How to Make a maxi size Backpack with Our Free Pattern

Learn to sew this adult’s backpack from start to finish with our pattern and video tutorial

03/13/2023

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This is an extremely versatile bag that’s ideal for pretty much everything: carrying your laptop, picnics, hiking, and even short getaways. The bag has got a large fold-over flap at the front that gives it a different aesthetic to other highstreet backpacks and the canvas fabric means it’s wonderfully durable. 

As a project this bag is for all sewing levels and easy to make. What’s more, we’re going to take you through everything, step by step.

A little bit about the designer: María José, from southeast of Spain, is the creative behind virtual ‘sewing room’ Sew Bonico. She loves teaching crafters to make beautiful things, working with all kinds of materials and motif combinations.

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The materials you will need to complete this project are:

  • 2 pieces of fabric measuring 18 7/8” x 15 3/8”. This is the main body of the backpack
  • 1 piece of fabric measuring 13 3/4″ x 5 7/8”. 
  • 1 piece of fabric measuring 13 3/4″ x 21 5/8”
  • 1 zipper: 17 3/4″ (45 cm)
  • 1 zipper: 13 3/4″ (35 cm)
  • Backpack tape
  • Scissors
  • Measuring tape
  • Fabric marker
  • Pins
  • Matching sewing thread
  • Sewing machine
  • Iron

Useful information for your backpack sewing project

 

Step-by-step instructions to make your backpack

1. How to sew the flap

  • Sew the 13 3/4″ (35 cm) zipper to the upper and lower part of the flap (main fabric and lining).
  • Close the flap by folding the main fabric and the lining over themselves and sew the sides. Leave the main part of the flap open.

2. How to sew the main body of the bag

  • Sew the zipper to both sides of the main part and the lining. Don’t forget to flatten the seams.
  • Place the flap over the main body of the backpack. Fold the upper part of the flap (opening) 3/8” (1 cm) inwards and make a hem. 
  • Place the flap 1 5/8” (4 cm) from the zipper on the main body of the backpack (only in the main fabric). 
  • Stitch 3/8” (1 cm) and 1 5/8” (4 cm) from the zipper.

3. Attach the straps

  • Before sewing, position the small strap (with a separation of 1 1/8” / 3 cm) and the long straps of the backpack with the required length (approximately 23 5/8” – 25 5/8” / 60 – 65 cm). 
  • Place the sewn straps at the sides of the main body of the backpack (= 5 7/8” / 15 cm from the lower edge) and diagonally.

4. Finishing the backpack

  • Sew the sides of the backpack, joining the two parts of the main fabric and the lining.
  • You have to leave an unsewn gap at the base of the lining and the zipper open to turn the backpack out to the right side.
  • Sew the four corners to make the base of the backpack (=corners at 2” / 5 cm).
  • Turn the backpack out to the right side. Close the base of the lining.

 

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Now your backpack is ready to wear! What are you going to use it for first?

 

Not sure which fabric you want to make your brand new backpack from? Here are some of our recommendations: