A Handmade Project Inspired by Vintage Travel Pieces

There is something special about creating a project that feels both beautiful and useful at the same time.

The Carpet Bag is a structured sewing project inspired by vintage travel bags and the classic storytelling details found throughout the Mary Poppins world. With its shaped construction and storybook feel, it is a project that feels creative from beginning to end.

This craft is part of our June Pattern Club, where members are also creating the coordinating Carpet Bags Quilt.

A Technique to Practice: Structure and Bag Construction

This project is a wonderful way to practice adding structure and shape to your sewing.

As you work through the Carpet Bag, you will practice layering interfacing, shaping pieces, topstitching, and assembling a structured bag step by step. Taking your time with pressing and organization will help the project come together smoothly and give the finished bag a polished look.

Projects like this are such a great way to slowly build confidence while creating something practical you can continue using long after it is finished.

About the Carpet Bag

The Carpet Bag is designed to be both functional and decorative.

It can be used for sewing supplies, travel organization, craft storage, keepsakes, or displayed as part of a creative space. The structured shape and layered details give the project a soft vintage-inspired look while still keeping it approachable to sew.

The project is shown using the A Spoonful of Sugar fabric collection by Jennifer Long for Riley Blake Designs, which adds to the warm storybook feel throughout the design.

Simple Ways to Make It Your Own

One of the best parts of projects like this is how easily they can be personalized.

You can change the fabric combinations, add decorative stitching, choose different handle styles, or even add labels and embellishments to make the bag feel unique to your own style.

Some makers may prefer soft florals and vintage tones, while others may enjoy using playful prints or bold colors for a completely different look.

Supplies to Get Started

To create your Carpet Bag, here are a few helpful supplies:

• Fabric: A Spoonful of Sugar collection by Jennifer Long for Riley Blake Designs
  • Fusible interfacing: Thermoweb HeatnBond Soft Woven Fusible
  • Coordinating thread
  • Basic sewing and bag-making supplies
  • Optional stabilizers for added structure

Preparing your fabrics and supplies ahead of time can make the sewing process feel much more enjoyable from the beginning.

 Ready to Start Sewing?

The Carpet Bag is available inside Pattern Club, where members receive new quilt and craft projects each month along with planning printables, creative inspiration, and access to our Sew A Story Open Creative Community.

Inside the community, members share fabric pulls, progress photos, finished projects, and creative ideas throughout the month, making it such an encouraging place to sew together and stay inspired.

If you are not a member, you can join Pattern Club to access this project along with the coordinating Carpet Bags Quilt and this month’s bonuses.