The Tumbleweed Toiletry Bag - PDF Sewing Pattern

The Tumbleweed toiletry tote is a larger-sized bag, with two separate compartments and two top carry handles, making it perfect for organizing and carrying your toiletries and cosmetics while travelling.  

The top zipper compartment has a softer body with a metal frame that allows it to open nice and wide, providing a clear view of the contents. Either a single or double pull zipper can be used for the closure, depending on personal preference.

 Under the top compartment is a large train case with a zippered mesh compartment in the lid. The train case is more structured with foam interfacing so that it does not collapse under the weight of the top zipper compartment. A double pull zipper is highly recommended to make the train case easier to open and close.

SUPPLIES:

Exterior fabric: 

1/3 yd [0.3 m] quilt weight cotton/canvas (42” / 106 cm wide)
14” W x 12” H [35.6 cm x 30.5 cm] cork/vinyl

Lining fabric:

2/3 yd [0.6 m] quilt weight cotton (42” / 106 cm wide)
14” W x 7” H [35.6 cm x 17.8 cm] mesh

Interfacing:

2.5 yards [2.3 m] fusible woven interfacing (20” / 51 cm wide)
1/2 yd [0.46 m] foam interfacing (20” / 51 cm wide) *See Foam Interfacing Tip below
1/2 yd [0.46 m] fusible fleece (45” / 114 cm wide)
14” W x 11” H [35.6 cm x 28 cm] firm sew-in interfacing

Notions and supplies:

(1) set of rectangle shaped wire frames (dimensions: 10” X 3 1/2” [25.4 cm x 8.89 cm]) with 90 degree angles.
(2) metal zipper ends
(1) TRAIN CASE ZIPPER: 30” [76.2 cm] double pull zipper OR 29” [73.7 cm] zipper tape with double pulls (#4.5 or #5)
(1) TRAIN CASE ZIPPER POCKET: 12” [30.5 cm] zipper or zipper tape (dress zipper or handbag zipper will work)
(1) ZIPPER COMPARTMENT: 22” [55.9 cm] zipper or zipper tape (#4.5 or #5) (can be single or double pull) 

 

You will also need: 

Fabric glue or double-sided tape
Sewing needle for hand sewing
Small screwdriver

MEASUREMENTS: 12.75” W x 8.75” H x 6 3/8” D (32.4 cm x 22.2 cm x 16.2 cm)

SEWING EXPERIENCE: The tumbleweed is best suited for someone with intermediate bag making skills however there is a 3 part video tutorial below if you want to challenge yourself and learn new skills. The first bag will probably take you 6-8 hours depending on your sewing experience.

VIDEO TUTORIAL:

The Tumbleweed is the final and most advanced pattern for this club. To help you along the way, I’ve created a full video tutorial separated into 3 parts. I’ve included some additional tips and tricks, with the goal of making this an enjoyable sewing project.

Video 1: Preparation, Cutting and Interfacing

Video 2 : Train Case Assembly

Video 3 : Zipper Compartment and Final Assembly

BONUS: HOBBY TOTE TUTORIAL!

In addition to the full video tutorial for the Tumbleweed, one of my testers Michelle Tripp of Barabooboo Designs has written a tutorial on how to modify the pattern and create a useful hobby tote.

 

CLICK HERE FOR THE HOBBY TOTE TUTORIAL.