Draw String Back Pack Tutorial

           Back in November, I was thrilled when Elaina, a high school sewing enthusiast, asked if I would help make a back pack.  The school had started a requirement on limited size of back packs. 
           So she came over to my sewing room with some old back packs she had and discussed what she liked about each one.  Then, considering book sizes, we come up with a simple straight line pattern.
           Since I was busy mentoring, I forgot to take a lot of pictures.  Elaina was a great student.  I could tell her what to do, then go off and give her space to work, but yet close enough for questions and tips.

Update: Find my free pattern for Draw Strap Back Pack Here.

**************************

Featured @

*******************************

Supplies include the pieces shown above and including a 2½ x 16 ½ for draw string casing.
 a draw string which we used from an old back pack.
 I just happened to have a front open heavy duty zipper of just the right color which was a bit short but we took care of that problem.
Twill tape for the straps.

To make an extension for the zipper,
check out the directions for this "Bow Clutch Purse."

or instead of top stitching end piece

 lay the center mark (width mark) of the rectangle for the end piece at end of zipper, 

stitch across that center mark across the end of the zipper and fold the rectangle in half.

 Zipper was inserted as I did in this post for the "Bow Clutch Purse."

Cut an 18 x 5 inch piece for the pocket on the left above.

Fold right sides together and stitch as shown above.

Cut another 12½ x 4 inch piece

Fold & stitch as shown.

For the tab cut a 5½ x  4½ inch piece.

 Fold and stitch as shown.

Turn right side out & press.

Stitch hook and loop tape to pocket and tab.

Determine bottom placement of pockets.

Lay the pocket bottom edge on that stitching line upside down.

Stitch across raw edge of pocket bottom.

Turn up to hide the raw edged bottom,

top stitch the sides of the pockets using 

your favorite sturdy tacking method at the top of each pocket corner.

Take front and back and place right sides together.

Place the ends of the twill tape equal distance from the center

in the bottom seam between the front and back pieces.

Its a good idea to use safety pins to hold the sides together and try on the back pack for fit.

When it comes to straps, this is where you personalize.

When placement is determined & verified, stitch across bottom only.

Press the bottom seam toward the front.

Top stitch bottom seam away from straps.

Box stitch the bottom of each strap to make stronger.

Stitch side seams.

Fold ends of the 2½ inch strip.

Fold and press ¼ inch along one long side of strip.

Place folded end of strip where you want the cord to come out,

place unfolded edge of strip right sides together with top of bag & stitch ¼ inch seam.

Fold over to wrong side as shown above

making sure fold is over the seam

 and pin with pin heads away from bag

not as shown above.

Stitch in the ditch on the right side of bag.

 Didn't she do a fantastic job!

Great job Elaina!

**********************************

Sharing at several Linky Parties.

Thanks to the FREE programs:

 Photoscape for downsizing & watermarking photo

PicMonkey creating collages used on this page