This backpack pattern is so simple to sew you can make one up in less than an hour.
I use to send my kids to swimming lessons with these backpacks as they were small enough to fit on their backs but large enough to hold their beach towels, brushes, bathing suits and other bits and pieces that they needed.
As I always made mine from cotton they were simple to throw in the wash (after removing the cords) to get rid of the chlorine smell from their wet bathing suits.
These can be used for all different purposes for kids, filled with what they need to go off to day camp, bible camp or off to friends for an afternoon.
Of course these are ideal for yourself during the summer when you want a fun bag instead of a purse.
I always use cotton or a mostly cotton blend. If the fabric that you chose is thick enough you will not have to line it but I find lining these backpacks makes a nicer finish.Cut two pieces of your backpack fabric 15 inches by 19 inches.
Cut two pieces of your lining fabric the same size, 15 inches by 19 inches.
With right sides together sew around the edge of the fabric leaving a small opening to turn it inside out.
Repeat with the second piece.
Turn right side out. Sew the opening closed.
Iron these pieces and turn down the top edge by 1 and 1/2 inches on both. Iron the edge and sew across the bottom of the turn. You are making a tunnel for the cord to go through.
With the two pieces right sides together sew from an inch below the tunnel where the cord
goes all around the backpack to an inch below on the other side.
Turn this inside out and press.
You will be putting two grommets in at the bottom of the bag.
Following the instruction on the grommet package place a grommet in each corner of the bottom of the bag about 1/2 an inch from each edge.
(Briefly you punch a hole where you want the grommet, place one side of the grommet through, place the other side of the grommet on and with the tool included in the kit you hammer them together.)
Taking two pieces of cord, each 64 inches long you are going to thread them through the top channels of the backpack.
I find it easier to put the cord on a large safety pin and pull the pin through the channel.
You will pull it through one side and then the other so both side of the cord will be on one side.
With the second piece of cord do the same but start on the opposite side of the bag.
At the bottom of the bag where the grommets are pull one of the cords through and tie it together with the other to form a knot. Do this on both sides.
You can have so much fun making this backpack in a variety of fabrics to suit the activities you are using them for.
With less than an a yard of fabric and an hour of your time you can sew yourself up a easy summer backpack.
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Copyright Ingrid Talpak 2012
Morestylethancash
Morestylethancash
Such a great idea! I love the colors, too. I'd love for you to link it up to our link party!
http://crafting-cousins.blogspot.com/2012/06/what-i-wore-sunday-week-20.html
~Natalie
Anything to get my kiddos to carry their own stuff, right!? Looks great!
Thanks for the great tutorial - I think even I could sew this :) I love these style bags for everything from the gym to camping trips, but find I destroy about one a year. Now I can make my own!