Easy tutorial on sewing a bag-backpack for beginners!🧵🧵✂

Sewing a bag-backpack for beginners is a fun and rewarding project! This type of bag is perfect for carrying your daily essentials, and by starting with a simple design, you can learn the fundamental skills of bag making without feeling overwhelmed. This tutorial will guide you through creating a basic, drawstring backpack that's both functional and stylish.

The key to a beginner-friendly project is using simple shapes and minimizing complex techniques. We'll use two main rectangular pieces for the body and a simple drawstring closure. We'll aim for a finished size of approximately 14 inches wide and 16 inches tall, a great size for a starter backpack.

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I. Planning & Gathering Your Materials

Before you begin, gathering and preparing your materials is a key step to a smooth sewing process.

• Main Fabric:

  • Quantity: 1 yard of sturdy, non-stretch fabric. Good options include canvas, duck cloth, or a thick cotton twill. A solid color is easiest for a first project.

  • Preparation: Wash and iron the fabric before cutting. This prevents shrinkage later.

• Lining Fabric (Optional but Recommended):

  • Quantity: 1 yard of a lighter-weight cotton fabric, like quilting cotton. A fun pattern can add a nice surprise inside the bag.

  • Preparation: Wash and iron.

• Drawstring/Strap:

  • Type: A sturdy cord, rope, or webbing. You can also make your own straps from your main fabric.

  • Quantity: 4 yards total. You'll use this to create the drawstring and the shoulder straps.

• Matching Thread: All-purpose polyester thread that matches your fabric.

• Basic Sewing Tools:

  • Sewing machine.

  • Sharp fabric scissors or a rotary cutter.

  • Measuring tape or long ruler.

  • Fabric marker or chalk.

  • Plenty of pins or clips.

  • Safety pin.

  • Iron and ironing board.

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II. Step-by-Step Sewing Instructions

We will use a consistent 1/2-inch (1.27 cm) seam allowance throughout this tutorial.

1. Cut the Fabric Panels

• From your Main Fabric:

  • Main Body Panels: Cut two rectangles, each 15 inches wide by 18 inches tall.

• From your Lining Fabric (if using):

  • Main Lining Panels: Cut two rectangles, each 15 inches wide by 18 inches tall.

2. Sew the Bag Body

• Sew the main panels: Take your two main body panels and place them right sides together. Pin along the two sides and the bottom. Leave the top open.

• Stitch the seams: Sew a seam along the pinned sides and bottom. Backstitch at the beginning and end of each seam to secure it.

• Create the bottom corners: With the bag still inside out, pinch the bottom corners so the side seam aligns with the bottom seam. Mark a line straight across the corner, about 2 inches from the tip. Sew along this line and trim the excess fabric. Do this for both corners. This creates a flat bottom for your backpack.

• Repeat for the lining: Follow the exact same steps to sew the two lining panels together, but leave a 4-inch opening in the middle of the bottom seam. This is crucial for turning the bag right side out later.

3. Create the Drawstring Channel

• Hem the top: On the main fabric bag, turn the top raw edge down by 1/2 inch and press. Then, fold it down another 1.5 inches and press again. Pin this folded edge in place.

• Stitch the channel: Sew a seam along the bottom edge of this folded-down fabric, about 1/8 inch from the edge. This creates the channel for your drawstring. Leave a 1-inch opening on each side of the seam.

4. Attach the Lining

• Prepare the two bags: Turn the main fabric bag right side out. Keep the lining bag inside out.

• Insert the lining: Carefully place the main fabric bag inside the lining bag so that their right sides are facing. Align the top raw edges and the side seams. Pin or clip them together.

• Stitch the top: Sew a seam all the way around the top with a 1/2-inch seam allowance.

• Turn and close: Pull the entire bag right-side out through the opening you left in the lining's bottom. Push out the corners and seams. Press the seam allowances of the opening in the lining under and stitch it closed by hand or machine.

• Push the lining inside: Push the lining into the bag and give the entire bag a final press, paying special attention to the top edge to make it lie flat.

5. Thread the Drawstring

• Cut the cord: Cut your 4 yards of cord in half to get two 2-yard pieces.

• Thread the first cord: Using a safety pin attached to one end of the cord, thread the cord through the channel you made on one side of the bag. Continue feeding it through the channel on the opposite side until it comes out where it started.

• Thread the second cord: Repeat the process with the second cord, but start from the other side of the bag.

• Knot the straps: Gather the ends of each cord and tie them together in a secure knot.

Congratulations! You've successfully sewn a simple and cute drawstring backpack. It's the perfect starter project for any beginner sewer.

Video Tutorial