How to Sew a Backpack

Cut the Bag Pieces

Cut two 15 x 18-inch pieces from the outer fabric, lining, interfacing, and batting.

Fuse the interfacing to the back of the outer fabric. Layer the outer fabric with the batting, and baste the layers together. Quilt the outer panels with diagonal lines.

Cut a 2 1/2-inch square from the bottom corner of the outer and lining pieces.

Make the Straps

Cut two 5 x 17-inch pieces from the outer fabric and batting.

Layer the fabric and batting, then pin and sew the long edges together with right sides facing.

Cut two 12-inch pieces of cotton webbing. On each piece, fold one end under two times and sew across to finish the end. Set aside.

Open the seam on the strap and center it so it lays flat.

Cut two 3-inch pieces of cotton webbing. Slide two D-rings onto the strap and fold it in half. Slip the D-rings into the tube so the ends of the webbing align with the end of the strap. Sew across the end of the strap. Repeat with the second strap.

Turn the straps right side out.

Top stitch the straps, starting at the open end, down the first side, across the end with the rings, and up the second side.

Make the Pieces for Holding the Straps

Cut two 2 1/2 x 5-inch pieces of lining fabric and one 2 1/2 x 5-inch piece from interfacing. Fuse the interfacing onto one piece of lining fabric.

Sew the two rectangles together with right sides facing, using a 1/4-inch seam allowance. Leave an opening for turning. Turn the patch right side out and press.

Cut a 6-inch piece of cotton webbing. Slide the swivel clasp on one end, then fold the end under two times. Sew across the folded piece near the clasp, backstitching across several times to secure it.

Attach the Straps to the Back

Pin the clasp strap and the two padded straps to the top of one of the outer pieces so they extend over the top edge.

Place the clasp first so it's centered and the raw edge is 4 1/2 inches from the top edge. Place the padded straps side-by-side and wrong side up so they are centered and with the raw edges aligned with the other strap.

Pin the patch over the end of the straps.

Sew around the edge of the patch, then sew concentric rectangles inside to fully secure the straps.

Attach D-Rings to the Front

Cut a 5-inch piece of cotton webbing. Slide two D-rings on the strap and fold the ends in to meet each other with the rings in the two folds.

Place the folded strap (with raw edges down) to the second outer piece so it's centered and the top fold is 6 3/4 inches from the top edge.

Sew across the strap near the first D-ring, along the edge, across, and down the last side. Sew around the strap again so it's fully secure.

Sew the Main Backpack Pieces

Pin the two outer pieces with right sides together. Place the two 12-inch webbing straps from step 2 between the layers so they're 1 inch from the bottom of the cut-out corners.

Sew the sides and bottom two times to reinforce the seams. You can zigzag the seam, but this is optional.

Sew the lining pieces on the two sides and the bottom. Use a 1/2-inch seam allowance.

To form the boxed corners, fold the cut corners to bring the side and bottom seams together. Pin the raw edges and sew across two times to reinforce the seam.

Repeat with the lining.

Join the Outer Bag and Lining

Turn the outer bag right side out and place it inside the lining so the right sides are together.

Pin and sew around the top of the bag, leaving a 5-inch opening. Turn the bag right side out and then push the lining into the backpack.

Press the opening in so the seam allowance is aligned. Topstitch around the top of the backpack 1/8 inch from the seam.

Install Snaps

Measure and install two snaps. Position them 4 1/2 inches in from each side and 1 inch from the opening edge. Install them with the smooth button side on the back of the backpack so when it folds over the buttons show.

Loop the Straps

Slide the two side straps through the D-rings on the padded straps, then fold the straps back and between the two rings to secure and adjust the straps.

As you use your backpack, simply snap the top closed and then fold it down and clip it in place. The top ring is for the clip and the bottom ring allows you to clip on other items, like your keys or a coin purse.

This backpack is large enough to hold a notebook or two and a few books, plus a pencil case and other necessities. It's also a good size to use like a purse or a project bag for your crafts.

Tips for Customizing

• To make a larger backpack, add a few inches to the basic pieces, but keep the cut-out corners the same. Consider lengthening the side straps.
• Add extra security by installing a zipper to the top opening instead of the snaps.
• Give your backpack even more character by sewing a patchwork for the outer pieces or adding a bit of embroidery!