Sew Easy Fashion Backpack

This one is for one of those little drawstring backpack bags that are so popular. But I've added a couple twists to bring it up a notch: 1) it's completely lined; and 2) there's a flap that you can embellish with buttons and stuff.

Also, (as a personal challenge) this pattern does not require any notions, or fancy stitches. You can do the whole thing by hand, with just two third yards of fabric, needle and thread.

+---------------------------------
| Like the idea, but lack the materials, time or motivation?
| You can buy this purse (and others like it) at my etsy
| store, ArtsiBitsi. http://artsibitsi.etsy.com
+---------------------------------

Step 1 Materials and Gear

The only material that is essential is the two quarter yards of fabric, needle and thread.

I found this red velvet and satin in the remnants bin at Joann's. I think that they were scraps from someone else's 'Fourth of July' project. Together they cost about $2.

Scissors, straight edge and a marking tool are necessary tools.

Stuff that might make the job easier:

• Pins - straight and safety pins. I keep mine on a magnetized sheet.
• Seam Ripper - the most important tool a sewer can own.
• Steam Iron
• Sewing Machine - not essential, but makes the task easier. You really only need a straight (satin) stitch, but if you've got a zigzag stitch, I'll tell you when it's useful.

One more thing. If you want to skip the NINE+ FEET of sewing in step three, purchase about 9.5 feet of pretty ribbon or cord that is no more than 1/2 inch wide.

Comments

[rusellned]

is googd rusellned.ru of is sait perfect

[mypinkrainbow]

very cool i wish i could download it but cant cuz i am not a pro or something

[Bitsi]

If you email me [e-mail], I'll send you the PDF.

:-)
Bits

[sharon0232]

hummm...... i have just finished my second bag and i want to decorate it..............what should i do?

[Bitsi]

If you made your bags out of an upscale fabric, trying sewing on little glass beads.  You can sew them into a couple starbursts.

If you made your bag out of a sturdier fabric, two embellishments that are really easy are appliques and buttons.

For appliques, try this technique: www.instructables.com/id/8-bit-Felt-Applique---Ms-PacMan-and-Ghost  Or take a look at the Monster Backpacks in my store: www.etsy.com/shop/ArtsiBitsi?section_id=5559372

For buttons, try stacking them.  Or make a "flower" out of some contrasting fabric and use a button for the center.

Post pictures!

[sharon0232]

sorry the uploader isnt working for me. ill keep trying to post the picture though.

[bluenebe]

 Thanks for this nice instructable. I will try to make one for my daughter for Christmas...a mini version for a 1,5 year old toddler who likes to carry things around.

[Bitsi]

If you don't want to sew one for your toddler, I have some for sale here: www.etsy.com/shop/ArtsiBitsi 

:-)

[sharon0232]

awesome instructable! i tried it and it came out fantastic! do us all a favor and make another instructable!

[Bitsi]

Thanks so much.  I'm glad that it worked out for you.

What else should I make?

:-)

[sharon0232]

well, your the awesome sewer here and already had a great idea, so try something fun and challenging 

[jinonaspa]

how much is a quarter yard?

[Bitsi]

A yard of fabric from a bolt is 36 inches wide by about 50" inches long. So a quarter yard is about 9 "x 50". You end up using all of it.

[jinonaspa]

thanks! :)

[Shippygirl]

Thanks for making this instructable. I've downloaded the instrcutions and will attempt it.