How to Sew a Toddler Backpack

Yes, you can make this backpack for free; just digging through your closet should do it. Using the legs of a pair of jeans, calico from a cotton shirt and a stray button you can make this little backpack in about the time it takes for your toddler to nap.

Make sure to read the entire pattern before you start. It will help you plan in advance how you want to orient your fabric.

Seam allowance is ½”.

Materials to sew a toddler backpack

Cut the legs off a pair of wide or bootcut jeans. If the seams are damaged you must make a new hem first.

Cut the first leg 12 inches from the bottom seam.

Cut the second leg as follows:

• 2 long strips measuring 3″ by 18″
• 2 short strips measuring 3″ by 8″
• 1 rectangle measuring 4″ by 7″

Cut the same pieces out of the first fabric :

Handles

• 2 long strips measuring 3″ by 18″
• 2 short strips measuring 3″ by 18″

Flap

• 1 rectangle measuring 4″ by 18″

Sewing Instructions to sew a toddler backpack

Topstitch the seam

The first step is to topstitch the seam of the jean leg in a contrasting color. Using a BERNINA  Jeans foot # 8 makes the stitch very regular and helps with the tension control. I like going around the seam three times trying not to overlap my stitch lines to add a wild creative look to the stitching.

If the leg has any holes or blemishes you can secure them in the same ‘wild’ manner.

Create the handles

Pin the jean handles with the calico handles right side together. Using a ½” seam allowance sew along three sides of each of the four handle sets.

Sew the flap

Pin the jean and calico pieces for the flap right sides together. Sew around the perimeter leaving a 2″ gap for turning.

Trim the seam allowance

Trim the seam allowance of each handle to 1/8″.

Trim the seam allowance of the flap but leave it intact above the gap.

Turn and topstitch

Turn and topstitch the handles and flap. I like to use the same principle of wild topstitching and go over the seams three times.

Attach the small handles

Place the small handles inside the bag through the bottom at the corners. Leave ½” out.

Sew the bottom shut and trim the handles.

Make a button hole

Using your machine buttonhole setting, make a buttonhole centered on the edge of the flap that fits the button you have chosen.

Prepare the large handles

Cross the large handles over each other.

Sew across as shown above and trim ¼” from seam.

Attach the handles

Pin the handles to the top of the bag, lining the stitch line with the bag’s topstitching. Sew the handles on along the stitch line securely.

Attach the flap

Repeat step 9 with the flap.

Finish the handles

You can now finish the handles. If you are making this for a little girl you can knot the handle pieces.

If the child is a boy or is a little older/taller you can sew the handles together at different length depending on the child’s size. Keep in mind that the children like to have a snug fit, much snugger than for an adult.

Sew on a button and the bag is ready to gift!