Hand-Sewing A Camper Bag: A Step-By-Step Guide

Sewing a bag for your camper van is a fun and rewarding project. You can make a simple tote bag with a flat bottom and lining, or a more complex sleeping bag. You will need basic tools such as a sewing machine, scissors, pins, and needles. Choose your fabric, cut it to size, and sew it together. You can add features like pockets, handles, and zippers. With the right materials and a bit of patience, you can create a functional and personalized bag for your camper van.

Choosing the right materials

When choosing the right materials for your camper bag, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, you'll want to select a durable and lightweight fabric for the bag's shell. Nylon or polyester are ideal choices as they are strong yet lightweight and often have water-resistant properties. This is particularly important if you plan to use your bag outdoors or in unpredictable weather conditions.

For the bag's lining, you can opt for a fun print or a solid colour to match your style or outfit. The lining fabric should complement the shell fabric in terms of weight and durability. If you're looking for a sustainable option, consider using a mix of cotton and polyester. This blend is easy to wash, comfortable, and won't gather too much moisture. Additionally, you can add a stabiliser to your lining fabric to give your bag more structure and help it stand up.

If you plan to include a closure, such as a drawstring, you'll need to select an appropriate material. A lightweight fabric that is easy to manipulate, such as a thin strip of the shell or lining fabric, would work well. Alternatively, you can use a different type of fabric or material, such as a thin rope or ribbon, for added contrast and interest.

For the bag's straps, you can either make your own out of fabric or use webbing. If you opt for fabric straps, consider using a heavier weight fabric or adding a stabiliser to ensure they can withstand the weight of the bag's contents.

Lastly, you'll want to choose the right tools and notions for your project. Basic sewing tools include a sewing machine, small ruler and long measuring tape, a white pencil for marking the fabric, an iron and ironing board, and scissors. You may also need a rotary cutter and mat, especially if you're working with thicker fabrics or multiple layers.

Cutting to size

The first step in sewing a camper bag is determining the size of the bag. Consider the purpose of the bag and how much space it will need to serve that purpose. For example, a sleeping bag will need to be big enough for a person to fit inside, while a bag for carrying items will need to be big enough to accommodate those items.

Once the desired size has been determined, cut the fabric to the appropriate dimensions. It is important to add a few extra inches to allow for seam allowances. This is especially important if you plan to add a zipper, as you will need extra fabric to accommodate the zipper teeth and to ensure the bag can be fully closed.

If your camper bag will have a rectangular shape, you will need to cut two identical pieces of fabric for the top and bottom of the bag. You can do this by folding your fabric in half and then cutting it to the desired size. Make one of the sides of the rectangle the place where the fabric is folded.

If your bag will have a more complex shape, such as a mummy-shaped sleeping bag, you will need to cut the fabric into multiple pieces that can be sewn together to create the desired shape.

For projects like cushions, you will need to cut fabric for the top and bottom of the cushion, as well as a long band that will wrap around all four sides and connect the top and bottom pieces. It is important to cut the fabric slightly smaller than the size of the cushion or padding to ensure a tight fit and prevent wrinkles.

Once you have cut all the necessary pieces, it is a good idea to label them or keep them organized so you know which piece goes where when you start sewing.

Sewing the shell and lining

For the shell and lining, you will need two pieces of fabric each. The size of the fabric will depend on the desired size of your bag. Cut out your fabric pieces, adding a few extra inches to allow for seam allowances. Remember to cut your fabric pieces identically and ensure they are symmetrical.

Once you have your fabric pieces, it's time to start sewing. Start by sewing the cut pieces of the outer shell together, with the right sides facing each other. Leave an opening for the zipper. You can use a running stitch or an ordinary stitch for this step. Repeat this process for the lining fabric.

After sewing, clip off any excess fabric next to the seams to avoid bulkiness when you turn the shell right side out. Turn the shell right side out and iron the seams to ensure they lay flat and look neat.

Now, you can add the zipper. Place the zipper along the designated opening of the shell, ensuring it is evenly placed, and secure it with pins. Using a zipper foot on your sewing machine, stitch closely alongside the zipper teeth, removing the pins as you sew. Test the zipper to ensure it operates smoothly.

With the zipper in place, you can now attach the shell and lining together. Place the outer bag into the lining, keeping the lining right side in, and sew a seam around the top of the bag to secure the two pieces together. Remember to leave an opening at the bottom of the lining so you can turn the outer bag through this opening. Finally, sew the lining closed by top-stitching over the opening.

Adding insulation

To add insulation to your camper bag, you will need to source some insulated fabric. You can find this at your local craft store or online. Look for a heavy-duty, insulated fabric to provide the best protection for your food items.

Once you have your fabric, you will need to create two sets of front and back panels, and sew them together. This will form the insulated lining of your bag. You can add a zipper to the lining, as well as straps, to make it a functional tote bag.

If you want to add a zipper, sew it into the fabric and liner, and then insert the straps between the zipper and the outer layer of fabric. After this, sew the seams together, leaving a few-inch-wide hole, so you can turn the bag right side out. Turn the bag and finish the lining hole with a top stitch.

You can also add a pocket to the lining, by sewing it to one side of the outer fabric before you begin. This is a great way to keep smaller items separate and easily accessible.

Another option for adding insulation is to use a cooler bag as your lining. You can find these at grocery stores or camping supply stores. Cut out two pieces of cotton fabric and two pieces of the cooler bag material in the same size. Pin a strip of sew-in velcro to the side that will be the inside of your bag, and sew carefully around the perimeter. Place the cotton fabric over the velcro, sew the top closest to the velcro, and then sew the two pieces together, leaving a 3-inch opening to turn it inside out. Tuck the liner into the bag, and the velcro will seal it up nicely.

Sewing the zipper

Preparation:

Before you start sewing the zipper, there are a few things you need to do:

• Choose the right zipper: Select a zipper that is long enough for your bag. If you don't have the correct size, you can use a longer zipper and cut it to the desired length.
• Prepare the fabric: Cut out the fabric pieces for the bag according to your pattern. You will need two main fabric pieces (the outside of the bag) and two lining fabric pieces.
• Attach interfacing (optional): If you want to add more structure to your bag, you can attach interfacing to the main fabric pieces. Follow the package instructions to apply the interfacing.

Attaching the Zipper:

Now, you can start sewing the zipper to the bag:

• Pin the zipper: Place the zipper face down along the centre back seam of the bag, with the teeth lined up with the seam. Pin the zipper in place.
• Baste the zipper: Using a basting stitch, sew the zipper in place through the seam allowance and the garment. You can follow the woven lines on the zipper tape as a guide for your stitches.
• Attach the zipper to the fabric: With the zipper still face down, line up the edge of the zipper tape with the edge of the seam allowance. The zipper teeth should be right on top of the fold. Pin the zipper tape to the garment to secure it in place.
• Hand-baste the zipper: Using a thread colour that you can easily see, hand-baste the zipper to the garment. This stitching will be removed later, so it doesn't need to be small.

Securing the Zipper:

Once the zipper is in place, you need to secure it with permanent stitches:

• Prick stitch: Bring the needle to the right side of the garment and stitch the zipper in place using a prick stitch. To do this, insert the needle from the right side, then bring it back up a couple of threads to the left. Move the thread across to the left about ¼", then insert the needle from the right side again. Repeat this stitch along the zipper.
• Secure the zipper tape: When you have about 3" of thread left, go to the wrong side of the garment and make a few stitches to secure the zipper tape before knotting and cutting the thread. Be careful not to pull too hard on the basting stitches, as you may have sewn through them.
• Finish the zipper: If the zipper will be under strain, you can stitch the zipper tape to the seam allowance with a hemming stitch. For loose garments that are not worn often, this is usually not necessary.

Final Steps:

After the zipper is secured, there are just a few more steps to complete your camper bag:

• Topstitching: Topstitch close to the zipper to keep the fabric from getting caught.
• Attach the lining: Sandwich one long edge of the zipper between the lining and the outer fabric. Stitch along the same stitching line as the outer fabric to attach the lining. Repeat on the other side.
• Complete the bag: Follow the remaining steps in your pattern to finish sewing the bag, such as stitching the sides and bottom of the bag, adding any additional features, and closing any openings.

Frequently asked questions