What Do You Use for Straps for a Homemade Drawstring Backpack?

Drawstring backpacks are quick and easy sewing projects that make versatile bags for both children and adults. Made out of a variety of fabrics and in any size to fit your personal style, drawstring backpacks are a particularly useful project for repurposing old fabrics. The straps can be easily fashioned from reclaimed material, cording or ribbon.

Cords

Basic, twist and tubular cords can be reclaimed from old bags and hooded sweatshirts.

The most common type of drawstring backpack strap is cording. Basic and fancy twist cord are easy to find in fabric stores. Tubular cord can often be salvaged from old sweatshirts or drawstring bags.

Ribbon

Little girls would love braided ribbon straps on their backpacks.

Ribbon can also make a good strap for a drawstring bag, especially when making backpacks for little girls. Consider reclaimed ribbons from weddings and baby showers, particularly woven or grosgrain varieties. For added strength, braid several ribbons together for each strap.

Fabric

Remnant fabric can be sewn into strips and reinforced for extra-strong straps.

Leftover scrap fabric from sewing projects or yardage from the remnant bin at your local sewing store can be braided or sewn into strips for backpack straps. This is a particularly good strap type for a quilt-design backpack.

Reclaimed Materials

Old neckties can make fashionable straps for a homemade backpack, while saving them from the landfill.

Consider using old shoelaces or discarded neckties for straps. Old sashes, belts and even suspenders can be used to make strong shoulder straps while giving new life to old items.

References

• Chica and Jo: How to Make a Drawstring Backpack