The John Duffel Bag pattern already comes in 3 different size, but what if you wanted to add some extra storage pockets in the bag to keep it organized? Well have I got you covered!!

You will require the John Duffel Bag pattern which you can purchase right here. Then you'll want all the instructions, which are found below. I note any cutting differences or additional cutting that you need to do, so please read through the pattern and read through your add-on instructions before you start! And if you have any questions at all, feel free to ask within the Facebook Group - Sewing UhOh Creations Patterns.

If you are looking for some extra help in making your John Duffel Bag, Brandy has done up an awesome video tutorial to assist! I hope you love it!!!

Exterior Slip Pocket on the End

The following pieces need to be cut for EACH pocket in addition to those listed in the pattern (double this cutting to make a pocket for each end):

1. Apply a piece of interfacing to each piece of fabric. 
2. Place the exterior piece right side, then place a lining piece right side down on top of it, keeping all the edges aligned. 
3. Sew along the top straight edge with 3/8" (1 cm) seam allowance.
4. Fold the lining back so that the wrong sides are together and press the seam well. Topstitch along the top edge. 
   
5. In the pattern complete steps 1 & 2 under "Prepare the Exterior Pieces". Place the Pocket right side up on top, aligning the bottom and sides, baste in place with 1/8" seam allowance. 
6. Repeat for the other End piece and continue with the remainder of the pattern. 
   

Zipper and Slip Pocket between the Handles

The following pieces need to be cut for EACH side in addition to those listed in the pattern (double this cutting to make a pocket for each side):

Additionally, you will require a #5 zipper in the following length for each pocket:

• Little John: 7-1/4" (18.4 cm)
• John: 9" (22.9 cm)
• Big John: 11" (27.9 cm)

Before you start the section titled "Prepare the Exterior Pieces" in the pattern, complete the following steps for the exterior Main pieces:

1. Apply a piece of interfacing to each exterior and lining piece of fabric.
2. Trim the height of the lining Zipper Pocket by 1/4" (6 mm).
3. Lay the exterior Zipper Pocket right side up and place the zipper right side down along the top short edge. Baste in place with 1/4” (6 mm) seam allowance.
4. Lay a lining Zipper Pocket right side down on top, lined up with the exterior piece and sew along the same edge with a full 3/8" (1 cm) seam allowance.
5. Press both fabrics away from the zipper, so the fabrics are wrong sides together. Topstitch 1/8” (3 mm) away from the zipper through all the layers.
   
6. Fold the exterior fabric up to align the other short end with the other side of the zipper, it will be right sides together. Again, baste in place with 1/4" (6 mm) seam allowance.
7. Repeat with the lining Zipper Pocket, folding it up to align the short end with the other side of the zipper, it will be right sides together. Sew with a full 3/8" (1 cm) seam allowance.
8. Press both fabrics away from the zipper, so the fabrics are wrong sides together. Turn the Zipper Pocket so it's right side out with the lining inside the exterior. It will now form a tube. 
9. Topstitch 1/8" (3 mm) away from the zipper through the layers, you will be sewing in a tube. It will be easier to do this with the zipper open.  
10. With the zipper closed and the pull to the left, mark a line parallel to the zipper 1" (2.5 cm) above the top zipper seam. Fold along this line, ensuring the lining is snug within the exterior. Topstitch this folded edge at 1/8" (3 mm) from the top and then again at 1/4" (6 mm).
11. **OPTIONAL** If the Zipper Pocket is big enough to be used as a luggage sleeve, you can now topstitch the bottom fold.  
    
12. Place the Main piece right side up. Place the constructed Zipper Pocket right side up on top centered side to side and with the bottom edge 1" (2.5 cm) from the bottom of the Main. Topstitch along the bottom of the Zipper Pocket and baste along both sides with 1/4" (6 mm) seam allowance. 
13. Complete steps 3-6 in the pattern to finish the exterior Main pieces. 

End Compartment Interior Zipper Pocket

(eliminate the hand sewing when making the end panels)

The following pieces need to be cut for EACH end compartment in addition to those listed in the pattern (double this cutting to make a zipper pocket for each end compartment):

Additionally, you will require a #3 zipper in the following length for each pocket:

• Little John: 8" (20.3 cm)
• John: 9" (22.9 cm)
• Big John: 10" (25.4 cm)

1. Apply a piece of interfacing to each Zipper Lining piece. Note that there is not interfacing for the Zipper Facing.
2. Lay one of the Zipper Lining pieces right side up and lay the zipper right side up along the top edge. Sew with 1/4” seam allowance. Press the Zipper Lining away from the zipper.
3. Lay the other Zipper Lining panel right side up and lay the other side of the zipper along the top edge with the zipper right side up. Sew with 1/4” seam allowance. Press the Zipper Lining away from the zipper.
4. On the wrong side of the Zipper Facing, draw a line the full length of it, 3/4” from the top. Measure down 3/8” from that line and draw another line parallel to the first line. Measure in 1” from each end of the Zipper Facing and close the ends of the box.
5. Lay one of the lining End panels right side up. Place the Zipper Facing 2-1/2” (6.4 cm) down from the top edge, centered and right side down (it is the same distance for all three sizes of Duffel Bag). Sew directly on the box you drew, pivoting cleanly at each corner.
   
6. Cut down the center of the box through both layers, stopping 1/2” before each end. Then cut at an angle from that point out to each corner, getting as close to the stitching as possible without cutting through it.
7. Push the Zipper Facing through the hole and press it well. 
   
8. Lay the zipper with the Zipper Lining pieces attached in front of you, with the zipper right side up and closed. Place the lining End piece right side up with the zipper centered in the zipper box and the zipper head to the left. Pin your layers together well. Topstitch all the way around the zipper box, moving the zipper head out of the way when you approach it.
   
9. Fold the top Zipper Lining down so the two pocket panels are right sides together. Sew both panels together, down each side, through only the Zipper Lining pieces. Trim the excess off of the one Zipper Lining pieces, but do not sew along the bottom edge. 
   
10. Open your Zipper Pocket!
11. Complete steps 1-6 in the pattern, in step #7 do not leave a turning gap, but complete the line of stitching. 
12. In step #8 complete the trimming then turn your end panel through the Zipper Pocket. Close the Zipper Pocket by folding under the bottom edges and topstitch close to the edge. 
13. Repeat for the other end piece and continue with the remainder of the pattern.  
    

Bonus Instructions

Construct the main side with a feature panel

Constructing the Main panel out of three pieces allows you to use a decorative center panel, then accent or main exterior fabric for the two ends. There are way to many fun fabric panels out there, and we want to use them!!!!

Do NOT cut the Main fabric and interfacing pieces in the pattern, do still cut the fusible fleece as one piece.

Now cut the following (double the cutting if replacing both Main pieces):

 Before you start the section titled "Prepare the Exterior Pieces" in the pattern, complete the following steps for the exterior Main pieces:

1. Apply a piece of interfacing to each piece of fabric.
2. Place the Main Center right side up and place the Main Side right side down along each side of the Main Center. Sew each side with a 1/4" (6 mm) seam allowance.
3. Press the seam allowance open, flattening it as much as possible. 
4. Apply the fusible fleece to the back of your constructed Main.
5. Continue using this constructed piece as your new Main.