DIY Corduroy Laptop Bag

Today I’m sharing a project that’s been on my to-do list for way too long: making my own DIY laptop bag.

Like many of you, I use my laptop every single day, so having a good case is essential. But the one I had was honestly less than ideal. It was from my old computer, so it didn’t fit properly anymore, and it wasn’t exactly my style either. I wanted something more functional, more protective, and definitely more me.

That’s when I decided to draft my own laptop bag sewing pattern, and film the process so you can follow along.

For this project, I was inspired by a makeup bag I had sewn recently. The construction method was simple and beginner-friendly, and I thought, why not apply the same idea to a laptop bag? After a few sketches, a rough prototype, and some very long fabric decisions, I finally landed on a design that worked beautifully.

In this blog post, I’ll walk you through the materials I used, why I chose corduroy, how quilting adds protection, and the steps to sew your own padded laptop sleeve. If you’re new to sewing bags, don’t worry. I’ve included plenty of beginner tips along the way, and the full step-by-step video tutorial is available too.

And yes, the printable sewing pattern for this DIY laptop bag is available in my shop, so you don’t have to guess the measurements. Just print, cut, and sew.
Get the Ophelia Laptop Bag Pattern here

Choosing the Right Fabric for a Laptop Bag

One of the most important steps in sewing a laptop bag is choosing the right fabric. Since your bag needs to protect your device from bumps and scratches, you’ll want something that’s both sturdy and stylish.

For my bag, I used a brown corduroy fabric with a fleece backing. Corduroy is a wonderful choice because:

• It’s durable and structured.
• It has a beautiful ribbed texture that adds interest.
• It pairs well with both neutral and bold linings.

But corduroy isn’t your only option. Here are a few other fabrics that work well for a DIY laptop sleeve, and you might even have them in your stash already:

• Canvas: strong, structured, and great for a minimalist look.
• Denim: durable and perfect for upcycling old jeans.
• Twill: smooth but sturdy, often used for bags and jackets.
• Faux leather or vinyl: gives a polished finish and is easy to wipe clean.
• Quilting cotton with interfacing: beginner-friendly with endless prints, but needs added structure.

Pair your main fabric with a fun lining fabric. This is where you can get creative. I used leftover fabric from another project, but polka dots, florals, or even quirky novelty prints can make the inside feel extra special.

What is Quilting, and Why Do It?

If you’ve never quilted before, don’t worry. Quilting in this context simply means sewing layers of fabric together, usually outer fabric plus batting or fleece, to create a cushioned, padded effect.

For this project, I quilted my corduroy with a fleece layer to give the bag extra protection. Quilting not only makes the laptop sleeve safer for your device, but it also:

• Adds structure and durability.
• Prevents the inner layers from shifting.
• Creates a soft, professional look.

A quick tip from my experience: when quilting, always use more wadding than you think you’ll need. Mine shrank and shifted during sewing, so next time I’ll cut it a few inches larger on all sides than the pattern pieces.

You can quilt in simple straight lines or experiment with diagonal or decorative stitching. It’s a beginner-friendly skill that instantly makes your laptop bag look more professional while adding practical protection.

Materials You’ll Need

To make your own DIY laptop bag, you don’t need anything too fancy. Just a mix of sturdy fabric, padding, and basic sewing supplies.

• Outer fabric: corduroy, canvas, denim, twill, faux leather, or quilted cotton.
• Batting, fleece, or foam: for padding and protection.
• Lining fabric: smooth fabrics work best so the laptop slides easily.
• Zipper: at least as wide as your laptop opening.
• Laptop bag sewing pattern: Ophelia Corduroy Laptop Bag Pattern
• Basic sewing tools: sewing machine, scissors, pins or clips, thread, and patience.

Sewing the Laptop Bag, My Process

This was my first time quilting fabric, and I definitely ran into a few surprises. Bent needles, uneven seams, and zippers that didn’t want to cooperate. But every mistake turned into a learning moment.

Here’s how I put the bag together:

1. Quilt the fabric using evenly spaced lines.
2. Cut the pattern pieces from both outer and lining fabrics.
3. Attach the zipper and topstitch for a neat finish.
4. Sew the outer bag and lining separately, leaving a turning gap.
5. Turn the bag right side out and press the seams.
6. Finish with topstitching and close the lining opening.

Lessons Learned

• Add more seam allowance for flexibility.
• Adjust label placement for better balance.
• Choose smooth zippers for textured fabrics.

Even with the hiccups, I absolutely love the result.

Watch the Full Tutorial

If you’re a visual learner, I filmed the entire process from start to finish, including the moments where things didn’t go perfectly. That’s real sewing, and that’s how confidence is built.

Get the Sewing Pattern

If you’d like to make your own version, the printable sewing pattern is available in my shop. It’s beginner-friendly and can be customised to fit any laptop size.

Whether you choose corduroy, denim, canvas, or a bold print, this pattern helps you create a laptop case that truly fits you.

Final Thoughts

This project reminded me that sewing is not about being perfect. It’s about creating something functional, beautiful, and personal. This DIY corduroy laptop bag is now one of my favourite makes.

I hope this inspires you to try making your own laptop case. If you do, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram so I can admire your creations.

Happy sewing,

Karolina