Compression Packing Cubes

Project preview

This video is for members

Join Lulu Ferris to watch the complete class and sew along at your own pace.

What you’ll make

Sew packing cubes that organize clothing and compress their contents to take up less room in a suitcase.

Each cube has a mesh panel for seeing what is inside, a main opening and a second zipper that draws the filled cube into a slimmer shape.

The two included sizes can separate clothing by type or outfit. The cubes can also store out-of-season clothing between trips.

What you’ll learn in this class

Finish fabric edges to limit fraying.
Install the long compression zipper.
Add zipper stops and the main opening zipper.
Join a mesh window to the front panels.
Use quarter marks for even zipper placement.
Trim excess zipper and check both closures.

Fabric and zipper choices

The sample uses canvas for the exterior, mesh for visibility and thin waterproof nylon for the center panel.

Poplin can replace the canvas for a lighter cube or be used for the center panel. Plastic zippers are recommended because the construction requires sewing across them.

Make it your own

Choose contrasting fabrics or use a directional travel print, taking care to keep the design correctly oriented.

Complete a coordinated set with the travel toiletry bag or multipurpose backpack.

Two useful sizes

The pattern includes two cube sizes that can be combined to organize different kinds of clothing and smaller travel items.

The video class and downloadable pattern cover both sizes, which use the same construction method.

Pattern & materials

Patterns are included with membership

Active members can download every available PDF and materials list.

Project gallery