Make your own Ultimate Travel Bag
Have you made the Ultimate Travel Bag yet? I have always loved the look of this bag and was initially intimated by this pattern when my local Quilt Shop asked me to teach this class. This bag pattern (from byannie.com) has a lot of bells and whistles! I love the detachable adjustable strap, the exterior pockets and compartments and I especially love the interior! The inside is full of all the good things! Who doesn’t love an interior that is lined with mesh pockets and zippered compartments? This interior provides easy visibility of contents, extra stretchiness and, best of all, adds absolutely no bulk to the seams. Let me tell you all about it how to make your own Ultimate Travel Bag!
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This bag is the perfect travel companion. It is very functional and is carry-on compliant and sure to turn heads wherever you go. I already mentioned the carrying strap and the inside pockets with mesh. I forgot to mention that it has a handy strap across the back that helps secure the bag to rolling luggage. Yay!
The Ultimate Travel Bag measures 18½” long x 13¾”H x 8″D.
The Ultimate Travel Bag is the perfect size to carry a small sewing machine. I can fit my little Kenmore or my Featherweight! If you intend to carry something heavy such as a sewing machine in your bag, I used a foam core board for the base. It worked perfect!
The Ultimate Travel Bag SUPPLY LIST
- The Ultimate Travel Bag Pattern + Online Class
- Main fabric (for body of bag, pockets, carrying-strap pad): 11⁄2 yds of 45″ wide
- Lining fabric (for lining of bag): 11⁄2 yds of 45″ wide fabric
- Coordinating fabric (for stabilizer sleeve, bindings, carrying strap, handle, zipper pulls): 11⁄2 yards of 45″ wide fabric
- Mesh fabric (for inner pockets): 1⁄2 yd
- Foam stabilizer:11⁄4 yds of 58″ wide product (I use this brand of foam)
- 11⁄2″ wide strapping (webbing): 51⁄4 yds
- 9″ x 5″ piece of fusible interfacing (recommended: Pellon ShapeFlex 101)
- 3⁄4″ – 1″ wide hook-and-loop tape (Velcro): 6″
- Zippers (I get all my zippers from HERE. You can send her a message and she will create a listing for exactly what you need)
- Handbag zipper, 10″ (25.4 cm) or larger;
- Handbag zipper, 20″ (50.8 cm) or larger
- Double-slide handbag zipper, 30″ (76.2 cm)
- Two 11⁄2″ (3.8 cm) rectangle or triangle rings
- One 11⁄2″ (3.8 cm) wide-mouth slider
- Two 11⁄2″ (3.8 cm) swivel hooks
- Acrylic base stabilizer, 1⁄8″ (3 mm)-thick, 8″ x 15″ If desired, substitute foam-core board
- 6 buttons (I used purse feet)
- Thread to complement the main fabric
Basic Sewing Supplies & Tools Needed
- Sewing Machine with 1/4″ foot (I use this one with my JUKI TL2010Q)
- Chalk marker
- Fabric clips
- Fabric scissors or dressmaker’s shears
- Glue stick
- Iron (I love my Oliso Iron)
- Wool Pressing Mat
- Pins & wonder clips
- Rotary cutter and mat
- Stiletto
- Thread snips
- Transparent gridded quilter’s ruler
- Double sided wonder tape
- Washout marking pencil or pen
The Ultimate Travel Bag – construction
I recommend you read the entire pattern before you start making this bag. This will help you understand where and how all the pieces fit together. After review of all the materials, you should quilt your fabric sandwich and cut all your pieces. This pattern comes with some awesome pattern piece markers – so nice to keep organized!
I took the first day to cut and prep all my fabric and materials. The next day, I started with assembly. This bag has lots of parts and pieces. You don’t want to skip ahead or assume too much!
I mentioned in the supply list that I used purse feet instead of buttons. I like the look of these feet and they are super easy to install.
I think the interior binding was the trickiest part. I will admit that having a stiletto was completely necessary. I would recommend taking your time and going slow. The video even has a place where folks have asked questions and received answers. That’s very handy! Here is a sneak peek of what you can expect in the Pattern/Video.
The Ultimate Travel Bag – all finished!!!
I really love how my Ultimate Travel Bag turned out. I already have my next bag’s fabric already set aside – These will make a FANTASTIC gift!
I hope you take some time and enjoy this fun pattern!
Happy Sewing!
I’ve made 4 of these bags, so far. I love this pattern and I think Annie Unrein has the best teaching style out there. That wonderful teaching video is a few years old and surprisingly, I can still post a question or statement in the comments section and Annie will respond within days. I was amazed at her dedication.
Would love to make this bag for a living
I would like to get the material for the travel bag, Could you please give me the price for the kit
And the the CD. Many thanks Margaret
Hello Margaret,
You can purchase the supply kit at Craftsy. You will need to supply your own fabric. The instructional video is helpful as well. All the info is listed in the post above. Please let me know if I can assist you further. Thanks!
~Nicole
Hi Annie, I really want to purchase your pattern but I would like to know if it includes the online steps like on craftsy I cannot purchase that one because I travel and it won’t allow me to purchase it out of the states.
Thank you and kind regards
NATALIA Ramos
Hi Natalia! This pattern is from byAnnie.com and is also available on her website. Happy Sewing!
How do I get a copy of the pattern for this adorable bag
The pattern (with video instructions) is linked above. If you don’t have a Blueprint subscription, I believe they have a free trial you can take advantage of! Happy Sewing!
How long did it take you to construct this bag? Including cutting?
That is a great question! I spent one day cutting and prepping all of the various pieces. The next day was spent on assembly. The videos and make it especially easier to assemble. Happy sewing!
Thank you….but I have a feeling you must work more efficiently than I do! : ) : )
I would like to know how long the prep of the components? I know that quilting the fabric, prepping the strap, covering it, etc cutting out all the pieces, binding the mesh
. An entire day? Sounds like it.
I usually set aside 2 days to make a bag of this size. The first day to prep all the pieces and the second day to sew it together. Once you make one, you will be so glad you invested the time!
Would it be easy to substitute fabric for the mesh for the inside pockets?
Lauren, I am making this bag right now. The directions say you can use fabric for the inside pockets. That is what I am going to do using contrasting fabric.
Does this bag typically fit under an airline seat? I typically travel with carry-on only luggage and use a carry-on size suitcase plus one additional bag. Thanks!
This bag is bulky and better suited for the overhead cabinets. Besides – you probably don’t want to put it where people’s shoes have been.