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by Jennifer Long of Sew A Story
There is something timeless about a handmade bag. Whether you're carrying a hand sewing project, gathering supplies for a creative afternoon, or packing a few essentials for an outing, a beautiful bag makes the experience feel a little more special.
The Carpet Bag is inspired by vintage-style travel bags and classic storybook adventures. With its structured shape, sturdy handles, and decorative closure strap, it is both practical and fun to sew. I designed this project using fabrics from my Spoonful of Sugar collection for Riley Blake Designs, but it would look beautiful in almost any fabric combination.
To create the structure and stability this bag needs, I relied on a few of my favorite Therm O Web products throughout the construction process.
Materials You'll Need
Fabric and Supplies
Therm O Web Products
Step-by-Step Highlights
Begin by applying HeatnBond Fusible Fleece to the exterior bag panels and side pieces following the manufacturer's instructions. The fleece gives the bag body and softness while helping it maintain its shape.
Next, apply HeatnBond Light Weight Fusible Interfacing to the lining pieces, closure strap, and handle end pieces. This provides stability without adding excess bulk.
The handles are one of my favorite details on this project. A length of cording is enclosed inside each handle, creating a rounded, comfortable grip.
HeatnBond Fusible Fleece is applied to the handle pieces before the cording is inserted, giving the handles a polished and professional appearance.
The closure strap is stabilized with HeatnBond Light Weight Interfacing before being sewn and topstitched. Once complete, add a buttonhole to fit your chosen button. This simple detail gives the bag its classic carpet bag look.
The front, back, and side panels are sewn together to create the bag exterior. The lining is assembled separately and then placed inside the exterior before the top edge is finished with binding.
As the bag comes together, you'll really begin to see how the fusible products help maintain the structure of the finished project.
Add a Little Sparkle
One of my favorite ways to personalize this project is with Therm O Web HeatnBond Sparkle Paste.
You can use Sparkle Paste to highlight floral motifs, add decorative accents to the closure strap, or create subtle shimmer on portions of the exterior fabric. A small amount of sparkle can add beautiful detail while still keeping the bag elegant and practical.
Allow the Sparkle Paste to dry completely according to the manufacturer's instructions before using your bag.
Style Your Carpet Bag
The Carpet Bag is a wonderful project because it can be used in so many ways:
Its vintage-inspired shape makes it just as beautiful displayed in a sewing room as it is carried on an outing.
Try the Pattern Club Free
Therm O Web readers can enjoy one free month in the Sew A Story Pattern Club.
Inside the club you receive one new craft pattern and one new quilt pattern each month, along with step-by-step guidance and creative inspiration.
If you enjoyed the Carpet Bag project, you'll find many more creative projects waiting for you inside the Pattern Club.
Use code: THERMOWEBMONTHFREE
You can also check out more about this project on our YouTube channel below. I can’t wait to see how you bring your own Carpet Bag to life.
by Jennifer Long of Sew A Story
