It's time for another round of The Bag of the Month Club! And, this time, we're kicking off the season with a brand new beginner-level bag sewing pattern - The Duffel Backpack! As well as having instructions to make two sizes of bag - small and large, Mrs H has filmed a full video tutorial for the Duffel Backpack, which will be released later next week.

The small Duffel Backpack is a fab fit for a child or petite adult, and one of my testers noted it's also a good fit for their wheelchair too. The large Duffel Backpack is a great size for teens and adults, and more experienced bagineers may find themselves wanting to add embellishments or quilt the exterior panel pieces!

Both sizes of backpack have a zip pocket, slip pocket and a roomy interior. The Duffel Backpack has a nicely rounded oval base that is easy to insert, and offset outer and lining seams that reduce the bulk of your bag and will make it easier to sew. The backpack straps form the closure and the weight of wearing the bag will keep it closed, but it also has a magnetic snap for extra security.

As with all my patterns, the Duffel Backpack has been tested by a range of bagineers, from beginners through to experienced bagmakers. And, here are some of their fab makes!

The Duffel Backpack sewing pattern - front cover

 

 

Some of our testers had so much fun sewing their Duffel Backpacks they made more than one. In fact, Lynne made three!

 The Duffel Backpack made by Lynne of Lynne's Selections

 

 

Lesly made both sizes of Duffel Backpack - the small in a cute baby animals print, and the large in this fun splat print! We think they're wild!

The Duffel Backpack made by Lesly McDonnell

 

 

It looks like Elaine is ready for an exciting expedition with her Duffel Backpack! Fab choice of water bottle too!

The Duffel Backpack made by Elaine Baker

 

 

And, she's not the only one! Amanda's adorable model is heading off on an adventure with her pretty floral backpack.

The Duffel Backpack made by Amanda Sykes

 

 

Thinking of flowers, Elizabeth turned her backpack into a bouquet with this fab Japanese print fabric.

The Duffel Backpack made by Elizabeth of Quilt Angel Creations

 

 

And Patty added a bouquet of embellishments to her large version of the Duffel Backpack, with these adorable crochet flowers!

The Duffel Backpack made by Patty Cucman

 

 

Nature was definitely a popular theme with our Duffel Backpack testers. Katie's bag is an ideal match for any budding bug collectors.

The Duffel Backpack made by Kathryn Mehta

 

 

Nancy's Duffel Backpack is ready for a safari!

The Duffel Backpack made by Nancy of Rosy Chicken Quilts

 

 

And, Laura's bag is pretty as a peacock!

The Duffel Backpack made by Laura of Handmade by Laura Simons

 

 

What's black and white and red all over? Susan's Duffel Backpack! We're dotty about it!

The Duffel Backpack made by Susan of KSM Creations

 

 

What's black and white and blue all over? Wait... we already did that joke! Kristi chose a stylish black and white check for the outer of her bag, with a bright blue lining!

The Duffel Backpack made by Kristi of Paisley Lane Boutique

 

 

Tara also opted for a monochrome feel, with the neutral version of the Magic Forest print from the Wonderland range by Rifle Paper Co for Cotton and Steel. Tara is contemplating 'painting the roses red' with fabric markers on her panel. Do you think she should? Let us know in the comments or send us a message on our social media!

The Duffel Backpack made by Tara of UhOh Designs

 

 

We've lots more fab versions of The Duffel Backpack to share with you over the next couple of weeks, so keep an eye on our social media feeds and on the Bag of the Month Club feeds for more inspirational ideas! We're also looking forward to seeing how you sew your Duffel Backpack, so be sure to tag us @sewingpatternsbymrsh and @bagofthemonthclub in your social media shares!

 

Not already a member of The Bag of the Month Club? Join our club now at www.bagomc.com

Join The Bag of the Month Club at www.bagomc.com