Wednesday, August 3, 2016

DIY Toddler Backpack

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Last year I made a mini bag for my niece using Dora print fabric as it is her favorite cartoon.One day during a random phone conversation with her, she asked for a bigger Dora bag as she cannot carry many things in her small bag. So, I decided to make her a Dora Backpack for her birthday this year. I haven't stitched any backpack till now, so I took this as a challenge and made my own pattern to sew this backpack. This came out quite well except in few places. I think they are so negligible mistakes which I have to work on to avoid in my future projects. Now, let's get to the making of this bag.



DIY toddler backpack with pattern


Materials Used:
Cotton fabric - 1 yard
Nylon - 3/4 yard
Interfacing - 1 yard (I used Pellon 809 decor bond)
Interfacing - 1/8 yard (Fusible Thermolam plus)
Magnetic clasp
Zipper - 22"
Elastic 1/2" - 10" approx length
D-rings - 4 as straps adjusters
Bias tape
Hand sewing needle
Sewing thread
Pattern for Front and back panel

Measurements:
Front and back panels -  10.5" X 14" (If you want to make your own pattern, otherwise you can click the link above to print the pattern.Make sure you align edge to edge and tape it to get the complete pattern)
Front pocket -  10.5" X 9"
Zipper panels - 2"X 22" - 2 pieces
Side panel - 4.5" X 26"
Bottle holder - 9.5" X 7"
Shoulder Straps - 8" X 11.5" - 2 pieces
Strap extender - 3" X 20" - 2 pieces
Hanger loop - 4" X 3.5"
D-rings holder - 3" X 5" - 2 pieces

Interfacing:  I used Interfacing for all the parts mentioned in the measurements except the bottle holder,strap extender and mini pieces like hanger loop & D-rings holder. I used Fusible Thermolam plus interfacing for the Shoulder straps to give some extra bulkiness and softness.

Lining : I used lining for front and back panels, Zipper panel, side panel, front pocket and bottle holder.




Front panel:


Step 1: Attach one part of the magnetic clasp in the center of the front pocket lining(Wrong side) with a piece of interfacing for extra support.


Step 2: Sew the front and lining of the front pocket together by sandwiching them between the bias tape. I also used zig-zag stitch above the normal stitch for some extra security. As nylon is very sheer, I felt like a single stitch was not enough. 



Step 3: Now attach the another side of the magnetic clasp at the appropriate place on the front panel. I have discussed in detail on how to attach the magnetic clasp in my mini Dora bag tutorial. Then sew the front pocket onto the front panel. Sew along the corners with 1/4" seam allowance. The front panel is now ready. 


Back panel:


Hanger Loop :

Step 1: Fold the piece(2.5" X 5") in half and iron. Open then fold the sides meeting the center crease/iron line and then fold in half again.Sew with 1/8" allowance and repeat the same on the other side.  See step 6 here for better understanding of this step.




D-rings holder :

Step 1: Repeat the same step as hanger loop.Fold the stitched loop in half and place couple of d-rings into the loop and make a stitch to secure the rings. 





Shoulder Straps :

Step 1:Follow the same procedure of ironing and folding as previous steps. But before sewing the edges, iron a fusible thermolam plus on one side of the fold. The thermolam measurements will be 2"X11". I have subtracted 0.5" in length as you will be folding and sewing the raw edges. Fold the raw edges and place the D-rings holder in the center before sewing. Secure them well with two stitches, then sew the corners to complete the shoulder strap. Repeat the same for the other one. 


Straps Extender :

Step 1: Again the same process of folding, ironing and sewing. Fold and sew the ends before the sides for a neat finish. 


Assembling the back panel:


Step 1: Pin the hanger, shoulder straps and strap extenders in its place. There is no hard and fast rule for this. I just measured the center point for the hanger loop and half an inch from that I pinned the  shoulder straps. And for the strap extenders , I measured one inch from the bottom and pinned them. 
Stitch twice or thrice, use reverse stitching for a strong hold. The back panel is now ready. 


Zipper Panel:


Step 1: Sew each piece on either side of the zipper using 1/4" seam allowance. 



Side panel :


Step 1: Attach side panel to the zipper panel with 1/2" seam allowance. The length I have mentioned here might be slightly larger than required (around 1/2" to 3/4"). So I recommend you to check it by pinning around the front panel once before attaching the second side of the side panel to the zipper panel. 



Attaching the bottle holder :

Step 1: Take the outer piece and lining together. Fold and sew to create a 1/2" inch opening for elastic at the top. 

Step 2: Thread a hand sewing needle and make a running stitch at the bottom to create gathering.Gather the bottom so that the width is equal to the side panel width (4.5") .

Step 3: Insert the elastic into 1/2" inch opening. 


Step 4: Mark the place where you want the bottle holder on the side panel. Place the bottle holder right sides facing each other and stitch the bottom. 


Step 5: Flip it and sew the sides to complete the bottle holder. 




Connecting the side and front panel :


Step 1: Connect the center points of the front panel and zipper panel. Start pinning all around using straight pins. 



Step 2: Sew all around to attach the side panel to the front panel.


Connecting the back panel to complete the bag:



Step 1: Repeat the same steps as before and sew all around to complete the bag. Don't forget to unzip the zipper to turn the bag inside out. Make sure everything is perfect. Go over, all the edges to shape the bag. If you have planned for a bag without lining, you are done. 




But I have planned to line the bag.So, let's get to the lining part.

Lining the bag :


Step 1: Sew one part of the zipper and side panels to the front panel as shown .Repeat the same to sew the back panel and another zipper panel. Make sure to leave 1/4" allowance in the zipper panel to fold and sew later. 


 Step 2 : Turn the already stitched bag to the wrong side. Turn the lining stitched to right side facing out. Now insert the bag into the lining and pin along the zipper and sides to secure. Sew along the sides of the zipper (top stitch) and sides to complete the bag. Turn the bag inside out and be amazed at your own hand sewn backpack.







DIY toddler backpack with pattern


How to sew a backpack



Hope you like this step by step tutorial on how to sew a toddler backpack.I made this backpack in such way that it should at least hold papers of A4 or letter size. 
The fabric measurement of one yard may be bigger for a backpack like this if you chose to make this with a different print. As I wanted this bag to be full of Dora's wherever possible, it consumed a little extra fabric for me. But remember, extra is always safer when it comes to sewing. I chose 22" zipper as I wanted a wide opening but you can change it if you want. I really liked how the bottle holder turned out too. What extra will you add to this backpack if you have made this? Or what you would have not included? Share them in the comments below. As always I will be happy to hear it from you.

Other sewing projects you might like:






33 comments:

  1. A fabulous backpack Sahana. Adding the water bottle holder is a great idea. As always, a comprehensive tutorial.

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  2. Cute backpack and a great tutorial! Thanks for sharing.

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  3. What a cute fun project! Love the fabric also and the drink bottle pouch! Saves digging around looking for it when your on the go!

    Thank you so much for sharing over at Waste Not Wednesday! Looking forward to seeing what creativeness you share with us this week! :-)

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  4. You are amazing at what you can do - this is adorable!! I need to get some sewing lessons from you. :) #HomeMattersParty

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  5. Oh my gosh, this is adorable!! Love your amazing sewing skills!
    Thanks for sharing at the #InspirationSpotlight Party. Pinned & shared.

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  6. Wow, I wish I could make something like this! You've got great skills. I love how you can use kids' favorite characters/theme fabric to make them a 100% unique backpack.
    Happy to be cohosting the #HomeMattersParty with you this week!

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  7. If only my girls were little again. I would so make these for them. Love having you as a cohost on #homemattersparty.

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  8. WOW!!! This is remarkable. It looks like it was store bought. Your tutorial pictures are awesome too. Great job!

    Thank you for sharing this with us on the #HomeMattersParty.

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  9. the pattern link won't work, would love to make one for my grandson :(

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    Replies
    1. Hi Lisa, The link is actually working fine. I tried opening in 2 to 3 browsers. I don't know why it is not working for you. If you need the pattern, I can email it you. Please send me an email to vikalpah@gmail.com

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  10. This is so darling! I so wish I could sew! #HomeMattersParty

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  11. You did such an awesome job! @Michelle James I wish I could sew too!! lol. #HomeMattersParty

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  12. Do you have the finished measurements? I'm trying to decide if this will come out any bigger than the one we have now

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  13. Do you have the finished measurements? I'm trying to decide if this will come out any bigger than the one we have now

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    Replies
    1. It is approx 9.5" W X 13" H Hope this helps you to decide :)

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  14. Hi,
    Can I sell backpacks made with your pattern?
    I have a small webshop: www.isamade.be
    you can email me isabelle.catrysse@telenet.be
    Thanks! Kind regards, Isabelle

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  15. Is there a video tutorial about this?

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  16. I might want to thank you for the endeavors you have made in composing this article I am trusting the same best work from you later on too  .

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  17. Love this backpack. Made one for our toddler and she loves it! Think I will use plastic buckles instead of the D-rings next time because the straps keep slipping out. Might be because I used quite large D-rings though.. Thanks for the pattern!

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    Replies
    1. You're Welcome. Glad you liked it. I had no problem with D-rings as I said you can used a knot to secure it in place. Thank you for taking time to comment:)

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  18. where is the link to the pattern

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  19. Loved this! Thank you! My lovely three year old spilt slime all through his old back pack, I’ve never made a bag before but figured why not, I found this clear and easy to follow. Thanks again!

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  20. A handbag carried during the day is usually larger than the one that you'll be taking to dinner. No matter what the occasion, it is never appropriate to put one's handbag on the table-it is considered extremely rude no matter how expensive or beautiful it is. We often place our handbag on the kitchen counter, a bench, and some even momentarily meet the floor so for hygiene reasons alone, it is not acceptable. Online Shopping

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  21. Thanks for sharing. You did a splendid job of designing and making your bag. Even thought of a wonderful way of having them carry their own dinner!! Very cute.

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  25. Great ! Love this backpack. Made one for our toddler and she loves it!
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