Happy Spring Everyone! I don’t know about you but I love duffel bags. This past weekend, I decided to make a Free Mini Duffel Bag Pattern for my daughter. She can use it for quick sleepover trips or just as a grab and go so she can toss her essentials with ease. This bag pattern is simple and quick to make and mimics the Overnight Duffel Bag I did a few years ago. This Mini Duffel bag ended up measuring about 16″ long by 8″ high.
The fabric I used is from Aneela Hoey Little Apples Outfits Lollipop fabric. I used the red as accent for the sides and pocket and the white for the main bag. I have been waiting for the perfect project to use these designs and so glad it worked out for the Free Mini Duffel Bag Pattern!
Here is what it looks like if you don’t do the pockets of if you do, this is the back. My daughter loves it especially the kids clothes design.
Here is a view of the top. I would recommend a more heavy duty zipper if you are planning on making this pattern. Still can’t get enough of this fabric!
Free Mini Duffel Bag Pattern Supplies
- 1/2 yard main outer fabric
- 1/2 yard lining
- 1/2 yard fleece interfacing
- 20″ zipper
- Optional piping
- Link to circle template for bag>HERE
Step 1-Prepare Pieces
Cut out 2 circles (8.75″ diameter) of main fabric, 2 of lining fabric and 2 of fleece interfacing. Note: cut the fleece interfacing 7.75″ in diameter.
Iron on the interfacing on the wrong sides of the two main fabric circle pieces.
Cut out 1 piece (18″ x 25″) of main fabric, 1 of lining and 1 of fleece interfacing. Note: cut the fleece interfacing 17″ x 24″
Iron on the interfacing on the wrong side of the main fabric.
Cut out 2 pieces 3.5″ x 44″ of the strap piece. Sew the 2 pieces right sides together to get one long piece measuring 3.5″ x 88″. Cut 1.5″ x 88″ of fleece interfacing. Don’t iron on interfacing to the straps as yet.
Optional pocket pieces: Cut 2 pieces 7″ x 8″.
Step 2-Sew all individual pieces
This is a different way of putting together a bag; one that does not require you to sew a separate lining! Follow along.
For the main piece with the interfacing already ironed on, sew the lining piece to this piece right side together all the way around. Leaving a 5″ opening to turn inside out.
Turn inside out and top-stitch the opening closed. Iron neatly.
Repeat for the two circle pieces.
Step 3- Attach Pockets
Sew the two pocket pieces at the top on top and bottom (the small sides). If you want you can insert piping in the center. This is not necessary.
Next, turn inside out and baste stitch on the center of the main piece.
Center the pocket piece in the center of the bag (you can fold the bag in half to know the center). Baste stitch all the way around, leaving the top open.
Step 4- Attach Straps
Fold and iron down the sides about 1/4″ on each side of the long strap piece.
Now, fold in the center lengthwise. Iron down
Insert the interfacing in the center of the straps.
Sew the long edge closed. Sew vertical lines to make it look quilted.
Take the two ends and sew closed. Now you have a very long quilted loop.
Center the straps in the middle of the main piece on the edge of the pocket piece. Pin down
Sew all the way around about 4″ from the top of each side. You can sew an X at the top of each side to make the straps more secure.
Step 5- Attach Zipper
With right sides together, pin and sew zipper to one end of the main piece, then to the other end .
Top-stitch the zipper.
Step 6- Attach sides
Open the zipper half way.
Pin and sew the circles on each side right side together. You can add piping in the center but this is optional.
Turn inside out.
Tadaa!!! Hope you enjoy this Free Mini Duffel Bag Pattern.
Thanks for visiting and Happy Sewing!
