Foldable Garment Bag Travel Duffel
Learn how to sew a foldable garment bag that converts into a travel duffel with our online sewing tutorial. This practical, versatile project is available through the Lulu Ferris sewing academy.
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 a foldable garment bag that closes into a roomy travel duffel. Open the side zippers to unfold it into a flat garment bag, then zip it back together for travel.
The design includes a long garment-bag zipper, a strap for securing hanger tops, and a separate zippered compartment for shoes, accessories, or other small items.
Additional storage includes an exterior patch pocket and two interior side pockets: one zippered and one open with an inverted pleat.
What you’ll learn in this class
- Organize the outer and lining pieces.
- Sew patch, zippered, and inverted-pleat pockets.
- Install the main zipper and curved side zippers.
- Clip zipper tape to ease it around curves.
- Build the lined garment compartment and hanger strap.
- Attach and reinforce the webbing handles.
- Turn, close, and topstitch the bag.
Fabric and supplies
The pattern recommends canvas or a similar fabric for the exterior and poplin or a similar fabric for the lining.
The sample uses a wipe-clean waterproof outer fabric and lightweight poplin lining. The instructor explains how to adapt pressing and seam finishing for fabrics that cannot be ironed or that fray easily.
Make it your own
Use the two side-pocket styles as shown, repeat your favorite on both sides, or omit them. Add the exterior patch pocket to one or both faces, or leave it off.
Adjust the handle length before attaching the webbing. For directional prints, the class explains how to split the outer base so the design stays upright on both sides.
Optional details include bag feet, decorative zipper pulls, and an added shoulder strap.
Finished size
When closed as a duffel, the finished bag measures approximately 61 cm wide, 28 cm high, and 30 cm deep.
The video class is accompanied by a downloadable A4 PDF pattern with project pieces, measurements, and materials information.
Pattern & materials
Patterns are included with membership
Active members can download every available PDF and materials list.
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