Pretty Little Backpack Tutorial

And what are we making this time? This cute as a button drawstring backpack! Free Sewing Tutorial!

 

 So, what will we need?
Makower Sophia fat quarters:
-1541/Q sophia flower
-1544/T sophia bird (teal)
-1544/P sophia bird (pink)
-1525/b2 linea tonal (teal)
-1543/S sophia leaf (grey)
-2x fat quarters grey spot on (830/S5) for the lining
-light grey Kam snap (#20)
-4m paracord or similar 

your usual sewing needs

There is no actual template for this pattern so nothing to print off but you can make one from brown paper using the measurements if you like. Otherwise, just follow along with me.

Firstly, cut two pieces of outer fabric 36cm x 41cm. Use a couple of different ones. Cut two more for the lining the same size.

Now choose another fabric and cut 4 pieces for your casing. They measure 9cm x 35cm. Here is what we have so far...

 Now...the exciting bit (well, one of them), before we make the backpack itself, we are going to add a few other bits and pieces. Take the piece of fabric that you have decided for the front and we are going to add a pocket with a flap. 
Sort through the bits and pieces and find three pieces of fabric. One will be the pocket and measures 21cm x 18cm. The other two will be the flap and the flap lining. 

Take the pocket and fold the top over and iron. Sew along the top edge.
Now fold the other three sides under and press so that there are no raw edges. Position the pocket onto the front piece of fabric 8cm up from the bottom and in the dead centre

To find the centre, make a vertical crease in the front fabric and one in the pocket and then line the two creases up. Sew the pocket on...

Make the flap by cutting two pieces 20cm x 10cm. To get the round bit simply trace around something like a plate or similar and then cut out

 Now with the right sides together, sew right around the flap leaving a gap for turning out. Turn out through the gap and close the gap. Iron the pocket and topstitch it

Add your snap in the middle of the flap

 And the other half of the snap on the corresponding part of the pocket. Sew the flap to the top of the pocket - adding the snap first helps to align the pocket itself. Here is the finished pocket...

 Next this to make are some fancy-schmancy tabs! These are a bit of fun and they are functional too. We need three; two for the bottom drawstring and one to go on the top middle. This one can be used for an embellishment or your keys. You can make the top middle one different from the others if you like.

Choose another fabric and cut a strip 27cm x 8cm. Fold in half lengthwise and iron

Fold the raw edges to the centre crease and iron. Now topstitch along both outer edges

Cut the strap into three equal pieces.

Okay, showtime! Attach two of the tabs on the bottom edge 4cm in from either side and in the very middle top (on that handy crease that you made earlier)....

The casing is made from the long bits. Place the pieces right sides together and sew the ends only leaving the long sections open

This prevents bulk and you won't see them because they too will be buried in the seam. Turn the casing pieces out the right way and press. Fold a casing in half lengthwise and pin it to the top of the front panel. Sew it on

 Repeat for the back.

Now with the right sides together, pin a piece of lining to an outer panel and sew along the top edge only. Repeat for the other piece.

Unfold the two and pin lining to lining and outer to outer (right sides together). Match those seams and edges perfectly and leaving a turning gap in the bottom of the lining, sew all the way around. 
Turn the bag out through the gap and gently pull it into shape. Close the bottom gap neatly by hand or machine. Stuff the lining down into the outer shell.
Topstitch around the top edge to keep the lining down and here is what we have now.....

Cut the cord in half and thread one piece through the casing one way and knot it in the bottom tab

Thread the other piece the other way through the casings and knot it in the other side. Be very careful for fraying as some cords will try to disappear under your fingers. You can slightly melt the end over a flame and if using cotton cord, a good knot will do the trick.

How's that then! All done and you have a perfect little backpack. I love this because it has no wedding so it can fold up rather small and go into your handbag in case you need an extra tote when shopping or travelling. It is great for ballet things and, well just handy and pretty - the best combination.