Are you looking for a fun, rewarding weekend sewing project that is both stylish and super functional? In this comprehensive step-by-step guide, you’ll learn how to craft an adorable kids’ flap backpack from scratch! Featuring roomy side pockets with elastic bands, a stretchable main opening for easy access, and a generous flap cover, this bag is designed specifically with toddlers and young children in mind. Whether you’re a complete beginner or a seasoned crafter looking for a quick and satisfying project, this detailed tutorial will walk you through every seam with confidence. Grab your sewing machine and favorite fabric prints, and let’s create a custom handcrafted backpack your little ones will proudly wear every single day!
The finished measurements of this Pebble Kids Backpack are approximately 7⅛”(18cm) W × 8″(20cm) H × 4″(10cm) D.
You may watch the full video tutorial on my Youtube channel.
Share this video with a lot of people who need it.
Seam allowances are 1/4″ unless otherwise specified.
Let's get started!!
To make this you will need:
◆ Main panel
② 7¾” × 8½” (19.5cm × 21.5cm) Exterior
② 7¾” × 8½” (19.5cm × 21.5cm) Lining
② 7¾” × 8½” (19.5cm × 21.5cm) Fusible fleece
◆ Side panel
② 4½” × 7⅛” (11.5cm × 18cm) Exterior
② 4½” × 7⅛” (11.5cm × 18cm) Lining
② 4½” × 7⅛” (11.5cm × 18cm) Fusible fleece
◆ Bottom panel
① 9¼” × 4½” (23.5cm × 11.5cm) Exterior
① 9¼” × 4½” (23.5cm × 11.5cm) Lining
① 9¼” × 4½” (23.5cm × 11.5cm) Fusible fleece
◆ Flap
① 7½” × 9¼” (19cm × 23.5cm) Contrast Color Fabric
① 7½” × 9¼” (19cm × 23.5cm) Lining
① 7½” × 9¼” (19cm × 23.5cm) Fusible fleece
◆ Side pocket
② 6¾” × 4½” (17cm × 11.5cm) Contrast Color Fabric
② 6¾” × 4½” (17cm × 11.5cm) Lining
◆ Others
① 1″(2.5cm) Wide Webbing Strap 59¼”(150cm)
② 1″(2.5cm) Wide Rectangle Ring
② 1″(2.5cm) Wide Slider Buckle
① 3/8″(1cm) Elastic band 32⅜”(82cm)
① Magnetic snaps
Construct the top grab handle and shoulder straps using durable webbing. Secure the upper ends alongside the top center of the Back Main Panel Exterior. Assemble the lower attachment tabs using rectangle rings, position them diagonally near the bottom sides, and baste in place. Thread the shoulder straps through slider buckles for smooth adjustability.
Stitch the Flap Exterior and Lining right sides together, trim the corner bulk, turn right side out, and topstitch along the outer edges. Baste the finished flap onto the upper edge of the back exterior.
For the side pockets, create a top casing, thread the elastic, and baste the gathered pockets onto the side panels. Join the side panels to the bottom panel to complete the full gusset.
Match the bottom centers of the main panels with the gusset, pinning right sides together. Clip small slits into the seam allowances along the bottom curves to allow the fabric to lay flat without puckering, then stitch around the entire perimeter.
Assemble the lining using the same method as the exterior. Leave a generous turning opening on one side seam, as well as a small 3/4″ gap near the upper edge on the opposite seam—this gap will act as the feed hole for the main top elastic later.
Place the exterior bag inside the lining with right sides facing, align the top raw edges, and stitch around the circumference. Turn the entire bag right side out through the lining opening, then edge-stitch the opening closed.
Push the lining neatly into the bag, press the top edge flat, and sew two parallel lines of topstitching to form the main channel. Thread the elastic through the gap using a bodkin, overlap the ends by 1¼”, box-stitch securely, and tuck the elastic into the casing.
All done! We hope you enjoy creating your own wonderful piece.
And be sure to check out the [Sewingtimes YouTube channel] for more creative projects.
