Things You'll Need:
- Two rectangles of denim fabric One pair of old jeans Tape measure Scissors Thread in matching or contrasting color Sewing machine with zigzag feature Decorative embellishments (optional)
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Step 1
Cut one 14-by-14-inch square of denim for the front of the backpack. Cut one 14-by-20-inch rectangle of denim for the back and flap. Zigzag stitch ½ inch in around all edges of both pieces.
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Step 2
Cut the back pockets off of an old pair of jeans, leaving ½ inch of fabric around the pocket. Zigzag stitch the pockets onto the front piece of the backpack, positioning the bottom of the pockets 2 inches from the bottom of the backpack.
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Step 3
Cut the hems off the old jeans to create narrow strips that will serve as a tie to keep the backpack closed. Center one strip at the top edge of the rectangle, and center the second strip on the front of the square, 4 inches from the top. Sew securely.
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Step 4
Create the straps by cutting two strips of 28-by-4-inch fabric from the legs of the old jeans. Fold in half lengthwise with wrong sides together and zigzag stitch along both edges.
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Step 5
Securely sew the straps to the back rectangle. Position straps 1 inch from each side edge, with the bottom of the strap 1 inch from the bottom of the back rectangle and 7 inches from the top.
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Step 6
Put the front and back pieces of the backpack together, aligning the bottom edges. The excess 6 inches at the top of the back piece will serve as the flap to cover the top of the backpack. Zigzag stitch around sides and bottom edges. Stitch again for extra stability.
