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Fabric Suggested fabric- Lightweight to medium weight fabric You'll need the following cut of outer fabric and lining fabric depending on the size backpack you are wanting to create (optional pocket is included).
Drawcord Suggested drawcord- washable You'll need to take into consideration the size backpack, the size of the individual, and if they like to wear the backpack high or low on their back. The following is just a rough estimate.
Measurements chart: Mini: 10” W X 14” L Small: 12” W X 16” L Med.: 14” W X 16” L Large: 16” W X 20” L X Large: 18" W X 22" L
Cut out your pattern piece in the appropriate above measurement for the desired size backpack.
Using this pattern cut two of lining and two outer fabric. Step-by-step directions follow: Fold your outer fabric in half right sides together.
Place pattern on top of fabric. (Do not place pattern on fold of fabric; you will need to cut out two separate pieces for the backpack's front and back). Pin or use something heavy to hold the pattern in place on the fabric so it does not shift while cutting. Cut two (front and back). Do same for lining.
If you do not wish to construct a pocket for your backpack, click here to skip to next step.
Optional pocket to place either inside or outside of backpack Fold your backpack pattern in half lengthwise. This will be your pocket pattern.
Place pocket pattern on top of ONE layer of fabric. Pin, or place something heavy to keep pattern from shifting. Cut one of pocket.
Finish one of the long edges by either serging or sewing a zig zag stitch.
Fold over the finished edge towards the wrong side of fabric 1”. Press
Pin and sew on top of finished edge.
Constructing pocket on inside of backpack If placing pocket on the inside of backpack, position wrong side of pocket on the top of the right side of lining, matching up bottoms and sides. Pin
Constructing pocket on outside of backpack If placing pocket on the outside of backpack, position wrong side of pocket against the right side of outer fabric, matching up bottom and sides. Pin.
Sew 3/8" - 1/2" around pocket. Reinforce top corners by backstitching several times.
Divide pocket if desired with vertical seam[s]
Cut 8 2" X 2" pieces of medium/heavy weight iron-on interfacing.
Iron on interfacing on the wrong side of each bottom corner of both lining and outer fabrics front and back.
Place the front and back pattern pieces right sides together lining up bottoms, sides and tops.
Measure down 2 1/2" from the top on each side and place horizontal pins as reminders not to sew there . This will be the openings needed for each of the two drawstring cases.
Pin all around the rest of the backpack.
Sew 5/8” seam where pinned, backstitching several times where the horizontal pins lay.
Double stitch or serge. If you double stitch, you may want to use pinking shears to help prevent unraveling.
Trim bottom corners close to stitching, being careful not to cut stitches.
Trim seam to 1/4", except where the casings are going to be.
Attaching lining to outer fabric Turn outer fabric to right side and press seams flat.
Place lining inside of outer fabric wrong sides together matching up side seams and poking corners out as much as possible.
Pin together outer fabric and lining casing openings on both sides.
Sew3/8" seam attaching outer fabric to lining.
Once you reach the bottom of the casing opening, leave needle in, lift up presser foot and pivot continuing to sew the top on the other side.
Pin lining to outer fabric at top on both front and back
Sew 3/8" seam where pinned
Note: If fabric has a looser weave, you'll want to finish the top edge and casing opening edge by using either serged or zig-zag stitch, double-stitch and pinking shears, or by folding fabric over twice and sewing a straight stitch to prevent unraveling.
Fold over on each side casing openings 5/8" onto the wrong side of fabric or just enough to hide stitches. Pin
Sew
Fold down towards the wrong side of fabric 1" to make a casing. Press. Pin if necessary. Flip over and do the same for the other side.
Sew casing, stitching on top of finished edge stitching, if any.
Turn right side out if necessary. Ensure lining corners are positioned correctly inside outer fabric corners, side seams match up, and that lining lays as flat and smooth as possible inside backpack.
Iron backpack flat
Admire your work! You're almost done!
On outer front of backpack, measure up and out from bottom corner 1". Place marking.
From where the marking is measure up 5/8" and draw a vertical line.
Make two short horizontal lines at the beginning and end of vertical line to let you know where to start the buttonhole and where to end.
Do same for other side. Note: You do not want to catch any of the seams here, but will want to sew a buttonhole on just the interfacing and four layers of fabrics. Trim seams inside backpack if necessary, being careful not to cut into stitching. Before sewing buttonhole, place two pins about 3/8" away from buttonhole.
Sew here to add security to the buttonhole and to keep fabrics in place while sewing buttonhole.
Sew buttonhole.
Open up buttonhole just big enough to fit drawcord though twice. You'll want this hole as small as possible.
Do same for other side.
Suggested drawcord- washable Cut your drawcord at the desired length according to the measurement chart. Note- You'll want to wrap the cord tight with a scotch tape or similar type tape and cut in the middle of it. This will prevent the cord from unraveling. You'll need to take into consideration the size backpack, the size of the individual, and if they like to wear the backpack high or low on their back. Tip- Always round UP until you are sure of the drawcord length you desire. The following is just a rough estimate.
After cutting your desired length, fold that length in half, place scotch tape, and cut. You will need two drawcords the same length for each backpack.
Insert drawcord through backside of buttonhole and tie knot on front.
There are several ways to insert a drawcord, and definitely use whatever method you prefer. I will show the steps on how to insert using a safety pin. On opposite end of knot, latch onto drawcord using a safety pin.
Insert drawcord into the front drawcord casing and on the same side of backpack as the knot. Insert using the backside of pin; this will help prevent it from becoming unlatched, and if it does; helps prevent getting stuck by the pin.
Feed drawcord through casing until you get to the end. Come out end of casing front and insert into the adjacent casing opening for the back.
Insert drawcord through the back casing until you come out the other end.
Insert this end of drawcord through back side of buttonhole just like when starting.
Take out safety pin and untie knot.
Retie drawcords together into one very tight, secure knot.
Do same for other side, photo steps are followed:
Pull so drawcords are completely even on both side.
Remove tape from both drawcords and either wrap both ends together with one piece of tape very tightly, or leave hanging for a fringed affect (see below).
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Copyright 2007 by Renee Boley All Rights Reserved.
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