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Tiny Backpack to carry your odds and ends
So one day i decided i needed something to carry my stuff.
I'm not really a purse girl so i decided on a tiny backpack.
It has some tricky sewing parts but it's worth it

Posted by Katt Published See Katt's 15 projects »
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  • How to make a backpack. Mini Backpack - Step 1
    Step 1

    Your going to cut out two of each pattern piece. One for the outside and one for the lining.
    For the sides you will end up with four pieces total.

  • How to make a backpack. Mini Backpack - Step 2
    Step 2

    First we are going to start by making the pattern and at the same time giving you the measurements needed.

    Mark out a rectangle 19 inches high and 12 inches wide.
    Round out the edges. Make the top part more round as this will be the flap on your backpack

    Create another rectangle this time 11.5 inches high and 12 inches wide. This will be the front of your backpack.

  • How to make a backpack. Mini Backpack - Step 3
    Step 3

    The odd long hour glass shape is 12 inches long bu 4.5inches wide. the best way to make this is by cutting out a rectangle with these measurements folding it in half and cutting the curve into the sides.
    this part will be the bottom of your backpack

    Make another rectangle 12 inches high ans 2 inches wide. cut out two of these. They will become the sides.

  • How to make a backpack. Mini Backpack - Step 4
    Step 4

    This is the bottom piece. I though you might need some help in cutting it out.
    Just make sure every thing is even and you can cut the fabric like this

  • How to make a backpack. Mini Backpack - Step 5
    Step 5

    If you want a pocket in your backpack cut out a rectangle 7inches long and 5 inches wide

  • How to make a backpack. Mini Backpack - Step 6
    Step 6

    Hem that rectangle on all sides to avoid ugly fraying on your pocket

  • How to make a backpack. Mini Backpack - Step 7
    Step 7

    Sew all of your corresponding pieces together (preety side out)
    DON'T SEW TOGETHER THE BACK PIECE YET IF YOUR ADDING A POCKET.

  • How to make a backpack. Mini Backpack - Step 8
    Step 8

    Sew your pocket onto the piece your using for the inside. Remember...Don't sew the top shut.
    Make sure it's going to be in the back pack and not on the flap.

  • Step 9

    You should now have all the pieces sew to their counter parts.
    The reason you don't see both lining and out side on mine is because i did not put a lining in this backpack since i was using a thick fabric.

  • How to make a backpack. Mini Backpack - Step 10
    Step 10

    Take your side pieces and sew them to the front part of your backpack. Make sure the seams will be on the inside.
    don't worry about the hem on the front part. Your going to do this after the sides are sewn on. I messed up on mine.
    When you have the sides sewn on just fold everything over about an inch and line it all up. the sides are longer then the body piece to ensure you can get then even.

  • How to make a backpack. Mini Backpack - Step 11
    Step 11

    Sew the bottom piece on.
    Because of the curve your going to have to fight it with pins.
    It will make sense once you start playing with it.

  • How to make a backpack. Mini Backpack - Step 12
    Step 12

    Your going to have something that looks like this now...Except your sides should be hemmed down to match the body

  • How to make a backpack. Mini Backpack - Step 13
    Step 13

    Pin and sew the back piece to the sides and the bottom. Make sure the pocket is on the outside while your sewing. this will become the inside.
    When your done sewing flip your back right side out and check for holes.

  • How to make a backpack. Mini Backpack - Step 14
    Step 14

    For the straps your going to cut out two long rectangles about 27inches long and 4 inches wide.

  • How to make a backpack. Mini Backpack - Step 15
    Step 15

    Take one rectangle and fold over about half an inch and sew it down on both sides. This is my way of doing straps. It evens out my crooked cutting and adds extra strength.

    CHEATER WAY
    Sew a tunnel with the preety side on the inside.
    Flip the tunnel right side out.
    Presto.

  • How to make a backpack. Mini Backpack - Step 16
    Step 16

    Fold the strap over and sew with a zig zag stitch.
    Repeat this with the other rectangle.

  • How to make a backpack. Mini Backpack - Step 17
    Step 17

    Fold over the tips of your strap fro a cleaner look.
    Pin one end to the top of one side
    Pin the other end to the back side near the bottom

  • How to make a backpack. Mini Backpack - Step 18
    Step 18

    Make sure your straps are even.

  • How to make a backpack. Mini Backpack - Step 19
    Step 19

    Sew them on with a pattern similar to this for strength purposes.

  • How to make a backpack. Mini Backpack - Step 20
    Step 20

    When sewing on the bottom part on the straps MAKE SURE YOU DON'T SEW YOUR BACKPACK TOGETHER
    Your going to have something that looks like this. Just make sure there is no other part of the bag under you while your sewing.

  • How to make a backpack. Mini Backpack - Step 21
    Step 21

    Add velcro i was lazy and glued mine on. Sewing is better

  • How to make a backpack. Mini Backpack - Step 22
    Step 22

    Walla!
    Your new awesome mini backpack!

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Comments

Merdina
Merdina · 4 projects
Cute! Maybe my sister might make me one... ^^
Reply
JellyBean Bunny
JellyBean Bunny · Deltona, Florida, US
Great tutorial. Thanks for sharing.
Reply
Carli
Carli · Wales, Wales, GB · 2 projects
So sweet! I'm going on holidays in a few days and hate having shoulder/arm strap bags falling down in the heat. I was just wondering what bags to take .. will now just make up one or two of these! ^_^
Reply

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