How to Make a Tie-Dye Quilted BackPack

How To Recycle Your TShirt into a Tie-Dye Quilted BackPack!

If your closet is full of worn tshirts but you still cannot depart with them-follow these easy steps and recreate them into a back to school tie-dye quilted backpack! No TShirts? No Problem! Recycle and tie-dye your favorite fabric scraps too!

Just in time for back to school and holiday projects!

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• TShirts/Fabric Scraps
• Scissors
• Sewing machine
• and/or merrow machine
• Ruler
• pins
• paper pattern
• Iron
• Fabric dye
• Rubberbands
• Containers
• Latex Gloves
• Mixing Tool (for dye)
• Timer

1. 
   TShirt Front Panel Frame with Fabric Scraps!

   Take your old tshirts and cut from its orginal frame. You will have a front and back panel, sleeves and collar. If you are running low on tshirts, you may also use your fabric scraps and sort into small, medium and large pieces.

2. 
   Paper Pattern: Use BackPack Panel Pattern to Assemble Front Panel Box Squares

   Next, its time for your pattern. Great time for more recycling! Use your old gift wrapping or tissue paper, or your paper grocery bags!
   
   Special note: Do not cut fabric with pattern until after tie-dye process is complete! Fabric will be easier to dye in larger sections, even if you are using fabric scraps! Your tie dye quilted backpack will be incorporating multi color tones from your unique design.
   
   Front/back backpack panel pattern:
   Width=14-1/2",includes 1" tunnel at top with 1/2" seam allowance; Length=20-1/2", includes 1/2" seam allowance.
   
   Box quilt pattern: 4-1/2"Width x 4-1/2"Length:
   Cording/Drawstring: 1-1/2" width x 48"Length.
   
   Note: If you are recycling drawcord from another project, follow length spec only. Width is for fabric drawstring construction only.

3. 
   Tie-Dye Knot Technique!

   Organize your work area ready for tie dye process. Read instructions for fabric dye selected. You may be able to use a portion of your fabric dye for this project and save the rest for a later time.
   
   Gather all your materials and decide which tie-dye technique you will be using. Since you will be dyeing tshirt frames or fabric scraps, it is suggested to use the knot tie-dye technique. To learn the knot techinque, see the related articles and additional resources section.
   
   Take your front and back panel frames (fabric scraps) and use rubber bands to tie and secure your fabric folds prior to dipping into dye.
   
   Remember, the key to dyeing tshirt frames/fabric scraps is time intervals. These pieces require less time to absorb fabric dye. You may want to start at 2-3 minute intervals for a light dye and re-dip partial fabric for a longer length of time to start color gradation process. Allow your inspiration to come thru and incorporate mixing color tones.

4. 
   Map Out Your TShirt Quilt mixing Tie-Dye Patterns and Colors!

   Once you are satisfied with your tie-dye, rinse until water runs clear.
   Allow 6 hour drying time to help the color set in. Remember to follow all the same tie dye pre-cautions even if you are dyeing smaller pieces of fabric.
   
   Once your fabric is completely dry, you are ready to construct and map out your quilt. Have Fun and Create Your Unique TShirt Quilt Panel!
   
   Backpack panels: Cut 1 for backview; (you may cut 3 if you choose to line your backpack)
   Box squares: Cut 15 for front panel
   Drawstring: Cut 2 pieces

5. Once you map out your front panel quilt, sew box squares together until your panel is complete. Use either your sewing machine or merrow machine. Please note, when sewing to be aware of your seam allowance. Your front panel may be significantly smaller when using a wider seam allowance than your back panel. This will help avoid having to add more quilt box squares to your design.
   
   Special note: Although this project is not incorporating traditional quilting methods, if you are an avid and skilled quilter, allow your inspiration and unique style to shine through!

6. 
   Drawstring Tunnel

   Once your quilt panel is constructed, you are ready to assemble your backpack. Turn over top of panel to form a drawstring 1" tunnel. You will keep your tunnel open to run drawstring thru. This is for drawstring adjustability and backpack closure. Topstitch both panels. Have fun! Select a decorative zig-zag stitch!
   
   Please note: If you choose to line your backpack, insert lining before running tunnel topstitch. You may want to select a contrast lining to coordinate back to your front quilted panel.
   
   If you selected fabric drawstrings, use a contrast exposed coverstitch to coordinate to your tie-dye front panel as well.

7. 
   Drawstring Insert

   Now you are ready to sew sideseams. Leave a 3/4" width opening approximately 3" from bottom seam. Please note each side does have 2 drawstrings. Once your 2 drawstrings are inserted, you may sew sideseams and trim excess drawstring inside your backpack. Reinforce drawstring with bar-tack stitch (optional).
   
   Special note: Pin drawstring and insert thru tunnels prior to sewing panels together. Try on backpack and make sure you feel comfortable with the amount of drawstring. If you need more room, it is ok to add extra inches to your drawstring. Do not be afraid of using mix matched seams as part of your design.

8. 
   Back panel cut and sew stripe fabric inserts

   Enjoy your recycled tshirt tie-dye quilted backpack! You may also redesign your back panel by inserting cut and sew stripe fabric inserts. Use this as your guide and let your creativity shine through!

Tips & Warnings

• When cutting backpack panels keep in mind if you will be lining your backpack. You will then cut 3 backpack panels and your 4th panel will be your quilted panel.
• If you are showcasing your tshirt graphics, you may consider to cut your box square using a different spec. Books such as,"How to Make a Too Cool TShirt Quilt", the author suggests to select a spec that is divisible in order to create larger box squares. For example, your primary box may be 4", but if you want to showcase a graphic or a larger portion of your tie-dye, you can insert a box square spec of 12"(divisible by 4").
• This project does NOT require any iron-on backing or cotton sashing.
• Finish tying and securing fabric folds prior to mixing fabric dye. Some dyes require hot water and salt. This will avoid any fabric dye powder to form clusters and set into your fabric.
• Take note that certain tshirts or fabric contents may not absorb dye. It is best to test with fabric scraps prior to submerging tshirts or scraps sorted for project!
• You may choose to pre-wash your tie-dye items with a small amount of laundry soap prior to start quilting. Always remember to allow the 6 hours fabric dye setting time to elapse before washing.

Resources

• Free Pattern Downloads: Check out the Homepage!
• Video: How To Knot Tie Dye Technique
• How To Make a Too Cool Tshirt Quilt and more!
• Video: BackPack Pattern
• Video: Making Tie Dye Quilted BackPack

[neka27]

on 9/9/2009 This is a beautiful idea. You are so creative. This is a quality to be admired. 100* and 100 recs

[michaelmulvania]

on 9/8/2009 What a great idea, I'm impressed with your creativity.