How to Make a Recyclable Backpack With Strings

Sew lefotver scraps of fabric together and makea drawstring backpack.

Homemade backpacks are effective and provide a way to reuse or recycle old fabric scraps, worn-out children’s clothing or other material. You can make the backpack straps with purchased cord, or make your own with braided scraps of fabric. The cord serves a dual purpose – as straps for carrying the backpack and as a drawstring closure. You can also customize the backpack by sewing on decorations and other embellishments.

Things You'll Need

• Fabric for outer shell
• Fabric for liner (optional)
• 2 pieces of cord, 1/4 inch or 1/2 inch wide, 70 inches long
• Scissors
• Sewing machine
• Heavy duty or quilting thread
• Iron

Instructions

1. Cut a piece of fabric 14 1/2 inches wide and 34 inches long. Use one or several different fabrics to make the backpack. Sew smaller squares or strips of fabric together to make one piece of larger fabric for the outer shell. Cut a second piece of fabric 14 1//2 inches wide and 32 inches long for the liner if desired.

2. Fold the outer shell fabric in half, widthwise, with right sides together. Start at the bottom, and sew along one side edge with a 1/4-inch seam, leaving 2 1/4 inches at the top. Repeat for the other side.

3. Press the seams open with a hot iron along the entire length of each side. Fold the top edge down 1/4 inch and press; repeat on the other side. Fold the top edges down 1 inch and press. Sew the top edges down using a 1/8-inch seam. Turn the fabric right-sides out and press.

4. For the optional liner, fold the fabric in half widthwise and sew the sides together using a 1/4-inch seam. Fold the top edge down 1/4 inch and press. Place the liner inside the outer shell, matching the top of the liner to the top seam and stitch in place. Press all seams flat.

5. Sew a 3/4-inch diagonal buttonhole in both of the bottom corners. Use the sewing machine’s buttonhole settings or zigzag stitch. If you added the liner, make sure the buttonhole goes through all layers.

6. Tie a knot in both ends of one piece of cord and place one end through the left buttonhole, back to front. Thread the other end of the cord from left to right through the top front of the backpack. Continue threading around through the top back and bring the cord back through the buttonhole, front to back. Tie the two ends together using a double overhand knot.

7. Tie knots in both ends of the second piece of cord. Place one knotted end through the other buttonhole, back to front. Thread the other end of the cord through the front top of the backpack, right to left. Continue threading around through the top back and bring the end back through the buttonhole, front to back. Tie a double overhand knot to secure the two ends together.

Tips & Warnings

• Choose fabric that is strong and sturdy such as denim, corduroy, heavy cotton or other thick material if you choose to make the backpack without a liner.

• You can make a larger backpack by increasing the length and width of the fabric to the desired size. Increase the cord length accordingly.

• Customize the backpack by sewing on ribbons, buttons, patches, iron-on transfers or other decorations.