Sewing a Small Backpack

A backpack can be made out of any fabric.

Small backpacks are perfect for toddlers and preschoolers to carry important items in. Whether they are toting an extra change of clothes to play group or their favorite cars and dolls, young kids' small body frames can easily support small backpacks -- and they offer a perfect fit. Even beginning sewers can make one with very little sewing. Have your child assist in picking out the fabric so they feel involved in the crafting process.

Things You'll Need

• Seam ripper
• Grommets (optional)

Instructions

1. Cut two rectangles from fabric. They can be any size you like, although a typical toddler backpack is roughly 11 inches by 14 inches.

2. Turn the top of each rectangle of fabric down 1 1/2 inches. Press the fold flat and sew 1 1/4 inches from the fold. This creates the casing for the drawstring later on.

3. Lay the two pieces of fabric on top of each other with the right sides together. The casing on both pieces should be together at the same end. Pin along the bottom and both sides.

4. Sew the two pieces together along the edges, using a 1/4-inch seam. Begin on one side at the seam from the casing and go around the fabric until you reach the casing seam on the other side. Do not close the casing.

5. Turn the bag right side out and set aside.

6. Cut two pieces of rope, twine or yarn. Each piece should be 2 yards, or 6 feet, long.

7. Lay the bag in front of you. Beginning on the left, thread one piece of rope through the casing on the top. Go around the entire bag and pull the rope back out the opening you started with. Take the other piece of rope and repeat, this time starting and ending on the right side. Knot the two tails on each side of the bag.

8. Turn the backpack inside out. Use your seam ripper to take a few stitches out of the bottom corners of the bag. Take out just enough to slip the rope through.

9. Slip the knotted string on the left through the hole in the bottom on the same side. Repeat with the string on the right.

10. Sew diagonally across the corner of the backpack, just above the knot. Sew over the rope several times to ensure it is secure.

11. Turn the backpack right side out.

Tips & Warnings

• Add grommets to the bottom corners of the bag instead of sewing the rope into the bag.

References

• Chica and Jo; How to Make a Drawstring Backpack; April 2009
• Mama Urchin: How-to Sew a String Backpack
• Momtastic: How to Make a Drawstring Backpack