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Writer's pictureCraft Cotton Co

William Morris Duffle Bag

Project by Kimberley Hind

This large, quilted duffle bag is perfect for travel, whether its a weekend away or just popping out! It features pockets on the front and back and leather straps for added luxury!


The Craft Cotton Company have teamed up with The V&A Museum for their second 5-piece collection to celebrate one of the most famous names in the V&A collection, William Morris. The William Morris collection encompasses beautifully intricate and original patterns from the V&A's archive with exceptional quality cotton.


See more about William Morris and his designs here


Here's what you'll need to make your own bag -


Main -

- 2 outer pieces of fabric measuring 20x14"

- 2 lining pieces measuring the same

- 2 pieces of iron on fusible fleece measuring the same, I've used Vlieseline H640


Base -

- 1 outer piece measuring 20x8"

- 1 lining piece measuring the same

- 1 piece of iron on fusible fleece measuring the same

- 1 piece of plastic mesh bag base approx. 20x8"


Bag Sides -

- 2 outer pieces measuring 8x11.5"

- 2 lining pieces measuring the same

- 2 pieces of fusible fleece measuring the same

- piece of card to make a template

- pen

- 80" of 1" bias binding


Pockets -

- 2 pieces of fabric for the front and back pockets measuring 9x14"


Straps -

- 2 x 40" straps 25mm wide (these can be leather, fabric or webbing depending on your preference)


Zip -

- 1 x 20" zip matching your fabric

- scrap fabric matching the outer fabric for the zip


Tools -

- 4 x bag feet

- chalk wheel or erasable marking tool

- temporary glue spray - I've used 505

- Optional - textile glue, I've used HT2 Gutermann glue


1/2" seam allowance used throughout unless stated otherwise.


Let's get started!


1. Iron the fusible fleece to the 2 outer pieces of fabric and outer base.


2. Starting from the centre, draw vertical lines on both outer pieces of fabric 1.5" apart. Sew over these lines to quilt.


3. Fold both of the pocket pieces in half width ways, wrong sides together and press. Top stitch across the folded edge.


4. Pin one pocket piece centrally at the bottom of one of the quilted outer pieces. Repeat for the other pieces. Sew around the 3 edges of the pocket, leaving the top open. Sew as close to the edge as possible using a very small seam allowance!


5. Position each end of the strap at the bottom of the bag, overlapping the sides of the pocket. Make sure the straps are evenly distanced. Use a little fabric glue to secure in place, stopping 4 inches from the top. Sew in place also stopping 4" from the top. Repeat on the second piece.


6. Cut your zip 1" shorter each end than the top of the outer panels. Using some scrap fabric that matched the outer pieces, cut 4 x 2" pieces of fabric for the tabs. (these will be cut to size later on)

7. Sew the tabs to each end of the zip, right sides together, sandwiching the zip ends between the tabs.


8. Sew the zip right sides together to one of the outer pieces.


9. Sew the lining to the zip right sides together with the outer piece.


10. Sew the remaining quilted panel and lining in the same way onto the other side of the zip.

TIP - tuck the straps into the pockets to keep them out of the way!


11. Cut the mesh to 1" smaller than the size of the base.


12. Place the mesh on the back of the base. Attach the bag feet to this base piece through the mesh. Make a small hole where you'd like them positioned n push the prongs through. I've put mine 1" from each corner.


13. Sew the outer base to the outer bag pieces, right sides together. Sew the lining base piece in the same way to the bag lining pieces.


14. On a piece of card, draw a rectangle shape measuring 8x11.5"

Mark 4" from one corner and 3" across the top. Draw a slight curve from one mark to the other and repeat on both sides. Cut this shape out and this will be the bag sides template.


Use the template to cut out your outer pieces, lining and fleece to this size.


Iron the fusible fleece to the back of the outer pieces.


15. Turn the bag right side out, push the lining inside the bag and tack the lining and outer pieces together at each end. This will help keep the pieces in place when attaching the sides.

Glue the side lining pieces to the back of the outer side pieces with 505 spray.


Sew the side pieces wrong sides together to each end of the bag.


16. Sew the bias binding around the raw edges of the bag to conceal them. Machine sew one side and hand sew the other for a clean finish.



To see more from Kimberley, visit her on Instagram @whatkimberleymakes and her blog WhatKimberleyMakes




Made by Kimberley Hind for The Craft Cotton Company 2020

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