Things You'll Need:
- Large Backpack
- Large 100-percent wool sweater
- Sharp dressmaker scissors
- Sewing machine
- Heavy-duty thread
- Decorative accessories
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Step 1
Cut the straps at the bottom of the backpack on the back side. Usually, these will be canvas and fairly easy to cut through close to the bag. Cut one strap off completely. Leave the other one dangling from the top.
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Step 2
Thread your sewing machine with heavy-duty thread. Plan to use the thick-fabric setting.
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Step 3
Sew one strap to the opposite side. You can sew left to right or right to left, whichever you prefer. Now, your big sling purse is ready to decorate or you can leave it as-is for a more rugged look.
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Step 1
Wash the wool sweater in hot water to shrink and "felt" it. You can do this by putting it in the washing machine and setting all water temperature settings to hot.
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Step 2
Machine dry the sweater for further shrinkage. This "felting" process makes the fabric dense and strong.
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Step 3
Cut the arms off the sweater at the shoulders. Beginning at the bottom of the armholes, cut straight across the sweater. Material from that point up to the neck will be scrap. You can use leftover bits of this wool to make "flowers" to decorate the bag when it's finished.
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Step 4
Machine sew the bottom of the sweater closed to form the bag. Turn the sweater inside out before sewing. Using a zigzag stitch will prevent raveling.
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Step 5
Sew on arm piece around the top of the bag on the inside for reinforcement. Use a zigzag stitch here also. Once you are done, turn the bag right side out.
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Step 6
Sew the other arm to the bag. Attach one end of the arm to the front right side and the other end to the back left side to form the sling handle.
Attach buttons, ribbons or any other decorative accessory to the bag by hand to embellish it. You can make your big sling purse really sparkly or leave it modestly plain.
