How to Make a Stuffed Animal Backpack

A stuffed animal backpack is a great way for children to carry their own items with them on trips such as to the zoo or to daycare. It's a great way to use an old stuffed animal that brings security to your child. A stuffed animal backpack can provide great comfort to a child on the first day of preschool or a new daycare. Animal backpacks are easy, fun projects that you can make with your children in little time.

Things You'll Need

• Large stuffed animal Scissors Needle and thread Thick rope Hot glue Zipper

Instructions

How to Make a Stuffed Animal Backpack

1. Chose a stuffed animal. Find one with a large body or abdominal cavity, because this will serve as the carrier. This is where you or your child will put things.

2. Cut a slit in the middle of the stuffed animal, from top to bottom, on the front side of the animal's stomach. Make it the appropriate length to match the zipper you have purchased. Remove the stuffing from the animal's stomach. Be careful to leave the stuffing in the head, arms and legs.

3. Use a needle and thread to sew the the arms, legs and head closed. Do this from the inside the animal. This will keep the stuffing from other parts of the body from spilling into the backpack. Tie off your stitching using several knots to keep your seam strongly attached.You can use large stitches that are not perfect. They will not be seen.

4. Measure two lengths of rope to use as backpack straps. Add 6 inches to the measured length to allow for knotting the ends. You may need to allow more if you are using particularly thick rope. Tie a single knot in each end of the rope. Secure the knots with hot glue in the centers and around the edges to keep the knots from coming untied. Allow to dry.

5. Cut four slits in the back of the stuffed animal, only large enough to slide the knots in. These will be where you straps attach, so make two in the back shoulder area of your stuffed animal and two in the lower back area of your stuffed animal. Adjust these as you wish so your child will have a comfortable fit.

6. Make the left strap by pushing the knot at one length of rope into the slit at the top left of your stuffed animal. Sew the slit on both sides of the rope to close it as tightly as possible. If you can, sew through the rope, too. Even if you cannot sew all the way through the rope, try to include a few strands of the rope. The knots will keep the straps in place as long as the slits are sewn closed.

7. Repeat with the bottom left strap. Attach the right strap the same way

8. Sew the zipper into the slit you made in the front of the stuffed animal.

Tips & Warnings

• If you do not want to use rope, you can make straps by folding long pieces of fabric into 2-inch wide strips and sewing them to the back of the stuffed animal. Or you could use purchased braid or webbing.

• Supervise small children who use your stuffed animal backpack. The straps could be a choking hazard.

Resources

• Browse Stuffed Animals