Free PDF Pattern | Retro Overnight Bag | by The Crafty Kitty

We are super proud of this new and very adorable overnight bag {free PDF pattern} by Stephanie of The Crafty Kitty featuring the newest Birch Organic line, Serengeti by Jay-Cyn Designs! Sleepovers and weekenders will be a breeze! Well hey, there might be some safari animals lurking close by and your little explorer will have the perfect bag to stow everything needed for a journey through vast wilderness of Africa - even if that might be just in the back yard!

This retro overnight bag is inspired by vintage bowling ball bags and features bright and colorful modern prints from the Serengeti range.

It is quilted and features (optional) contrast piping and a double zip opening and 2 pockets. Plenty of room for all the overnight essentials including your child's favorite stuffed toy.

Supplies

• 1/2 yard each of: giraffe family sun, quill stripe multi, the herd teal, pebble stripe multi 
• Wadding/batting 
• Heavy duty interfacing
• 2 x 22" zippers*
• 1 x 16" zipper* 
• Retro Overnight Bag PDF Pattern

*zippers are slightly longer than needed. line up and cut excess zipper off after sewing in place.

Optional:

• 120" piping 
• Small piece of velcro or 2 snaps 

Instructions are also available to download in pdf format

Preparation

• Cut out all pattern pieces and make piping if using home made. 
• Cut base piece from heavy duty interfacing and baste to wrong side of interior base. 
• Cut all interior pieces (not interior pocket) and 1 strap from wadding/batting also and baste to wrong side of interior pieces plus 1 strap piece. 

Instructions 

Seams are 1/2" unless otherwise stated.

Interior 

Step 1
Sew along top edge of interior pocket right sides facing (RSF).

Step 2
Press wrong sides facing (WSF) and sew a line of top stitching 1/4" from top edge.

Step 3
Insert elastic securing with a line of stitching either end 1/4" from edge.

Step 4
Baste pocket at sides and base to one of the interior main panel.

Step 5
Sew base to two main interior panels, start and stop 1/2" from top of base, and set aside.

Exterior of Bag 

Step 1
Sew the pocket (side and base) (RSF) leaving 1/4" seam allowance from top and press the front of the pocket seam allowance to wrong side.

Step 2
Swap to using a zipper foot for your sewing machine. Place the top edge of the zipper lined up with the top of the pocket with the right side of the zipper facing up. Place the longer raw edge of the upper front right side facing the zipper and lined up against the top edge of the pocket. Sew in place.

Step 3
Turn over and line up the front of the pocket with the zipper and the lower front and sew the bottom edge of the zipper.

Step 4
Baste the pocket along the sides and base 1/4" from edge.

If you are using piping then baste around the main panels 3/8" from the edge.

If you are planning on using a velcro closure then sew it in place now 1/2" from the top of one end of the base piece.

Step 5
Sew base to main exterior panels.

Strap 

Step 1
Sew the two strap pieces along the long edges RSF.

Step 2
Turn the strap right side out and top stitch close to edge.

Flap 

Step 1
Pin the zipper left hand side RSF the right side of the flap and the second zipper right side RSF the left side of the flap. Place both zippers' stops 1" from the short edge of the flap and stitch the ends in place.

Step 2
Pin the zippers in place between the interior and exterior flap pieces (RSF) and sew all the way around the flap leaving the bottom edge open. Turn right side out.

Sew velcro to interior or add snaps on the top edge. 

Assembling bag 

Step 1
Turn exterior of bag inside out. Sew other side of flap zippers in place on the exterior. start at the top of 1 zipper, sew along the short edge of the flap, joining it to the bag exterior and sew up the other zipper finishing at the top.

Step 2
Turn exterior right side out. Put exterior of bag inside interior (RSF) Sew all the way around the edge leaving a gap for turning along the edge where the zippers end. Turn bag right side out and put interior inside. Close the opening with a blind or whipstitch.

Step 4
Sew straps in place.

Add snaps to main bag if using.

Thanks so much for reading along! Happy sewing lovelies! xo