Discover how to sew your unique summer cabin bag with our easy step-by-step guide. Explore diverse canvas fabrics and create a bag that reflects your style

08/16/2023

Ever wondered how to create your own bespoke cabin bag? As you gear up for your upcoming summer adventures, consider crafting a unique accessory that's not only practical, but also a testament to your creative skills. 

With this guide, Gabry from @gabry_creations takes you through a simple yet detailed process to sew a cabin bag that's tailored to your personal style and requirements. Follow this step-by-step tutorial and embark on a journey to design a travel companion that's as unique as your travels. 

The fabric you choose for your bag can drastically elevate its aesthetics, making it a true reflection of your style. Discover our charming collection of canvas fabrics  with creative patterns to get you started on this summer project! Whether you're a fan of subtle, monochromatic prints or you're drawn towards detailed, eclectic patterns, there's a canvas fabric for every taste. 

How to sew a travel bag: Easy tutorial with free pattern

Materials needed

Before starting, make sure to have the following materials on hand:

• 1.20 meters of canvas: choose a long-lasting and resistant fabric. Go for one of our canvas fabrics. If you want your bag to be stiffer, you need interfacing to apply to the bag lining pieces.

•  3 meters of backpack tape that is 3-mm wide. Each strap should measure 124 cm.

• One 44-cm zip.

• Fabric scissors: some sharp scissors that are only used for cutting fabric will be really useful.

• Usual sewing notions (tape measure, pins, sewing machine, etc.)

Travel bag measurements and pieces

• 2 rectangles of outer fabric, measuring 64 x 50 cm

• 2 rectangles of inner fabric or lining, measuring 64 x 50 cm

• 3 rectangles measuring 20 x 21 cm for the pockets. 2 outer pockets and 1 inner pocket.

Tips and tricks before starting to sew

• Wash and iron your fabric before starting. This will prevent the bag from shrinking or changing shape after sewing it.

• Place the fabric on a flat surface so that it’s easy to cut each of the bag pieces.

• Serge or zigzag stitch along all the edges of the pieces to prevent the fabric from fraying.

• Iron the bag to set the seams.

Steps to sew your travel bag

Let’s create the pockets and apply them

1. Start by ironing the edges of the rectangles that you’ve cut to 20 x 21 cm. Fold approximately 1 cm and iron it. These rectangles will be your 2 outer pockets and 1 inner pocket.

2. You must sew the outer pockets you’ve made to the 2 outer rectangles, measuring 64 x 50 cm. Place them in the centre and 14 cm from the bottom edge. Sew 2 pockets to the outside and 1 pocket to the inner panel.

Add straps

1. Place the strap on the outer piece, as you see in the photo, level with the pocket. The strap is also used to block the pockets and conceal the seams.

2. Place both outer pieces with right sides facing each other and sew along the bottom edge with straight stitch. Repeat on the inner pieces.

   3. With a 10 x 10 cm template, cut the outer piece and lining of the bag (along the bottom seam), as shown in the image.

Sew the zip

Place the zip with the right side facing up on top of one of the outer fabric pieces with the right side facing down and the lining fabric underneath, creating a sandwich with the zip in the middle. Baste or pin into place, sew using a zip presser foot. Repeat for the other side of the zip.

Next, run a straight stitch along the right side of the zip, so the seam sits nicely.

Sew the bag pieces

Finally, place both bag pieces with the outer fabrics facing each other and the inner fabrics facing each other. Sew around the entire edge, leaving a small opening in the lining to turn it inside out.

Backstitch to stop it from unravelling.

Lastly, turn the bag right side out and close the opening in the lining.

To make sure your travel bag lasts a long time, reinforce the seams at the stress points. This includes the straps, which are under the most pressure. Go over the seams several times with your machine, and your travel bag will be ready for you to fill it with memories.

More Sewing Ideas to Keep You Inspired

Now that you’ve created an original travel bag from scratch, why not keep the creativity flowing? Discover infinite sewing projects at Katia. Learn how to make a bum bag, your own clothing, and a world of accessories.