Sew Smart, Travel Handmade: 35 Free Patterns for On-the-Go
Travel smarter and happier with these free sewing patterns! From travel organizers to car accessories, these easy-to-make projects will enhance your travel experience and make every trip more enjoyable.
Every time I travel there are a few things that I prefer to have with me. Things like shoe bags, organizing inserts, and security minded pockets help me set my mind at ease so I can enjoy the whole experience a little more. Happy sewing, and safe travels!
Kids Travel Pillow
Speaking of their own belongings, this pattern is for a cute travel pillow. It includes a strap so the whole thing can slide over a suitcase handle, and a pocket for convenient (and necessary) things.
Clamshell Bag – Plain or Fancy
I have found that my clamshell bag makes a great toiletry bag, but also works well as a first aid kit. When we travel with the kids I like to have a bag of bandages and antiseptic things handy.
Luggage Tags
In an airport, bus depot, or train station it’s a good idea to have something on your luggage that is unique so you don’t get your bags mixed up with someone else’s. These DIY luggage tags are perfect identifiers!
Double Sided Cosmetic Pouch
This cute double-sided pouch is king of multi-taskers! I use mine for cosmetics, first aid, essential oils, and more. I’m sure you’ll find many uses as well.
See-Through Pouch
No need to use sandwich bags for your toiletries. Make these see-through dumpling zipper pouches instead. They can stay zipped up through security, and stay organized and clean throughout your trip.
Side note: the last time I went through the airport I didn’t even need to take my clear bag out of my carry-on.
Lightweight Infinity Scarf
An infinity scarf is a perfect travel companion. It’s a stylish multitasker; ideal for cool evenings, protection from the sun, and keeping warm in chilly airplane cabins.
DIY Kids Travel Games
I’m sure there are devices a-plenty to occupy the traveling masses, but it’s nice to have some tactile games to break into the brain every once in a while. Alice & Lois have this tutorial.
They use ready-made drawstring bags, but I have simple drawstring bag tutorials that you can use if you want to make the entire project by hand!
See-Through Bag
Sew a see-though tote for your sewing projects, or taking items to a stadium. It’s convenient to be able to see what you’re aiming for.
New Camp Chair Bag
Do you have a camping trip planned? My experience is that the bag is the first thing to go on my camping chair! Give your chairs a little more life with this free tutorial from Blue Susan Makes!
Sunglasses Case – Machine Embroidery
This beautiful sunglasses case pattern comes together in no time. It’s an in-the-hoop design that’s fully customizable! Keep your glasses clean and easy to find in any bag.
Carry-On Size Quilted Duffle Bag
The boxy duffle bag fits perfectly under the seat of an airplane. It’s not only the perfect size duffle (19″ x 8″ x 8″), it’s stylish! You can even sew a whole matching set of bags if the mood (and the time) strikes you.
Packing Cubes
I love my packing cubes. I have them in different colors to sort outfits and separate clean clothes from dirty. They also help me fit more into my bag because of the straight and even shape. Maybe it will help you tell your kids where to find their socks when it’s past time to go…you know the drill.
Bathroom Organizer
There are a few things that you might pack that don’t quit fit into your cosmetic bag. Here’s a way to keep them all together. This roll-up organizer from Gingercake is a nice solution.
Mesh Garment Bag
I always pack a few mesh wash bags when I’m going to be gone for a few days. It’s helpful for keeping dirty socks and small things together. As a bonus I can just throw the whole bag into the wash when I get home!
Cross Body Bag
Keep your important and sensitive information close to your body and accessible. This cross body bag is a popular style, but it’s also a safe way to travel.
Passport Pouch
If you don’t love the cross body bag, or you want something smaller, sew this passport pouch instead. There are three interior pockets in 3 sizes – perfect for just what you need!
Ellie Travel Case
If you can’t live without it, the Ellie Travel Case will hold it. It would make a great gift for someone moving out on their own. Sew one this year with the free sewing pattern.
Easy Travel Toothbrush Roll
All you need is a hand towel and a ribbon to make this toothbrush roll bag. You can sew it very easily, and even use different colors for different people.
Travel Jewelry Case
This free jewelry case pattern will keep your jewelry organized, untangled, and easy to find.
Lay-Flat Shoe Bags
I prefer to keep the clothes in my bag separate from my shoes, and I don’t take just one pair of shoes so obviously I need separate bags! Here is a free sewing pattern for the bags I use for shoes. I love that it folds flat when not in use.
Gorgeous Garment Bag
You might find that this garment bag will be your favorite piece of luggage! This tutorial includes easy sewing tips that I use in my other free bag patterns. You’ll love the clever features that make this a must-have. Give it a look!
Beach Tote Bag
This great big beach bag with pockets all over is excellent for many things. Roll it up into your luggage and take it shopping, or put all your shoes inside and throw it in the trunk. I am sure you’ll love sewing it as much as you’ll love using it! Use my free appliques or machine embroidery to make it unique to you.
Ipanema Beach Bag Pattern
This Gorgeous and Unique Ipanema bag is the perfect size for your necessities. It’s easy to carry and doesn’t take much space in your suitcase when it’s empty. Where are you heading this winter?
Pocket Tissue Pack Cover
Here’s an easy sewing tutorial for a cute pocket tissue cover. You can stuff it with microfiber to keep your glasses clear, or hook it on your bag for goodbye tears. Either way it comes in handy to have a tissue for all the little things.
Curling or Flat Iron Travel Case
Sew a cute and useful pouch to hold your curling iron or flat iron. This free sewing pattern includes heat-resistant batting so you can style and go without having to let it cool down.
Donut-Shaped Travel Pillow
Pick a soft fabric to make a travel pillow. They are useful in the car, on planes, or even relaxing at home.
Travel Manicure Kit
This little sewing project by Positively Splendid is a perfect way to keep all your manicure necessities organized and easy to find. Put a few together and keep one in your car at all times.
Fish Shaped Beach Bags
If you’re heading somewhere sandy, I have just the thing. These fish-shaped drawstring bags use mesh at the bottom so you don’t have to bring the sand or dirt home with you. If you’ve never sewn with mesh before, there are some tips on this tutorial.
Travel Cosmetics Case
Here is a free pattern from Olivia Jane Handcrafted for a great cosmetics case. It opens to lay flat and there are plenty of pockets inside for all the things.
Pool Chair Cover with Pockets
Make a pool chair cover with a pillow and pockets! If you’re taking a towel anyway, consider adding pockets and a pillow. This keeps your chair clean and your things off the ground.
Vinyl Zipper/Snap Pouch
Sew three sizes of see-through pouch using the free pattern from So-Sew-Easy. Vinyl pouches are perfect for keeping wet clothes separated from dry, smelly clothes contained, first aid kits in order and more. The largest bag has a zip closure, and the smaller ones use snaps.
Beach Towel Backpack
I do live in Florida, but we still travel to warm places in the winter. Here’s another excellent pattern for towels. Pockets for you, straps for the kids! I love it when everyone can carry their own belongings. As a bonus, the Beach Towel Backpack can hold other things, too.
Drawstring Backpack
A lightweight drawstring backpack is ideal for day trips. I usually have one or two in the car at all times for impromptu sight-seeing stops.
Custom Sleep Mask
Do you find it hard to sleep in new spaces? Rest easier with a sleep mask. Pick a soft fabric for ultimate comfort.
Swimsuit Cover-Up
This free pattern is easy to sew, and adorable to wear! I love a good cover-up.
Diaper Change and Playtime Mat
Traveling with little ones? Make an easy Diaper Changing Mat. This one has storage included for diapers, wipes, and an extra outfit.
Sunglasses Case
This sunglass case is a beginner-level sewing project. The snap ensures nothing will fall out!
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Sew Like Grandma: 30 Sewing Patterns to Bring the Magic – All Free
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