Supplies
- 2 pieces of fabric cut to 11″x14″
- 1 piece of cord two yards (72″) in length
- 4 scraps of fusible interfacing about 2″x2″ each
- 2 sets of 3/8″ grommet hardware – I used an antique brass finish but you should use whatever finish coordinates with your backpack fabric
- 3/8″ grommet pliers
- large safety pin
- tailor’s chalk
- iron
- sewing machine
Before You Start
Unless otherwise indicated I’ve used a 10 mm seam allowance throughout. I finished the edges of my fabric pieces with my serger before I got started. This is not necessary although it does keep the inside of the backpack neat. If you’ve invested in a serger I say use it. If you don’t have one just finish the fabric in your usual manner.
Step 1 :: Apply the Fusible Interfacing
Using your iron apply one scrap of fusible interfacing to each of the bottom corners of the wrong side of each fabric piece. The interfacing will help when it comes time to install the grommets so you want it where you’ll be doing that later.
Step 2 :: Backpack Tutorial :: Mark 2″ From the Top
Using your tailor’s chalk mark the edge of your fabric pieces 2″ from the top
Step 3 :: Sew Three Sides Together
With right sides together sew the bottom edge of the backpack. Then, starting at the bottom, sew the side seams ending the seam at the mark you made 2″ from the top.
Step 4 :: Press Open the Side Seams
Using your iron, press open the side seams. Using the seam as a guide continue pressing to the top. By doing this you have folded in the exposed edge of the casing for the cord.
Step 5 :: Press Down 1.25″ for the Casing
With the wrong side facing you fold the fabric of one side of the backpack towards you 1.25″ from the top. Press. Repeat for the other side of the backpack. The raw edge should be about 1/4″ below the top of the side seam on each side. If it isn’t, adjust the fold so that it is. This will make the casing for the cord to go through.
Step 6 :: Sew the Casing
Clip the bottom corners and turn the backpack right side out. Starting at a side seam sew the casing 1″ from the fold. The stitches should lie just at the top of the side seam so you should be able to sew around the entire backpack.
Step 7 :: Mark for the Grommets
Using your iron press the backpack so it lies flat. Using your tailor’s chalk mark the location of you grommets, about 3/4″ in from the bottom and side edges.
Step 8 :: Punch Holes for the Grommets
Following the instructions for your grommet pliers punch holes for the grommets over your markings. For the grommet pliers I use this means having the small piece of white plastic towards the front of the pliers.
Step 9 :: Install the Grommet Hardware
Now you need to decide which side of your backpack is the front. For my fabric it didn’t really matter but it may matter for yours. From the front push through the piece of grommet hardware with the post. On the back side put the washer part of the hardware over the post with the domed side facing out.
Step 10 :: Squeeze
Following the instructions for your grommet pliers squeeze the grommet shut. When the grommet is installed the back will look like this:
Step 11 :: Lace the Cord
Attach a large safety pin to one end of your cord and with the front of the backpack facing you on the table (my photos show the back facing, just pretend it’s the front) thread it through the left grommet from back to front. Leave about an 8″ tail out the back of the grommet, you can tape it down to the table if you’re concernced you might pull it through.
Thread the cord through the front casing by inserting it on the left side.
Thread the cord through the right grommet from front to back.
Thread the cord through the back casing by inserting it on the right side.
Step 12 :: Tie the Ends
Remove the safety pin and tie the ends of the cord together. Trim the ends and then I hide the knot in the back casing.
You’re Done
Now you just need to stuff whatever your heart desires into your brand new string backpack. Let me know if you make one, I’d love to see it!
Thanks for the tutorial, you’ve made it look so easy!
Thank you so much! Such great instructions. You Rock!
what a fabulous tutorial Jennifer. thanks for putting this together.
cool, thanks)))
Fabulous Jenn, simple beauty. Looking forward to trying this.
Great tute!
Thanks for sharing with us!
I love this! Thank you for sharing. I can’t wait to try it.
Great tutorial. I’ve been thinking about making one of these!
Thank you so much! I was about to spend money on a pattern for this today!!!
Thank you so much! My daughter just asked if I would make her one of these, this is exactly what she wants!
I’m so happy you’ve made these directions so helpful. The details and photos clearly outline your directions. Thank you and you’ve just saved me lots of mistakes.
Just Joined this site and LOVE IT !!! I have so many questions and imput, cant wait to make some new sewing friends
Pam Navy Mom from Portland Oregon
Thank you so much for this tutorial. I just used it to make drawstring backpacks as favors for my son’s airplane themed birthday party.
Thank you for sharing your talents!!
thanks for such great info and photos! As someone else mentioned, I could have figured this out myself, but this way I avoid mistakes during the process! I may make the bag double thick for durability, as it is for a 10 year old boy, I am sure he will pack it full of things!!
You have the best tutorial for one of these kinds of backpacks. Well done instructions with pictures.
I have twin nieces and plan on making each one of these for Christmas.
When my children were little I made them each something called a “fun bag”. This was used in the car for long trips and when we went to restaurants. Inside the bag was crayons, coloring books, drawing paper, and books. Sometimes a dolly for my daughter or matchbox cars for my son, but it was a great way to keep them occupied and having fun while we waited for dinner in a restaurant or were on a long ride in the car.
I will post pics on my blog and link you back when I get them done.
Thanks so much! I hope your nieces enjoy them.
-Jennifer
Thanks for the easy tutorial. My nine year old daughter just whipped one up in camo for her brother for a Christmas gift!
Just wanted to let you know I just finished a drawstring bag for my 13 yr old granddaughter. I wouldn’t have even attempted it if I hadn’t found your instructions. It cam out awesome thanks to your very easy, step-by-step instructions.
Thanks again, Robin in Massachusetts.
thank you so much for this tutorial… it saved the magic of Santa for my daughter!
Hey I was wondering how long did it take and also umm. what other things have you made/sewon also umm can you tell me step by step like you did in this how to make a regular backpack and how to make an over the sholder back pack. I really like you back pack and teaching me because I love string back packs but come times they are not bug enough and some time they dont have the desinse I want but because you tought me I can make my own. I am only 12 and I love to sow and know you have teachen me another thing to sow and add to my crafy shelf. Thank you a lot. I hope to see more from you and you wonderful sewing skills and I hope to learn aff o your web site. Thanks
Just made these for my niece and nephew for Valentine’s Day. I am a crafting and sewing novice and mine turned out great! Thank you so much for the clear and easy to follow intstructions!! I will post pictures on my blog and link back to this site!!!!!
I want something clarified, with this backpack you say “with wrong sides together” to start off with, well the picture shows right sides together, if I put the wrong sides together it is not working out, please help I am not too savy with directions.
Joan — STEP THREE: With right sides together sew the bottom edge of the backpack. Then, starting at the bottom, sew the side seams ending the seam at the mark you made 2″ from the top.
Your tute is awesome. I’ve made them a little different in the past but your way is MUCH more polished. I can’t wait to get home, make the adjustments and get sewing!
Thank you!
Hello –
Wonderful tutorial! I looked up “sew backpack” with the exact type you had in your tutorial in mind and it was the first result in Google! I had one question – what type/brand of grommet pliers are you using? The reviews on this type of tool aren’t great, so I wondered which one you found to work well. Thank you!
If you don’t have a serger you can sew the pack with the out side first, then turn it inside out and sew it again this will keep the bear ends of the fabric tucked away quit nicely.
Thanks! I plan to make one for my grandson this weekend I will let you know how it went!
I am using two cords @ 2 yards each.
Take one – lie bag down on table front facing you, anchor one end of a cord to the right grommet, take other end up and in the right top opening then all the way around (out the left end and in the other side’s end that is right next to it, then through that and out forming a bog loop) then back down to bottom Thread both ends back to front through grommet and tie a couple big knots. Repeat on the other side going in from the left forming a loop going in the opposite direction then down and through the grommet back to front, tie off..
This way when finished, you can pull the double cords on left and right outwardly away from each other and it will gather the top like elastic and you can pull it apart to open it…
Before I tie off cords at the grommets, I am also threading the double cords on each side through sleeves (tunnel shaped) made from matching fabric that are the same length of the bag, because it will have double cords and this is for a young child
Thanks!
I really appreciate your detailed instructions!
this was super fun to make! just finished one for my 3 yr old nephew for Christmas – thanks for sharing!!
Thanks for this! Going to try to make these in soccer fabric for my sons team to put their snacks in when its our turn in two weeks!
Gromet pliers. So that’s what it’s called. Thanks for the trivia and the tutorial.
Thank you so much. I just finished two of them for my twin grandsons. They will love to be able to carry cars and snacks to grandma house. Will take pics when they come over. Thank you.
omg im only 10 and i made but i had a little bit of help and instead i used button holes for gramonts i love it so much im useing it for school now
This is awesome! Thanks so much for the tutorial! You make it look so easy, I want to make one for everyone. lol Great idea also for those fabrics you have not found a project for. Even patchwork bags! SO excited!
Thank you for the great instructions! I just used them to help my 6 year old make his own backpack – his first sewing machine project. We used white fabric, so he was able to paint it with fabric paint afterwards. And we just used buttonholes instead of grommets and it worked well. What a great project!
How do you do buttonholes?
Great tutorial! You’ve been featured on the Quality Sewing Tutorials blog.
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Useful information. Lucky me I discovered your web site by chance, and I am stunned why this twist of fate didn’t took place in advance! I bookmarked it.
Made a pair finally! Used your pattern here to start off my “101 ways to reuse blue jeans” series of blogs I am going to do. Yes, I have a lot of jeans! Thanks so much for a great tutorial! Here’s the link: http://www.2crochethooks.com/1/post/2012/05/101-ways-to-upcycle-blue-jeans-1-toddler-jean-back-pack.html
How did you make your site look this sick. Email me if you can and share your wisdom. !
I dig these quick backpacks. Some friend of ours are going on a hiking trip with us in a week or so. I’m thinking I’ll whip some of these up for the kids to carry. I’m wondering where a good spot would be to add an elastic pocket for a water bottle. Any ideas? Visit me at mamajillof2crafts.blogspot.com.
Thank you SO much for your tutorial! A family member asked me to make some drawstring bags made from PUL so her kids could use them after their swimming lessons. Here is a couple of pictures (on my Flickr) of them all completed:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/79541164@N00/7404657174/in/photostream
and
http://www.flickr.com/photos/79541164@N00/7404657086/in/photostream
Thanks again!
Thanks a lot. I just made one for myself. I’ll be starting my first year of a 5 year PhD program in theoretical linguistics. I was able to finger paint a picture of Noam Chomsky on it.
I don’t know whether it’s just me or if perhaps everyone else encountering issues with your site.
It looks like some of the written text within your posts are running off the
screen. Can somebody else please comment and let me know if this
is happening to them as well? This could be a problem with my browser because I’ve had this happen before. Cheers