We give you ideas for sewing bags to travel with this summer
Planning a trip in the next few weeks or months? We’ll give you some ideas for sewing bags to suit your travels: weekend bags, vanity bags, backpacks…
You’ll have just the bag you need to carry all your stuff!
A big bag for the weekend
The weekend bag is a must-have if you’re used to going away for a few days and like to travel light. It can also be used on a daily basis for days when you need to carry things for your baby, for work, for a sports class… Don’t hesitate to sew a bag in this format even if you don’t go away regularly!
To sew a weekend bag that will stand up well, it’s best not to opt for a material that’s too thin. Instead, choose a quilted fabric, suede, canvas (more commonly found in the upholstery department), imitation leather…
If you have a fabric you like but it’s too thin, then you can reinforce it with thick iron-on, wadding or wadding.
For a bag with a very clean finish and a small pocket on the front, you can follow Lise Tailor’s pattern. Don’t forget to choose a pretty fabric for the inner lining to give the bag a personal touch. If you’re not sure which fabric or zipper to buy, all the necessary materials are sold on the designer’s boutique.
The Ikatee site also offers a travel bag pattern, which includes external storage. Both models are rather simple, but you’ll need to master zipper placement. A good project for improving your sewing skills, but not for beginners!
A vanity to keep close at hand
The vanity is a very practical item to have when traveling. You can slip it into your belongings or carry it separately, by hand or hanging it over your suitcase. You can carry make-up, toiletries for the whole family, stuff for the kids…
It can be sewn to match your weekend bag, with a pretty quilted, canvas or coated fabric to make it more resistant. It’s a project that requires meticulous attention to detail to sew the zipper all the way around the vanity and to ensure attractive finishes. You can also add contrasting piping to mark the edges.
To sew a pretty Vanity, you can get the pattern from Patronnes or the one from l’atelier des gourdes, which is available in three sizes depending on what you need to carry with you on vacation. For a free model, you can turn to our in-house model😉
A backpack to carry all your stuff on the road
A backpack is a must-have for any traveler. And contrary to what you might think, it’s not that difficult to sew yourself.
As with all bags, you’ll need a thick fabric like canvas, quilted, solid gabardine, denim; or a thinner fabric reinforced with fusible web. And, of course, a thin cotton lining.
Ikatee’s Eugène pattern lets you sew three sizes of backpack for the whole family and every need. Children can have their own small luggage, while adults can have a big, sturdy backpack in which to store all their belongings. This pattern is not suitable for beginners, as several zippers and straps will need to be fitted.
If you’re just starting out and feel like sewing a backpack, you can try your hand at making a drawstring backpack, which works equally well for children and adults, and is very easy to adapt in size. This small, lightweight bag is perfect for a day’s outing, or for carrying your beach gear!
A small bag to carry your papers
When traveling, it’s important to be able to keep all your important belongings with you. You can sew a small shoulder bag into which you can slip everything you need to keep close at hand: hotel keys, credit and identity cards… You can make it from the fabric left over from your weekend bag or backpack. All you need is an adjustable strap and zippers to close it.
Atelier Adiette’s Darla pattern lets you sew several pouches to suit your tastes and desires.
Do you like sewing bags? Which models do you prefer to take with you on vacation?
