How to Make a Backpack: A Step-by-step Guide

This article is a step-by-step guide on how to make your very own backpack. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced sewer, this DIY project is sure to be a fun and rewarding endeavor. Let’s dive into the process and learn how to create a backpack that suits your style and needs.

Introduction

Have you ever wanted to create your own personalized backpack? Look no further, as this article will guide you through the process of making a backpack from scratch. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced sewer, this project is designed to be accessible and enjoyable for all skill levels.

A backpack is not only a practical accessory but also a fashion statement. By making your own backpack, you can choose the fabric, design, and functionality that best suits your needs. So, let’s grab our supplies, tools, and instructions, and get started on making your very own backpack!

Getting Started: Gather Your Supplies

Before we dive into the step-by-step process, let’s make sure we have all the necessary supplies. Here’s a list of materials you’ll need to make your backpack:

1. 1000 denier Cordura fabric (U.S. Army camouflage)

2. Number 5 and number 10 zippers

3. Double-sided tape

4. Sailrite backpack kit

5. Thread

6. One-inch webbing

7. Foam for shoulder straps

8. Adjustable strap buckles

Step 1: Cutting Out the Patterns

To begin making your backpack, you’ll need to cut out the various patterns provided in the backpack kit. Lay out the fabric and use a rotary cutter or scissors to cut along the outer lines of the patterns. Ensure that you only cut on the outer line and ignore any inner lines at this point. The patterns are labeled with numbers, making it easy to identify each piece. You can also turn to a bag manufacturer like BagManufacturer.net for help.

Step 2: Creating the Front Pocket

In this step, we’ll focus on creating the front zippered pocket. This involves working with patterns 1 through 3, along with the number 5 zipper pattern.

1. Lay out pattern number 2 under the number 5 zipper provided in the kit.

2. Mark the two ends of the zipper a quarter inch away from the inner lines of pattern number 2.

3. Cut the zipper at these marks using scissors.

4. Install the zipper slider by pulling the end of the zipper open, sliding the slider onto the teeth, and securing it in place.

5. Apply double-sided tape to pattern number 5 and fold it so that the plotting is on the inside.

6. Place double-sided tape on the ends of the zipper, right at the end of the zipper teeth.

7. Peel off the transfer paper and stick the zipper stop in place, ensuring that the folded end is facing towards the length of the zipper.

8. Sew a straight stitch in the middle of the zipper stop, reversing once or twice to secure it.

9. Repeat these steps for both ends of the zipper.

10. Take pattern number 1 and position it with the outside surface facing up.

11. Apply double-sided tape along one long edge of pattern number 1.

12. Peel off the transfer paper and position the flange of the zipper along this edge, matching up the edge with pattern number 1.

13. Fold the fabric back so that the edge of the fabric and the zipper’s flange are aligned with the previously plotted line on pattern number 1.

14. Use double-sided tape to secure this fold in place and sew a straight stitch approximately 1/8 inch away from the fold.

15. Repeat the process for the opposite flange of the zipper, using the same techniques.

16. Find pattern number 2 and place it over the zipper and pattern number 1, ensuring the plotted rectangle on the underside is facing away from the zipper.

17. Baste these layers together by sewing them in place.

18. Apply double-sided tape to the outer curved edge of pattern number 3.

19. Place pattern number 3 on top of the zipper assembly, with the outside surface facing outwards.

20. Baste pattern number 3 to the bottom edge of the zipper assembly, matching up the raw edges.

21. Sew a straight stitch around the perimeter of pattern number 3, approximately 1/8 inch away from the edge.

Congratulations! You’ve successfully created the front zippered pocket for your backpack.

Step 3: Sewing the Straps

Now let’s move on to creating and sewing the straps for your backpack. This step involves patterns 5 to 16 and the one-inch webbing provided in the kit.

1. Measure and mark two eight-inch lengths, one nine and a half-inch length, and two 18-inch lengths on the webbing.

2. Cut the webbing on the marked lines using a hot knife to prevent unraveling.

3. Take pattern number 6, which has lines plotted on the underside, and cut it into two triangles along the line that goes from corner to corner.

4. Attach the adjustable strap buckle to one end of the nine and a half-inch length of webbing.

5. Apply double-sided tape to one side of the triangles and fold them in half.

6. Position each triangle over the edge perpendicular to the line on the backside of pattern number 6.

7. Baste them in place.

8. Take the triangles with the webbing and sew a straight stitch down the middle.

9. Apply double-sided tape to the wide side of pattern number 7 and fold it to the line plotted on the material.

10. Apply double-sided tape to the long side with the line closest to it and fold it up to the plotted line as well.

11. Sew a straight stitch along the edge of pattern number 7 to secure the folds.

12. Take the straps and fold the top edge under.

13. Sew across the bottom edge of the straps to secure them in place.

14. Cut away any excess fabric.

15. Repeat these steps for the second strap.

Great job! You’ve successfully created the straps for your backpack.

Step 4: Assembling the Main Body

Now it’s time to assemble the main body of the backpack using patterns 17 to 23 and the banding we previously created.

1. Cut the number 5 zipper to the appropriate length using the marks made on pattern number 17.

2. Install the zipper slider onto the teeth of the number 5 zipper.

3. Apply double-sided tape to the wide side of pattern number 19 and pattern number 20.

4. Baste pattern number 19 and pattern number 20 to the ends of the zipper assembly, ensuring the ends are even.

5. Sew on top of the plotted lines to secure the zipper stops and patterns 19 and 20 in place.

6. Create a top stitch by sewing approximately 1/8 inch away from the splayed out sections of fabric.

7. Apply double-sided tape to the wide side of patterns 21 and 22.

8. Hem the wide side of patterns 21 and 22 up to the plotted lines.

9. Sew a straight stitch along the hemmed edge to secure it.

10. Apply double-sided tape to the outside surface of pattern number 23.

11. Fold the entire assembly in half and baste pattern number 23 to the bottom edge, ensuring the ends are even.

12. Sew a straight stitch along the plotted line to secure pattern number 23 in place.

13. Create another top stitch approximately 1/8 inch away from the splayed out section.

14. Apply double-sided tape to the bottom edge of pattern number 23.

15. Fold the entire assembly in half so that outside surfaces are facing each other.

16. Baste the ends of the assembly together, leaving the zipper portion open.

17. Sew a straight stitch along the plotted line of pattern number 20 to secure the banding to the main body.

18. Create a top stitch approximately 1/8 inch away from the splayed out section of fabric along the top edge.

19. Apply double-sided tape to the short edge of pattern number 23 on the outside surface.

20. Fold the assembly in half and baste the edges together.

21. Sew directly on top of the plotted line on pattern number 20 to secure the edges.

22. Create a top stitch approximately 1/8 inch away from the splayed out section, sewing through the tail on the underside.

Congratulations! You now have a complete backpack body, including the front zippered pocket, straps, and banding.

Step 5: Attaching the Straps and Finishing Touches

In this final step, we’ll attach the straps and add the finishing touches to complete your backpack.

1. Apply basting tape around the perimeter of the front pocket assembly.

2. Transfer the centerline from the underside to the outside surface at the top and bottom of the bag.

3. Take the banding assembly and find its center position.

4. Baste the banding to the main body assembly, ensuring that the center of the banding aligns with the marked center on the backpack.

5. Sew around the perimeter of the backpack, following the previously basted line.

6. Secure the straps to the back panel by feeding the webbing through the adjustable strap buckles.

7. Apply basting tape around the perimeter of the back panel assembly.

8. Match up the center marks and baste the straps and back panel together.

9. Sew around the perimeter of the backpack, securing the straps and back panel in place.

10. Open the zipper to turn the backpack right side out.

Voila! You’ve completed your own homemade backpack. Take pride in your creation, as it’s a reflection of your style and skills.

Conclusion: Reflecting on Your Creation

Making your own backpack is a rewarding and fulfilling experience. By following the step-by-step instructions detailed in this article, you have successfully created a personalized backpack that suits your needs and showcases your creativity.

As you reflect on your creation, consider the possibilities and potential for future projects. DIY projects allow you to add unique touches and tailor items to your preferences. With each new creation, you’ll continue to develop your sewing skills, expanding your repertoire and gaining confidence in your abilities.

So, grab your backpack and embark on new adventures, knowing that you’ve crafted a practical and stylish accessory that is uniquely yours. Happy sewing!