How to Sew a Drawstring Backpack

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Step 1: Obtain needed materials listed below.

   One 40 x 16 inches (outer material) and another rectangle 20 x 16 inches (to make the liner).
   
   The completed size of the bag will be approximately 15 inches (38.1 cm) wide and 18 inches (45.7 cm) high., The folded edge will become the bottom of your rectangle.
   
   Snip a small divot from each end of the fold to mark the bottom corners of your bag (and center of each long, cut edge).
   
   You could also use pins to mark these points.,,, This will form your rope attachment loops at the bottom of the bag.,, Adjust them so that they are placed symmetrical to each other, but on opposite sides of the bag., This will hold them securely in place later.
   
   If your material frays easily, you can double stitch the sides as well., Turn it "right" side out, so the seams are on the inside., Pin in place around the top edge.,,,, Note how the edge is rolled so the liner is not visible., Bags for smaller people or children will need less rope., Mark the width of the rope on the bag with a pin.
   
   Add around 1⁄4 inch (0.6 cm) to the rope width measurement.,,,,,, (See sketch.) Tip:
   Tape the rope ends to prevent fraying and snagging in the tunnel on the way through.
   
   You can also use a bodkin.,,, Re-adjust and re-tie the rope ends until you have a comfortable fit.,, You have made a handy (and stylish) drawstring backpack!
2. 2

   Step 2: Cut two rectangles.

3. 3

   Step 3: Fold the cloth rectangle.

4. 4

   Step 4: Cut a 3 inch (7.6 cm) wide and 12 inch (30.5 cm) long strip of the outer material.

5. 5

   Step 5: Fold and iron the long edges of the narrow strip to the center.

6. 6

   Step 6: Fold the strip again and top stitch it.

7. 7

   Step 7: Cut the folded top stitched strip into two 6 inch (15.2 cm) long pieces.

8. 8

   Step 8: Unfold the main bag pieces and pin the attachment loop strips to the outer shell on each side by the center mark

9. 9

   Step 9: on the "right" side of the material.

10. 10

    Step 10: Re-fold the fabric --"right" sides together-- and stitch the side seams

11. 11

    Step 11: carefully sewing several seams over the "raw" ends of the loops you have formed.

12. 12

    Step 12: Sew the (optional) lining material together

13. 13

    Step 13: "right" sides facing

14. 14

    Step 14: along the long sides to form a long tube.

15. 15

    Step 15: Place the lining tube inside the outer shell with "right" sides of both fabrics facing each other.

16. 16

    Step 16: Sew around the top edge to attach the lining tube to the outer shell.

17. 17

    Step 17: Turn the outer shell "right" side out.

18. 18

    Step 18: Turn the remaining raw edge of the liner over on itself to hide the raw edges

19. 19

    Step 19: and stitch it closed.

20. 20

    Step 20: Tuck the liner back down into the bag.

21. 21

    Step 21: Cut two lengths of rope approximately 60 inches (152.4 cm) each (for adults).

22. 22

    Step 22: Fold the rope so that you can hold two strands of it at the top of the bag.

23. 23

    Step 23: Pin the top edge of the bag flat so the liner does not show.

24. 24

    Step 24: Mark the rope measurement from above (two rope widths plus a quarter inch) on to the top edge of the bag/backpack.

25. 25

    Step 25: Sew a seam at this mark

26. 26

    Step 26: all the way around the top of the bag to form your rope tunnel for closure.

27. 27

    Step 27: Open the sides seams of the bag over the rope tunnel.

28. 28

    Step 28: Use these holes to pass the rope through from each end.

29. 29

    Step 29: You should end up with two "U" shapes with strings pulling from opposite sides of the bag.

30. 30

    Step 30: Pass one rope end from each side through the corresponding sewn loop at the bottom of the bag.

31. 31

    Step 31: Tie the rope ends together.

32. 32

    Step 32: Test fit.

33. 33

    Step 33: Cut off the excess rope ends and seal them either with glue or heat.

34. 34

    Step 34: Ta-da!

Detailed Guide

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