10/18/12

DIY backpack

Supplies: 1 yard of durable fabric
I used faux leather for the bottom...
1/2 a yard for the liner.
 drawstring, anything for closure
pattern



I always have my hands full with my little boys on each hand. I love backpacks and wanted to create one that would be functional and fit my style. I created this simple pattern to print out. 


DIY:
The pdf pattern is here .
You will need to piece the front/back part together by taping them. It will read place on fold if attached correctly. The printing is for a standard page. 

Make sure to place the pattern on the fold for the front and back pieces.


Press seams of pocket 1/4 inch. 


Sew the top 1/4 inch over. 


place the pocket in the middle of the front piece.
Top stitch around leaving top flap open. 


You can make your own straps or purchase it from the fabric/craft store. 2 yards should be enough.


 For the straps I cut 2 strips 3in. by 28in. long and sewed them right sides together. I pulled it through with the loop thing shown above and ironed them flat. 


Fold an end of the strap over an inch and sew a square evenly on the back panel. I lined them up 2.5 inches down from the top and 4 inches from the sides. Line the other end with the darts on the bottom and topstitch.


Sew the front and back panels right sides together. 


Sew the bottom circular piece right sides together starting at any point. Make sure to get the straps in...


Create a liner by cutting another front and back piece and 1 bottom. Repeat the steps to make the liner but without the straps, you can add the pocket for more storage. 


Flip the liner inside out and sew right sides together leaving about a 4 inch hole so you can pull it through. 


At this point you can hand sew a snap for a closure and be done...


or...I wanted a draw string so I made a strip that measured all the way around the back pack and 4 inches in width. I then pressed the edges 1/4 inch over and then pressed the whole strip in half.


At the half way point sew 2 button holes on the front half of the strip about 1 inch apart. You can do grommet holes if you have the plier set.


Pin around the edge...


Topstitch around...


Hand sew the trim edge so you keep the opening for the drawstring.


Pull a drawstring through one buttonhole to the other. You will have to guide it through by placing a safety pin on one of the ends...

Posted by Laura at 6:30 AM

26 comments:

  1. I love it, gold liner is fantastic!

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  2. It's so darling!!!! Thanks for posting I cannot even wait to get started!

    xoxo
    Liesl

    woodsy-soiree.blogspot.com

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  3. Awesome DIY- that looks great!

    Sara
    http://seventwentysomethings.blogspot.com/

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  5. Love the chevron pattern. The gold lining and leather is a nice touch! Great DIY!

    Charlotte
    www.deconstrut.blogspot.ca

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  6. Love it.. right down to the fabric! This is going on the list for sure!

    ~Amy
    www.LadyMockingbird.com

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  7. So awesome ! Thank you for posting! :)

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  8. Love it!
    I'll try it for sure!

    www.megustaonomegusta.com
    ♥

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  9. I HAVE to make one of these! Where did you get your fabric? I want to wait to buy your pattern until I've found some fabric for it and I have the hardest time finding fabric I love.

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    Replies

    1. I got it from hobby lobby...the gold faux leather was from a vendor in la

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    2. Thank you!!! I'll have to check it out. I really want to make one of these bags.. Totally beats carrying around a big diaper bag or something. Thanks so much for the idea! I'm in love with your blog.

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  10. Did anyone tell you that you're a genius? Jeeesus, I'm in love with your works (Yours, not Jesus).
    Now I know what I'm going to make for myself, a great substitute for my school bag. Can't wait till spring. I admire that you do something completely different than anyone else. You just do not repeat the same schemes but create a new one.
    Honestly, my favourite blog.

    Love! R.
    radziok.blogspot.com

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  11. i am confused as to where the pdf is because whenever i click the "pdf" link it redirects me to a survey site and i really want to make this backpack! :)

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    Replies

    1. https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B-703fimDNgzWE96YlNmNjJZcnc/preview

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  12. You should sell them ;)

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  13. I made it and im a beginner and it still turned out amazing! thank you so much!!! It was so quick

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  14. This is such a great idea. I love the fabric you chose.

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  15. I am extremely excited to see something as clever ss this. Put a waterproof liner in it and you have a beach bag, insulate it, and picnic bag, I like it much better than the traditional backpacks. Thank you so much.

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  17. can you add a flap?

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  18. Is that duck fabric? Because I'm pretty sure I have a bunch of extra of that exact same fabric that I have now decided what to do with.

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  19. Thank you so much for this tutorial! I found it on Pinterest and used it to make my Mom her Mother's Day present. She LOVED it. I posted my pictures on my blog and linked to your tutorial if you would like to see it.

    Thanks again!

    Sarah

    hautehooker.wordpress.com

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  20. I'm going to make this bag from my Dad's old uniform. If it works out ok I'll make one each for my brothers too. It will be a nice way to remember him. To any that say it's disrespectful - tough luck.

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  21. I am having trouble finding the pdf pattern. Really want to make this.

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  22. Such a cool idea! i HAVE to make one.....I'm thinking it would come out pretty cool if made out of canvas fabric and hand painted it. Would you suggest painting it first or making the backpack and then painting? Thanks! BTW...kinda obsessed with your diy's!

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