This was written by An from StraightGrain for the Miss Matatabi Makers series.

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Hi everyone! For this month’s Miss Matatabi Makers post I used another very special fabric from Frances’ shop. This striped knit has a very minimal stretch (10%), and stretches in only one direction. So, if you like the structure and softness of knit fabric but have a project for wovens in mind, this fabric is perfect!

I originally ordered the fabric to make a sundress, but it turned out heavier than I thought it would, so I decided to use it for a duffel bag instead. Born and raised in Duffel, the Belgian town which which gave its name to the duffel coat and bag, I was bound to make a duffel bag someday. Noblesse oblige and all.

I reinforced the fabric with interfacing to completely do away with the stretch. For the lining and shoulder strap, I used a thick, coarse mustard canvas from my stash. I also used two pieces of lambskin leather to attach the shoulder strap to the bag.

I didn’t use a specific tutorial for the bag, as it really consists of little more than a rectangle and two circles. I wanted to play around a bit with the stripes though, so along the zipper I added two strips with perpendicular stripes. I first stitched the zipper between the shell and lining rectangles, and then improvised as I was sewing. I’m quite happy with the result; the soft texture of the knit gives a special touch to an otherwise rather masculine bag.

You can find the striped jersey here; it also comes in black and white, and in navy and red. See you next month!

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Thank you so much An! Connect with An on her blog, instagram, facebook, and pinterest.