Instructions for Making Kids Backpacks

Backpacks are easy to find, but sometimes can be quite expensive. Making your own backpack for your child not only keeps the cost down, but also gives your child a chance to wear something truly unique. For maximum bonding, involve your child in as much of the process as possible, especially picking out the fabric for the backpack.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

Needle Thread 2 pieces of patterned 10-inch by 12-inch fabric of your choice 2 pieces of plain 10-inch by 12-inch fabric of your choice 1 piece of patterned 6-inch by 6-inch fabric of your choice 1 piece of plain 6-inch by 6-inch fabric of your choice 2 pieces of 14-inch by 4-inch fabric 1 string, 20 inches long Straight pins Snap
Needle
Thread
2 pieces of patterned 10-inch by 12-inch fabric of your choice
2 pieces of plain 10-inch by 12-inch fabric of your choice
1 piece of patterned 6-inch by 6-inch fabric of your choice
1 piece of plain 6-inch by 6-inch fabric of your choice
2 pieces of 14-inch by 4-inch fabric
1 string, 20 inches long
Straight pins
Snap

Step 1

Take your 10-inch by 12-inch pieces of pattern fabric and match them up with the nonpatterned 10-inch by 12-inch pieces of fabric. Fold the patterned pieces of fabric over 1/4 inch on each side, and make a straight stitch, either by hand or with a sewing machine.

Step 2

Lay both 10-inch by 12-inch pieces together, the plain sides facing one another. Sew them together on three sides, leaving one of the 10-inch sides open.

Step 3

Place the string around the top of the opening. Fold the patterned section over the string, keeping the patterned section in place with straight pins. Make a stitch where you have pinned the fabric together, securing the string in place. You have now made a drawstring.

Step 4

Take your 6-inch by 6-inch piece of patterned fabric and match it up with the 6-inch by 6-inch plain piece of fabric. Fold the patterned piece over the plain piece about 1/4 inch and make a straight stitch all the way around. Sew a snap in the middle of the square, about three-quarters of the way down.

Step 5

Lay the backpack down straight on the table, making sure the drawstring is undone. Place the 6-inch by 6-inch piece of fabric on the top of the back (about 1 inch from the drawstring) in the middle, making sure that the patterned piece of fabric is facing out. Make a straight stitch across the top of the fabric, preferably by hand.

Step 6

Put the flap down, the way it would go if the backpack were closed. Mark where the snap hits the other piece of fabric and sew the bottom part of the snap there.

Step 7

Take the two pieces of 14-inch by 4-inch pieces of fabric. Fold them inward 1/4 inch and make a straight stitch going down each side and the top. Place them on the backpack, about an inch from the bottom and an inch from the top. You may want to measure them on your child to make sure that it will fit properly. Sew them into place by using a straight stitch to secure the top and bottom part of the straps.

Step 8

Decorate the bag with your child. Suggestions include using puff paint, sewing on patches or adding glitter.

Article Written By Fiona Miller

Writing since 2008, Fiona Miller has taught English in Eastern Europe and also teaches kids in New York schools about the Holocaust. Her work can be found on Overstock.com, ConnectED and various other Web sites. Miller holds a B.A. in French from Chapman University and an M.A. in educational theater from New York University.

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