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The Stitching Scientist

    Free Overnight Duffel Bag Pattern-Updated

    Bags· Free Pattern· Women

    18 Aug

    I finally got around to updating the ever-so-popular Overnight Duffel Bag Pattern.  This bad is by far the most popular project on the blog. It has over 25000 impressions on Pinterest and I have received hundreds of emails requesting an updated version. I originally made this bag when I was just learning how to sew, so there were a few errors on the original post that needed to be corrected. I have made about 8 of these bags so far and I know the pattern and instructions work well. The pattern meant for someone that has some sewing skills and can understand the basic sewing lingo. It is not for a beginner. It is an evening or weekend project as it has quite a few parts to put together. The materials for this bag cost about $15 total.

    This bag is perfect for an overnight trip to a friend’s house, for hospital baby delivery and even as a shopping bag. You can mix and match your favorite fabrics to create a piece you can cherish for years to come. It is sturdy, can be washed and holds quite a bit; measuring 12″ high x 15″ wide.

    duffel

    Here is the original bag I did 2 years ago that everyone was having issues downloading. Still one of my favorites! My best friend used this bag for her hospital visit when she was having her first baby. I love the purple combinations.

    IMG_2436

    Here is another one I did. For this one, I made the straps a bit longer and less stiff than the first. I found this bird fabric from my local fabric store. Isn’t it so cute, paired with the navy blue? The side pocket is so convenient too for keys or phone.

    IMG_2432

    The bottom of this bag is flat and stiff, making it study. It can stand along without rolling over.

    IMG_2435

    The closure is a standard zipper. It is easy to open and close. I think maybe an open-coil zipper may work better. I also need to get a cute zipper pull to accent it!

    IMG_2434

    Well, there you have it! Show me yours via Facebook.

    overnightduffel

    You download the FREE PATTERN with full detailed instructions HERE. Good luck.

    Thanks for visiting and Happy Sewing!

    signature_zpsf720200a

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    Comments (25)

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    +2 Vote up Vote down
    NewToSewing's avatar

    NewToSewing · 460 weeks ago

    I love the bag. Can't wait to make one.
    Reply
    0 replies · active 460 weeks ago
    +2 Vote up Vote down
    Judy's avatar

    Judy · 460 weeks ago

    so where is the pattern??
    Reply
    0 replies · active 460 weeks ago
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    Sheila Morabito's avatar

    Sheila Morabito · 460 weeks ago

    I've tried to download the pattern for the duffel bag - but I can't figure it out either. HELP!!!
    Reply
    1 reply · active 459 weeks ago
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    stitchscientist's avatar - Go to profile

    stitchscientist 55p · 459 weeks ago

    http://www.craftsy.com/pattern/sewing/accessory/o...
    Reply
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    Fanya Houston's avatar

    Fanya Houston · 459 weeks ago

    Mine didn't download either....
    Reply
    1 reply · active 459 weeks ago
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    stitchscientist's avatar - Go to profile

    stitchscientist 55p · 459 weeks ago

    http://www.craftsy.com/pattern/sewing/accessory/o...
    Reply
    +2 Vote up Vote down
    Joyce Machado's avatar

    Joyce Machado · 459 weeks ago

    How do I download this pattern. I can't figure it out.
    Reply
    0 replies · active 459 weeks ago
    +2 Vote up Vote down
    Sue's avatar

    Sue · 457 weeks ago

    DO NOT try to make this bag by their way of doing things! Anyone who call call themselves a non-beginner would never try to put a bag together per their instructions. I got this pattern since I am teaching my granddaughter to sew...what I could teach her is to NEVER do it this way!
    Reply
    2 replies · active 406 weeks ago
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    Beulah's avatar

    Beulah · 448 weeks ago

    I find the instructions--or lack thereof-- really difficult to follow. I have never heard of doing one this way. Luckily, since I already cut the pattern out, I have a similar Simplicity pattern I can go by. I have made over 20 different bags during the past 6 months and the instructions for this one are terrible. It calls for 4 bottom pieces on one side of the pattern and only 2 on the other half.
    I certainly wouldn't teach my granddaughter to sew this way. I will be sticking to my tried and true way of doing things.
    Reply
    +1 Vote up Vote down
    Rose Palazzolo's avatar

    Rose Palazzolo · 406 weeks ago

    I TOTALLY AGREE! These were the worse instructions I have ever followed!!!
    Reply
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    Luella Reynolds's avatar

    Luella Reynolds · 455 weeks ago

    My grandaughter asked me to make this for her boys. Some of the directions are vague. What seam allowance do I use. I have been quilting lately and use 1/4 in when I used to make clothing it was 5/8?
    The pattern says to cut interfacing 1" smaller. When sewing the lining and the main fabric together do you hit the interfacing or just sew close to it?
    Reply
    0 replies · active 455 weeks ago
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    Sanawar990's avatar

    Sanawar990 · 454 weeks ago

    Those people who like to do Fine art work must create Overnigh Duffel Bag which pattern contain this article with easy steps. I have tried to make it very unfortunately i failed to do it. But when i told my sister who is good in such kind of work, She made almost same bag to fololow your instructions. So, I like to recommend this website to polish her skills and become a good artist with the help of this site.
    Reply
    1 reply · active 342 weeks ago
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    joanne's avatar

    joanne · 342 weeks ago

    The comment above is a bot-generated spam/phishing post.
    Reply
    +1 Vote up Vote down
    Linda's avatar

    Linda · 408 weeks ago

    Could someone email the pattern to me? I am unable to download it. linda.kirkland@uthct.edu

    Thanks so much!
    Reply
    0 replies · active 408 weeks ago
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    Jeannette's avatar - Go to profile

    Jeannette · 406 weeks ago

    Hello! Question regarding the overnight duffel bag... Are there any raw edges? It looks like it doesn't but I wasn't sure about the outside pocket? Thanks in advance for your time
    Reply
    0 replies · active 406 weeks ago
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    johnsmith's avatar

    johnsmith · 386 weeks ago

    All bags are very stylish. i like their design. material are also looking fine. good posts. i want to try it. kindly share the pattern to make it.
    top playground tiles service. playground tiles services
    Reply
    1 reply · active 342 weeks ago
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    joanne's avatar

    joanne · 342 weeks ago

    The comment above is a bot-generated spam/phishing post.
    Reply
    +1 Vote up Vote down
    Jean's avatar

    Jean · 362 weeks ago

    How much seam allowance should you use, please? Also, what should the main front and back pieces measure when the pattern is taped together? How tall is the side piece when taped together? Since there aren’t any notches on the pattern pieces to align when taping it’s hard to know whether the side will fit the front and back! Thank you.
    Reply
    0 replies · active 362 weeks ago
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    Debbie's avatar

    Debbie · 345 weeks ago

    So, I downloaded the Overnight Duffle Bag pattern. Instructions are there, but how to I print out the actual pattern, or at least the measurements?
    Reply
    1 reply · active 344 weeks ago
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    Becky's avatar

    Becky · 344 weeks ago

    The pattern pieces were a part of what printed. They are the last several pages, which need to be cut out of the paper and taped together.
    Reply
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    Mariah Fakename's avatar

    Mariah Fakename · 234 weeks ago

    What kind of fabric can you use for this?
    Reply
    0 replies · active 234 weeks ago
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    Caroline's avatar

    Caroline · 196 weeks ago

    The link to access the PDF pattern fails repeatedly, which si disappointing as I would really like to make this!
    Reply
    0 replies · active 196 weeks ago
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    Liz's avatar

    Liz · 146 weeks ago

    Did anyone find the pattern pieces difficult to tape together? they don't line up properly. It may be easier if the pattern pieces had dimensions to check that they are the correct size.
    Reply
    0 replies · active 146 weeks ago
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    Rachel's avatar

    Rachel · 127 weeks ago

    No seam allowances are listed in the instructions... does anyone know what the seam allowance should be??
    Reply
    0 replies · active 127 weeks ago
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    Rachel's avatar

    Rachel · 127 weeks ago

    I am back (left the comment above, one day ago). I finished the bag and am very happy with the results. I wanted to address some of the things brought up in comments above my own.
    1) I am uncertain why the owner of this blog does not address any of these comments herself; that reflects poorly, for sure. But -- maybe its a dead site and she is not even active anymore(?)
    2) I am a comfortable sewist. I've been sewing for about 8 years and am confident and comfortable with everything from toys, to bespoke clothing to pet beds and odds-and-ends. I can use PDF patterns with ease, can use big box patterns just fine, etc. This thing was simple. I really can't see how so many "I am an advanced sewist!!" people are so baffled by this pattern. Its perfectly fine; simple and FAST. I've never tackled a bag before, so I was a bit skeptical -- but it was start-to-finish like a 2 hour project (including cutting time). The instructions are fine for the most part.
    3) THERE IS NO SEAM ALLOWANCE in the instructions. At all. None. Bizarre, but I would assume this person just made the mistake of leaving that off. Some of the descriptions are also confusing; but luckily they included pictures and those are easy to follow, too. I used a 3/4" seam allowance and my bags finished measurements are: 17.5 (long) x 6" (wide) x 10" (tall).

    I also used one-sided fusible fleece instead of batting and I found that worked great and resulted in a bag that can easily stand on its own.

    I hope this helps someone,.
    Reply
    0 replies · active 127 weeks ago

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        Hi there! Thanks for visiting my creative corner. I am a DIY enthusiast and single mom to a little girl and a slobbering dog. I enjoy my full time job as a research scientist during the week but like to experiment on sewing and crafty projects on the weekends. Join me as we explore the beautiful world of fabrics together. Read More…

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