How to Sew a Mini Duffle Bag: Your New Favorite Everyday Crossbody
Let's be real—finding the perfect everyday bag is a struggle.
It needs to be compact enough to carry around easily, but roomy enough for all our daily essentials. Well, I think I finally designed one that hits the sweet spot!
Today, I’m sharing my step-by-step tutorial for a DIY mini duffle bag that looks small on the outside but holds an unbelievable amount of stuff.
With a handy front slip pocket for your phone and a secure inner zipper pocket,
this beginner-friendly project might just become your go-to weekend bag.
Grab your sewing machine and let's make one together!
The finished measurements of this Sway Duffle Bag are approximately
28cm(11⅛") W × 14.5cm(5¾") H × 14.5cm(5¾") D.
You may watch the full video tutorial on my Youtube channel.
Share this video with a lot of people who need it.
Let's get started!!
◆ Main panel
② 29.5cm × 5.5cm (11¾" × 2¼") Exterior
① 29.5cm × 26cm (11¾" × 10¼") Exterior
① 29.5cm × 11cm (11¾" × 4⅜") Lining
① 29.5cm × 43.5cm (11¾" × 17¼") Lining
◆ Front pocket
① 29.5cm × 13cm (11¾" × 5⅛") Exterior
① 29.5cm × 10cm (11¾" × 4") Lining
◆ Zipper panel
② 36.5cm × 8cm (14½" × 3¼") Exterior
② 36.5cm × 8cm (14½" × 3¼") Lining
◆ Side panel
② 16cm × 10cm (6⅜" × 4") Exterior
② 16cm × 10cm (6⅜" × 4") Lining
◆ Inside pocket
① 18cm × 25cm (7⅛" × 9⅞") Lining
◆ Others
① Zipper_seam allowance included 55cm(21⅜")
① 2.5cm(1") Wide Webbing Strap 250cm(99")
② 2.5cm(1") Wide D-ring
② 2.5cm(1") Wide Swivel Hook
① 2.5cm(1") Wide Slider Buckle
Cut two 2.5cm (1″) wide, 40cm (15¾″) long webbing straps for the handles, and attach them to the Top Panels according to the marked placement lines.
Attach the Top Panel to the Front Main Panel with a 0.7cm (1/4″) seam allowance and topstitch the seam toward the Front Main Panel.
Attach the Top Panel to the Bottom & Lower Back Panel in the same way and topstitch the seam toward the lower panel.
Join the Front Main Panel and Bottom & Lower Back Panel with a 0.7cm (1/4″) seam allowance and topstitch the seam toward the bottom.
Prepare the Zipper Gusset by placing the zipper between the Exterior and Lining, then sew and topstitch along both sides of the zipper.
Prepare the Main Panel Lining and apply the interfacing for the Zipper Pocket according to the marked placement lines.
Sew the pocket opening, cut along the marked lines, and turn the Zipper Pocket fabric through the opening.
Press the opening flat, insert the zipper behind the opening, and topstitch around the zipper opening.
Fold the Zipper Pocket fabric with right sides together and sew around the pocket with a 0.7cm (1/4″) seam allowance.
Place the Zipper Gusset between the Side Gusset Exterior and Lining, sew the center section first, and then sew the remaining sections separately.
Repeat the same process for the second Side Gusset and press both gussets so the Exterior and Lining lie neatly together.
Mark the center points of the Main Panel and Gussets, then match the corresponding points and sew the Gussets to the Main Panel with a 0.7cm (1/4″) seam allowance.
Clip the curved seam allowances as needed so the Gussets follow the curves smoothly, and repeat the process for the Lining while leaving an opening for turning.
Turn the bag right side out through the Lining opening, close the opening, push the Lining inside, and attach the finished shoulder strap to the D-rings.
If you loved this project, make sure to subscribe to the
[Sewingtimes YouTube channel] for more smart, functional sewing patterns.
See you in the next project!
◇ Find Your Next Sewing Project ◇[Sewingtimes YouTube channel] for more smart, functional sewing patterns.
See you in the next project!
