Child's Drawstring Backpack

My friend Brook has four cute little ones.  I made Sunday bags for each of them, except her latest, Aiden.  Aiden is two now, and old enough to have his own backpack (that Mom and Dad won't have to carry) in which to bring his quiet toys to church.  I love these drawstring backpacks.  They are so easy to whip up in an afternoon.

Materials/Supplies

• 1/3 yard main fabric ( I used a light-weight denim)
• Scrap of accent/pocket fabric (needs to be about 6 inches by 13 inches, or 6.5 inches by 12 inches)
• 6 x 6.5 inch interfacing (I used heavy-weight)
• Cord or Rope
• Thread
• Pins
• Scissors

Directions

1. Unless otherwise directed, use 1/4 inch seam allowances. 
2. Make your pocket.  Cut your accent fabric into two pieces matching the interfacing.  Use the envelope method to sew the interfacing between the two layers of fabric and create a pocket.  Baste the small opening shut, and topstitch the top of the pocket.  I embellished my pocket with some embroidery and applique, but you could leave it plain or use any embellishment your heart desires.

3. Cut your main fabric into a long piece measuring 9 inches by 24 inches.  Fold short sides back 1/4 inch and sew.

4. Sew your pocket to the front of the bag, sewing 1/8 inch from the edge of the pocket.  I actually forgot to sew mine on until after step 9, but now really is the best time to do it.  Center between the two sides, and sew it about 3-4 inches from top edge.

5. Fold in half (hamburger style) right side in.  Stitch along both sides of the bag, but leave the top side open.  Then, pin your seam open.

6. Sew next to the seam two inches down, turn and sew across, sew next to the seam on the other side.  Repeat for other seam.

7. Fold the top back 1 inch.  Pin all the way around.

8. Sew 1/8 inch from the folded edge, all the way around the bag.  I used this really cute zig-zag stitch, but a straight stitch works just as well.

9. Reinforce the two sides (see picture).  Once you have reinforced your sides, use a seam ripper to open the casing sides, so you can pull your rope through.

10. Use a pin to pull the cord through one side, then back through the other.  Repeat for the other opening.  You must go all the way around with both lengths of cord, or the drawstring part won't work.


11. Pull the cord flat through the casing, then straight down the side.  Place a piece of tape around the two cords where they meet at the bottom of the bag.  Then cut through right at the bottom.

12. Flip the bag inside out.  Fold the corner out into a triangle.  Pin the cord into the corner, then sew 1 inch in from the corner.  Your sewing line will be 2 inches long.  Reinforce this seam with another line of stitches, then cut off the excess corner fabric.  Repeat for second side.


13. Flip it back right side out and fill it with goodies.

Click here for a tutorial on making the pocket applique and embroidery.