This is the second part of a backpack tutorial. Click here for part one if you haven’t completed it yet.
Sew up the bag
Fold the right sides of your bag together. Sew up the sides and press flat. Repeat with your lining.
Next, it’s time to add the bottom of your bag, and the bottom straps. While the bag is still inside out, line up the bottom crease and the seam of each side. Measure 1 1/2″ on the line and draw a line to create a triangle.
Place the bottom straps inside the little triage you just made. Make sure it is on the back of the bag. The line should be 3″. Sew a long line and repeat on each side and both the main bag and lining.
Straps
It’s time to put the straps together. You will need to get your ladder lock sliders out. Start by putting the ladder lock through your bottom strap. Fold the raw edge of the strap in, then fold the strap again. You’ll need to sew about an inch away from the ladder lock, so fold your straps about 1.25 inches away from the ladder lock. Then see the strap down. Sew in an hourglass shape (the same way you attached the straps to the bag) a few times to reinforce.
Thread the top straps through the ladder lock. Fold the raw edge under 1″ then fold under 1″ again. Sew 1/2″ from the edge.
Add drawstrings
Take the main fabric bag and mark the middle front with a pin. Measure down 3/4″ from the top and 1/2″ from the middle on both sides and make a 1/4″ mark. Make buttonholes on each line.
Take your lining and turn it inside out. Put the main bag inside with right sides facing. Sew 5/8″ seam to connect the bags. Leave a 3″ gap so you have space to turn the bag right side out. Turn out the bag. Iron the top of your bag so the lining is crisp on the inside and sew the gap up.
Sew 1/2″ from the top of the bag to create a casing for your drawstring. Use a safety pin to pull your ribbon through the casing. Loop the ribbon around twice to help the ribbon stay tight. Put a bead on each end and tie a knot to keep the beads on the ribbon.
All done! Enjoy your mini backpack!
