Thread Theory Qualicum Bag

Buy the Qualicum Bag sewing pattern from Thread Theory. This handsomely proportioned two-tone tote is wide enough to carry a laptop, deep enough to function as a diaper bag, and sturdy enough to stand up to the wear and tear of everyday use. There are three variations included: a laptop bag (featuring a padded interior sleeve), a carry-all (replacing the sleeve with two elasticated pockets), and a simple tote (which utilises webbing as straps and forgoes most inner and outer pockets).

Details from all the variations can be mixed and matched to create the ideal custom bag. Some of the useful components include two large side pockets for water bottles, a zippered front pocket, three back pockets (one featuring a flap to secure your phone where it can be easily accessed), a recessed top zipper closure, a detachable cross-body strap, shoulder straps, a full lining, and an inner zippered pocket. Depending on the details selected, this bag can be a very quick or a very involved project.

The instructions are thorough. They will assist you to pair your fabric with the correct interfacing (so a wide range of fabric weights can be used), aid in the creation of perfect topstitching (even on long straps), provide tips for precise zipper installation, and suggest finishing details to give a very professional look to your bag.

Sewing level: Confident beginner

This sewing pattern is available to buy in the following formats:

– PDF (available to download immediately after purchase). What is a PDF?

– PDF pattern + Printed A0 copy shop (We print out the A0 pattern sheets, but you'll need to download the digital instructions, as we don't print these. The PDF files will be emailed immediately after purchase, and the A0 pattern sheets will be dispatched next working day). What is Copy Shop?

Suggested fabrics:

Contrast fabric (upper bag): Light to medium weight canvas, twill, medium weight linen, corduroy, poplin, quilting cotton, and light to medium weight upholstery fabrics. Since all main body pieces are interfaced, light fabrics can still result in a structured and sturdy bag.

Main fabric (lower bag): All of the fabric options suitable for the upper part of the bag are also suitable for the lower part of the bag. If two fabrics of varying weights have been selected, use the heavier fabric for the lower part of the bag. Note that cork is a good choice for the main fabric, but ensure that the contrast fabric is adequately interfaced to match the body of the cork as closely as possible.

Lining: Quilting cotton, poplin, medium to heavy weight acetate lining, flannel. If selecting an acetate lining, bag weight options usually feature a twill weave (this looks like a diagonal stripe).

Fabric requirements:

Variation 1 - Laptop Bag

Main fabric (lower bag): 115 cm (45") wide fabric: 1.0 m (1.1 yd) // 150 cm (60") wide fabric: 1.0 m (1.0 yd).

Contrast fabric (upper bag): 115 cm (45") wide fabric: 0.5 m (0.5 yd) // 150 cm (60") wide fabric: 0.3 m (0.4 yd).

Lining: 115 cm (45") wide fabric: 1.6 m (1.8 yd) // 150 cm (60") wide fabric: 1.4 m (1.6 yd).

Interfacing: 51 cm (20") wide: 2.4 m (2.6 yd).

Variation 2  - Carry-All

Main fabric (lower bag): 115 cm (45") wide fabric: 1.0 m (1.1 yd) // 150 cm (60") wide fabric: 1.0 m (1.0 yd).

Contrast fabric (upper bag): 115 cm (45") wide fabric: 0.5 m (0.5 yd) // 150 cm (60") wide fabric: 0.3 m (0.4 yd).

Lining: 115 cm (45") wide fabric: 1.4 m (1.6 yd) // 150 cm (60") wide fabric: 1.4 m (1.6 yd).

Interfacing: 51 cm (20") wide: 2.4 m (2.6 yd).

Variation 3  - Simple Tote

Main fabric (lower bag): 115 cm (45") wide fabric: 0.4 m (0.4 yd) // 150 cm (60") wide fabric: 0.4 m (0.4 yd).

Contrast fabric (upper bag): 115 cm (45") wide fabric: 0.3 m (0.4 yd) // 150 cm (60") wide fabric: 0.2 m (0.2 yd).

Lining: 115 cm (45") wide fabric: 1.0 m (1.1 yd) // 150 cm (60") wide fabric: 0.6 m (0.7 yd).

Interfacing: 51 cm (20") wide: 0.3 m (0.3 yd).

Sizing: 39.8 cm (15 1/2") wide x 34.3 cm (13 1/2") high x 12.7 cm (5") deep.

Notions: 

Variation 1 - Laptop Bag: 29.2 cm x 39.4 cm (11 1/2" x 15 1/2") piece of laptop padding (fusible fleece or similar, more padding needed if using two layers); top zipper (metal or decorative), 44.5 cm (17 1/2") or longer; outer zipper (metal or decorative), 30.5 cm (12") or longer; inner zipper (low profile plastic), 20.3 cm (8") or longer; D-rings, 3.8 cm (1 1/2"); swivel clips, 3.8 cm (1 1/2"); slider, 3.8 cm (1 1/2").

Variation 2 - Carry-All: Top zipper (metal or decorative), 44.5 cm (17 1/2") or longer; outer zipper (metal or decorative), 30.5 cm (12") or longer; inner zipper (low profile plastic), 20.3 cm (8") or longer; D-rings, 3.8 cm (1 1/2"); swivel clips, 3.8 cm (1 1/2"); slider, 3.8 cm (1 1/2"); elastic, 1 cm (3/8") or narrower, 35.6 cm (14") long.

Variation 3 - Simple Tote: Outer zipper (metal or decorative), 30.5 cm (12") or longer; 122 cm (48") of 3.8 cm (1 1/2") shoulder strap webbing.

PDF pattern includes: Step-by-step instructions; US letter/A4 print-at-home pattern (44 pages); 36" wide roll feed copy shop pattern (1 sheet); A0 copy shop pattern (3 sheets).

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