Small Sling Backpack

I made this for my little sister's birthday, and she loved it! It's just a light and simple backpack with one main pouch and a big front zippered pocket.

Supplies

• sewing machine
• tape measure
• sewing scissors
• plain colored slightly stretchy fabric
• patterned cotton fabric
• zipper

Step 1: Cutting Pieces

I made this specifically for my sister's back and tailored all the measurements for her. I didn't include the measurements because it's better if it's tailored for each specific person. (I made the main pocket just big enough for a normal-sized notebook)

1. Cut 2 pieces of the plain-colored slightly stretchy fabric long enough to fold over at the top (see image), and just a bit wider at the bottom than the top. Cut the bottom corners into curves.
2. Cut a big circle out of the the patterned fabric.
3. Cut 2 long strips out of the patterned fabric for the straps about 1.5 inches in width (allow length for going along the backpack when measuring).

Step 2: Zipper Pocket

1. Take the big circle and cut it in 2 parts where the zipper is wanted.
2. Fold the newly cut edges in and sew onto each side of the zipper.
3. Sew the edge of the circle onto the outside of one of the plain-colored fabric pieces starting from one side of the zipper and ending at the other side.

Step 3: Strap (part 1)

(Ignore the triangle design in the picture; I originally had 2 straps and tried to meet them in the middle with a fancy design but it didn't go well and I don't recommend it, so I left that part out and switched it to 1 long strap)

1. Take the 2 long straps and fold in along the edges and sew together.
2. Measure and pin the middle of the strap onto the front fabric piece above the pocket (don't go too close to the edge, allow room for turning in and sewing on the inside).
3. There are two ways to sew it on:
   1. Sew it in strips as I did in the picture and be able to stick pens and such with clip caps into the in-between spaces.
   2. Sew in 2 straight lines along the sides.

Step 4: Sewing the Main Part

1. Turn the top in of both main plain-colored pieces and hem.
2. Place them both together inside-out and sew together (make sure the straps are bunched in the middle and don't accidentally get caught and sewn onto the edges).
3. Turn rightside-in.

Step 5: Strap (part 2)

1. Bring the sides of the straps around to the back and cut to match the curve before sewing on.

Step 6: Enjoy!