Supernova Pleather Drawstring Duffel Backpack Tutorial & Fabric Giveaway

It's TWO-fer time!  A fun tutorial AND a fabric giveaway to go with it!  I've got a new bag how-to that's all about versatility to start things off: my Supernova Pleather Drawstring Duffel Backpack.

I was inspired to make it by this awesome gemstone print fabric.  It's from the new Supernova collection by Dear Stella.  I love the geometric mineral design.  So science chic! And there's a chance for you to win some for yourself below;)

Using pleather for the lower portion, bottom and straps, gives the backpack extra durability:

And a pretty color and texture contrast:

The generous size makes it work well as a backpack, large purse or even a chic diaper bag alternative:

Materials:

- 1 yard outer cotton fabric (I used Dear Stella Supernova Gemstones)

- 1 yard lining cotton fabric (I used Dear Stella Triangle Dot in Midori)

- 1/2 yard pleather fabric

- 1 yard fusible fleece

- 2 pairs 1/4 inch wide D rings

- 2 3/4inch wide grommets

- Notions: heavy duty needle, hand sewing needle, iron, basting spray/spray adhesive, marking pen, clips, pins, chopstick, matching thread.  Optional: walking foot.

Start by cutting the following pieces:

Outer fabric 

(1) 12 inch high by 34 inch wide rectangle

(1) 10 1/2 inch diameter circle

Lining Fabric

(1) 16 inch by 34 inch wide rectangle

(1) 10 1/2 inch diameter circle

Pleather

(1) 5 inch high by 34 wide rectangle

(1) 10 1/2 inch diameter circle

(2) 18 inch by 3 inch strips

(2) 3 inch by 3 inch squares (for lower straps)

Fusible Fleece

(2) 15 1/2 inch wide by 34 inch long rectangles

(2) 10 1/2 inch diameter circles

With right sides facing, stitch together the bottom edge of the outer fabric and the pleather side piece.

Line up a piece of the fusible, wrong sides facing, with the fabric - leaving a 1/2 inch gap at the top.

Flip and iron on the right side of the fabric to fuse, careful to keep the iron away from the pleather bottom so it doesn't melt.  Fuse the fleece to the lining pieces as well. 

Spray quilt basting or spray adhesive on the wrong side of the pleather so the fleece will adhere to it.  Smooth the fleece onto it.  Do the same with the bottom circle.

Measure to find the center of the rectangle and mark one inch down from the top edge. Affix the grommets, one half inch apart according to the package directions:

Bring short sides together using clips and stitch.  Do the same with the lining, but leave a 3 inch gap in the side for turning.

Take the strap pieces and fold in half lengthwise, wrong side out.  Stitch along side and one short end:

Using a chopstick or fairly blunt dowel, wiggle the short end into the strap to turn it:

Top stitch 1/8 inch from either side.  A walking foot makes this a little easier, but it's not required.

Do the same with the short straps and thread a pair of D rings through each, fold over and clip ends together:

Open up outer bag with the side seam in the center.  Mark along the top one inch over on either side of the seam for the top strap placement and three inches over on either side of the seam on the bottom end for the short strap placement:

Stitch straps into place on right side of bag:

Clip the pleather circle to the pleather bottom of the cylinder and stitch together all the way around with a 3/8 inch seam allowance.  Repeat with the lining (pins are ok here):



With right sides facing, insert outer bag into lining.  Pinning all around the top.  Stitch together with 1/2 inch seam allowance.  

Carefully pull bags right side out through side gap in the lining.  Hand stitch gap closed.  Top stitch 1 1/4 inches down from top seam to create the casing for the drawstring.

Take drawstring strip of pleather and fold over three times lengthwise.  Clip in place and stitch together:

The pleather will not fray so it's ok for the raw edge to be out.  Using a safety pin, snake drawstring through the casing and then knot the ends:

Pull ends to cinch closed and tie to hold in place:

Thread the straps through the D rings to the desired length and the backpack is ready to tote around!

Now how about a chance to win some of this pretty fabric to make your own??

I'm giving away a 1 1/2 yard cut of this Supernova Gemstones print and a yard of the coordinating Scallop Dot in Eggshell, courtesy of Dear Stella.

a Rafflecopter giveaway



I was not financially compensated for this post.  I received fabric, to use as I wished, from Dear Stella.   The opinions are completely my own based on my experiences.