How to Make a Sling Backpack

Customize your sling backpack with silk flower blooms.

Sling backpacks are a convenient alternative to a purse, school bag or diaper bag and can be made at home for a fraction of the cost. You can make a variety of sling backpacks to coordinate with outfits and decorate them with personal touches, such as your favorite silk flowers or sports team emblem or you can use fabric pens to write names and messages.

Things You'll Need

• Canvas fabric
• Sewing machine (optional)
• Grommet set
• White cord (6 ft.)
• Decorative flowers or emblems (optional)

Instructions

1. Lay the canvas material on a flat surface, measure out an 18-inch by 33-inch rectangle and trace it onto the canvas. Cut out the rectangle and place it on the flat surface with the good side facing downward.

2. Measure a 1/2 inch along the short 18-inch sides, fold over the fabric and use an iron along the fold line to make a crease. Sew the fold closed approximately 1/4 inch from the edge using a straight stitch.

3. Fold over 1 1/2 inches of one of the long sides and use the iron to crease along the fold. Sew the fold in place approximately 1/4 inch away from the edge of the folded fabric.

4. Turn the fabric over so that the wrong side is facing downward. Fold the fabric in half by folding one short side over to the other. Sew the edges together, beginning 1 1/4 inches away from the top that has been hemmed already.

5. Align the bottom edges together, pin the fabric in place and sew the edges together using a straight stitch. Reach into the bag and turn it right-side-out.

6. Make a small mark on the bottom right side of the bag, approximately 1 inch away from the bottom and 1/2 inch away from the right. Use the grommet set to punch a grommet into the canvas. Only puncture through one layer of canvas, not both. Repeat this step for the left bottom side of the bag.

7. Insert the end of the cord through the grommet at the bottom right side of the bag and tie a knot at the end of the cord inside the bag. Thread the remaining cord through the 1 1/2-inch hemmed seam at the top of the bag by attaching the cord to a crochet hook. Insert the cord into the grommet at the bottom left of the bag and tie the end in a knot inside the bag.

8. Decorate the bag. For a pretty floral sling backpack, sew medium-size silk flowers around the bag, approximately 2 inches away from the top. You can also sew sports emblems and other decorative patches onto the bag.

References

• Squawkfox: Back To School Tips: How To Make A Sling Backpack