Spring into Action: Sew a Personalized Duffle for All Their Activities!

Now that the weather is warming up, so are all those fun activities! Whether it’s dance class, soccer practice, or weekend adventures, keep your kid’s gear organized in style with our Jewel Toned Tote Sewing Pattern. This versatile tote is easy to sew and perfect for personalizing with any design from your collection. Stitch up a bag as unique as they are and make every outing a little more special!

Materials

The Pattern

Sew a one-of-a-kind vinyl duffle bag with a zippered pocket and neoprene-reinforced ends—durable, stylish, and perfect for the gym, pool, or any on-the-go adventure! This approachable duffle pattern is great for the entire family and easily customizable to match any style. Stitch up a bag that’s as functional as it is fun!

Download your copy here! If you’re a Makers Club member, this bag pattern is part of the brand-new Capsule Base Collection—find it on the collection page. Not a member yet? Learn more about joining here!

Cut

From the canvas, cut two sides, one zipper facing, one tab and one main panel. Transfer all pattern markings using a removable fabric marker, including the facing stitching lines. 

From the lining, cut three sides. 

Read below to see how to create these two versions…

Soccer Bag

This duffle bag is perfect for carrying snacks, gear, and all your soccer necessities. Stay organized and ready for the field with a stylish, practical bag designed for every soccer adventure!

Embroider

Print a design template for the soccer crest design. This is the Sporty Soccer Crest embroidery design we used here.

Place the main panel right side up on a flat work surface. 

Position the template upper edge 2″ below one panel short edge and centered between the strap placement markings; pin. Mark the design center. 

Hoop the main panel with a piece of cut-away stabilizer, centering the design center within the hoop. 

Place the hoop onto the machine. Embroider the design, changing thread colors as needed.

Remove the hoop from the machine and the fabric from the hoop. Cut away the excess stabilizer from the design perimeter. 

Load a collegiate alphabet onto the machine. Spell out the desired name on the machine screen or in embroidery software, making sure the name is shorter than 8″ in length. If the name is too long, decrease the letter size or use a nickname. If desired, add a player number centered below the name.  

Position the main panel right side up on a flat work surface. Draw a horizontal line 2″ from and parallel to the opposite main-panel short edge between the strap placement markings. 

Divide the name design height in half; record. Draw a parallel line below the first line according to the recorded measurement; designate as the design horizontal centerline. 

Draw a vertical line perpendicular to the horizontal centerline, centered between the strap placement markings; designate as the design vertical centerline (A). 

Hoop the main panel with a piece of cut-away stabilizer, centering the centerlines within the hoop. 

Embroider the design, changing thread colors as needed. 

Remove the hoop from the machine and the fabric from the hoop. Cut away the excess stabilizer from the design perimeter. 

Ballet Bag

This duffle bag is ideal for carrying your dancer’s essentials—whether it’s pointe shoes, water, or a quick snack. Stay organized and stylish with a ballet bag made for every rehearsal and performance!

Embroider

Print a design template for the dancer design. This is the Painted Dancer embroidery design we used here.

Place the main panel right side up on a flat work surface. 

Position the template upper edge 1 1/2″ below one panel short edge and centered between the strap placement markings; pin. Mark the design center. 

Load the dancer design onto the machine. Using a built-in font, add the desired name to the dancer design on the machine screen. Position the name below the dancer design at an angle that follows the design shape. Group both designs together to embroider as one design.

Hoop the main panel with a piece of cut-away stabilizer, centering the design center within the hoop. 

Place the hoop onto the machine. Embroider the design, changing thread colors as needed.

Remove the hoop from the machine and the fabric from the hoop. Cut away the excess stabilizer from the design perimeter. 

Construct

Zigzag- or serge-finish each pattern piece raw edge before construction to prevent fraying. 

Construct the bag and straps according to the pattern instructions, except position the lining and canvas sides with wrong sides together. For the side with the pocket, position the lining and pocket lining sides wrong sides together, and then the canvas side right side up over the pocket lining right side. Stitch both sides using a 1/4″ seam allowance.  

Stitch a custom bag for yourself or your kids, tailored to any activity—whether it’s cheerleading, yoga, the gym, picnics, or even a diaper bag! With endless possibilities for fabric, trim, and embroidery designs, you can create something as unique and personalized as you are.

Plus, don’t miss out on these other bag and embroidery design options to craft your perfect summer activity bag!

This article written by Stacy Schlyer was originally published in the July/August 2018 issue of Creative Machine Embroidery Magazine.

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