
0.50
0.50
0.50
* If you are using a narrower fabric, a directional print, or a fabric with nap you may need more.
** Make sure to wash, dry, and press all fabrics before cutting out in case they shrink.You will also need:
Sports Bag (Small)
- 1x 20-inch Zipper
- OPTIONAL 7-inch Zippers for Pockets – Up to 6 (4x Bag Pockets and 2x End Pockets)
- Midweight Fusible Woven Interfacing – approximately 4.5 yards will be sufficient
- High Loft Fusible Fleece Interfacing – approximately 1 yard x 60 inches wide is sufficient
- OPTIONAL Nylon straps – 1 ½ inch wide Webbing, approximately 3.6 yards will be sufficient
- OR OPTIONAL Foam Interfacing for Straps – approximately 1.3 yards will be sufficient
- OPTIONAL Zipper tape instead of zippers – approximately 2 yards will be sufficient for either bag size with all pockets
- Thread to match
Weekender Bag (Medium)
- 1x 24-inch Zipper
- OPTIONAL 8-inch Zippers for Pockets – Up to 6 (4x Bag Pockets and 2x End Pockets)
- Midweight Fusible Woven Interfacing – approximately 4.5 yards will be sufficient
- High Loft Fusible Fleece Interfacing – approximately 1 yard x 60 inches wide is sufficient
- OPTIONAL Nylon straps – 1 ½ inch wide Webbing OR OPTIONAL Foam Interfacing for Straps, approximately 3 yards will be sufficient
- OPTIONAL Zipper tape instead of zippers – approximately 2 yards will be sufficient for either bag size with all pockets
- Thread to match
Tools needed are a sewing machine, zipper foot, scissors, pins or clips, ruler, and a needle.