Introducing The Duffel Backpack (Bag of the Month Club August 2020)

It's time for another round of The Bag of the Month Club! And, this time, we're kicking off the season with a brand new beginner-level bag sewing pattern - The Duffel Backpack! As well as having instructions to make two sizes of bag - small and large, Mrs H has filmed a full video tutorial for the Duffel Backpack, which will be released later next week. The small Duffel Backpack is a fab fit for a child or petite adult, and one of my testers noted it's also a good fit for their wheelchair too. The large Duffel Backpack is a great size for teens and adults, and more experienced bagineers may find themselves wanting to add embellishments or quilt the exterior panel pieces! Both sizes of backpack have a zip pocket, slip pocket and a roomy interior. The Duffel Backpack has a nicely rounded oval base that is easy to insert, and offset outer and lining seams that reduce the bulk of your bag and will make it easier to sew. The backpack straps form the closure and the weight of wearing the bag will keep it closed, but it also has a magnetic snap for extra security. As with all my patterns, the Duffel Backpack has been tested by a range of bagineers, from beginners through to experienced bagmakers. And, here are some of their fab makes!

Some of our testers had so much fun sewing their Duffel Backpacks they made more than one. In fact, Lynne made three!

Lesly made both sizes of Duffel Backpack - the small in a cute baby animals print, and the large in this fun splat print! We think they're wild!

It looks like Elaine is ready for an exciting expedition with her Duffel Backpack! Fab choice of water bottle too!

And, she's not the only one! Amanda's adorable model is heading off on an adventure with her pretty floral backpack.

Thinking of flowers, Elizabeth turned her backpack into a bouquet with this fab Japanese print fabric.

And Patty added a bouquet of embellishments to her large version of the Duffel Backpack, with these adorable crochet flowers!

Nature was definitely a popular theme with our Duffel Backpack testers. Katie's bag is an ideal match for any budding bug collectors.

Nancy's Duffel Backpack is ready for a safari!

And, Laura's bag is pretty as a peacock!

What's black and white and red all over? Susan's Duffel Backpack! We're dotty about it!

What's black and white and blue all over? Wait... we already did that joke! Kristi chose a stylish black and white check for the outer of her bag, with a bright blue lining!

Tara also opted for a monochrome feel, with the neutral version of the Magic Forest print from the Wonderland range by Rifle Paper Co for Cotton and Steel. Tara is contemplating 'painting the roses red' with fabric markers on her panel. Do you think she should? Let us know in the comments or send us a message on our social media!

We've lots more fab versions of The Duffel Backpack to share with you over the next couple of weeks, so keep an eye on our social media feeds and on the Bag of the Month Club feeds for more inspirational ideas! We're also looking forward to seeing how you sew your Duffel Backpack, so be sure to tag us @sewingpatternsbymrsh and @bagofthemonthclub in your social media shares!