What bags to sew for the long weekends ahead?
The May bank holidays are here, and we’re looking forward to long couture weekends!
If you’ve got a little vacation planned around these holidays, we’ve selected some DIY bags and accessories to carry everything you need during your spring escapades.
A shoulder bag
La Petite Canette ‘s model is a practical, timeless weekend bag that can carry clothes and toiletries for a few days, but can also be used as a sports bag between trips. It has inside and outside pockets for keys, coins, make-up…
Before sewing a bag, it’s important to think about the fabric and additional supplies you’ll need to buy at the haberdashery.
When it comes to fabric, we prefer a fairly thick canvas for the exterior(upholstery fabric, denim, coated cotton…) and a finer cotton for the lining and front pocket.
You can play with colors and patterns to make the latter stand out and give your bag a personalized touch, for example by using a neutral color for the canvas and a more eye-catching print (flowers, polka dots, stripes…) for the front pocket and lining.
On the haberdashery side, you’ll need a strap, zippers, two snap hooks and a sliding buckle to adjust the length of the shoulder strap.
It’s not too difficult a project to make, but you’ll need to master a few basics, including how to attach a zipper. A good way to improve and work on your finishing touches if you’re new to sewing!
A backpack for kids
Kids love to pack like grown-ups! For long weekends, you can sew them a small, lightweight bag to carry a few toys, coloring pages and crayons.
Our pochon backpack is very quick to put together, and is ideal for younger children: they’ll have the satisfaction of packing their bag the day before departure, without it being too heavy to carry on the trail.
This project is sewn with cotton, preferably sturdy enough. You’ll also need contrasting cords for the shoulder straps.
A backpack to travel light
If you prefer backpacks to shoulder bags, the Ikatee pattern is for you. This model is available in three sizes to suit your needs, with several pockets on the front and sides of the bag for a water bottle, keys, wallet, etc.
As with the weekend bag, you’ll need to think about supplies and haberdashery before embarking on this project.
For the fabric, a fairly thick warp and weft will be ideal: upholstery fabric, denim, chambray, quilted fabric (already quilted or that you quilt yourself with batting)… You can also choose coated cotton or imitation leather, but they tend to get damaged by rubbing against clothes.
You’ll then need a strap, buckles, snap hooks, elastic, a zipper… It’s a demanding project, but one that allows you to familiarize yourself with many techniques and finishes.
Above all, it offers the opportunity to create the bag of your dreams by choosing contrasting fabrics, adding or removing pockets…
A vanity
The vanity is a very practical accessory that you can slip into your weekend bag. It can be used to store children’s items (diapers, bandages, hygiene products, etc.), toiletries or make-up.
The Patronnes pattern allows you to sew a version of this accessory embellished with pretty finishing touches (piping and a handle) that will make you want to wear it by hand.
To make it, you can choose a thick cotton (e.g. coated cotton) or a quilted fabric to give it a good hold.
You’ll also need a fabric (e.g. cotton poplin) to line the vanity.
This project is fairly easy to assemble, and will suit beginners who are still getting to grips with their sewing machine.
For even more sewing bag ideas, explore our complete selection of designs: perfect for finding inspiration and creating one-of-a-kind pieces for all your weekends.
