Sew Sturdy: The Ultimate Travel Bag (DVD + Streaming)

Learn how to make a quilted bag that’s perfect for travel with beloved instructor Annie Unrein. In this class, learn step-by-step construction, starting with with how to create sturdy quilted fabric with foam stabilizer that will become the bag’s front, back and side panels. From there, you’ll create reinforced handles and sturdy straps. Next, Annie will teach you how to make slip pockets, mesh pockets, combination slip-and-zip pockets and other variations. With your bag almost ready to construct, Annie will help you add a stabilizer sleeve to the bottom of the bag, install zippers, shape the bag’s edges and bind them beautifully. Then you’ll be ready to join the bag front and back to the side strip, before binding the edges and adding a few last details for a fabulous finish.

NOTE: If you’d like to purchase only the DVD for this class, you may do so through this link. (Please note, any class PDF materials are not on the DVD itself. You must have streaming access to download those materials associated with the class.)

Straps & Handles (21:08)
Follow along as Annie teaches you how to sew the carrying strap, strap tabs and handles for your bag, and how to add strapping (webbing) for reinforcement where needed. You’ll even make a shoulder strap to go over the handles on your rolling luggage for easy trips through the airport!

Pockets (30:58)
Make convenient slip pockets for the outside of the bag. Annie will walk you through sewing an ingenious combo slip-and-zip pocket for security, as well as mesh pockets for the inside of the bag. You’ll also see how to bind the edges for polished pocket finishes.

Preparing the Side Strip (31:48)
It’s time to assemble the side strip, encompassing the bag bottom and a double-slide zipper for the main bag opening. Follow Annie as she joins up the fabric side strip and zipper strips with the pockets, installs the zipper, adds a stabilizer sleeve for a rigid bag bottom, and sew buttons on the bottom to protect your bag when you set it down.

Bag Front & Back (22:57)
Find out how to add inside and outside pockets to the bag’s front and back pieces. Then learn to shape the edges of the front and back for a graceful, roomy silhouette.

Making Binding & Strap Pad (25:16)
You’re almost done! Make custom bias binding strips from a square of fabric and a cushiony pad that will make your carrying strap more comfortable even with a fully loaded bag. Annie will also show you how to stitch the binding around curves and join the binding ends perfectly.

Completing the Bag (23:10)
To complete the bag, join the bag front and bag back to the side-strip assembly, then bind the seams for Annie’s “Cadillac finish.” Make handy zipper pulls from a strip of fabric, insert your acrylic bag bottom into the stabilizer sleeve, and hit the road!

Annie Unrein is an expert quilter, pattern designer and teacher. Her quilts and designs have appeared in publications such as Fons & Porter’s Love of Quilting, Quilt, and Memory Makers magazines. She also created ByAnnie’s Soft and Stable™, a product that adds body, stability and professional finish to purses, bags and home décor.

How do I access the companion materials for my DVD class?
Come to Craftsy.com and log into your account using the username and password you set up when establishing your Craftsy account or purchasing your DVD. In your “My Account” area, select the “Classes” content. On this page, you’ll see all classes you’ve purchased from Craftsy. Simply select the desired class from your content list, and you’ll be presented with your selected class page. From the class page you can easily view, download or print the companion class materials, which are in the “Bonus Materials” tab on the class page. You can log in any time, and download or print the companion materials as many times as you like. Companion class materials are not shipped in the mail with your DVD, and must be accessed on Craftsy.com.

How do I stream my class on Craftsy.com?
Come to Craftsy.com and log into your account using the username and password you set up when establishing your Craftsy account or purchasing your DVD. In your “My Account” content, select the desired class. Stream the video on-demand from the class page any time you like; your viewing access is unlimited. You can stream your class from any computer, tablet or mobile device with Internet access.

Do I have to purchase a Craftsy Membership to get my class?
No, you do not. Every DVD purchased on Craftsy.com includes both the physical DVD in the mail and unlimited on-demand streaming access at Craftsy.com. These benefits are yours with or without a Craftsy membership.

Are DVDs included in a Craftsy Membership?
No, they are not. DVDs can only be purchased on an individual basis and are not included in Craftsy memberships. For non-members, DVDs are a flexible way to purchase only the classes you love best. For members, DVDs are a great choice to build an at-home library you can keep forever and enjoy any time, with or without Internet access.

Do you ship internationally?
Yes, we do ship most physical products, including DVDs, to several International destinations. In addition to the USA and Canada, we ship to Australia, Brazil, India, Israel, Mexico, New Zealand, South Africa, and most Western European countries. If you live outside these countries, you can still purchase digital items including memberships, individual streaming classes, and pattern downloads.

Do your DVDs work on international players?
Yes, our DVDs should be compatible with any DVD player in use today. All our videos have been created with all current Region Codes (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 8). If you have trouble viewing a DVD purchased from Craftsy.com, please contact Customer Service.

What is your return policy?
We want to be sure you’re satisfied. If you have trouble playing your DVD, if the content is not correctly presented on the DVD, or you are dissatisfied with the content of your class, we will work with you. Contact Craftsy customer service via email or phone. Upon your request, and upon your return of the DVD to us, we will refund your purchase price or send you another DVD to replace a damaged or incorrect DVD, whichever is your preference. If you do receive a full refund, your streaming video class will also be removed from your Craftsy account, so on-demand video access will no longer be available to you.