Knapsack Tutorial

Materials:
Two pieces of fabric, each about 15 1/2" x 24 1/2"
Pocket, approximately 8" x 8"
Cording, 2 pieces, each 72" long (About 1/4" wide — purchased or sewn from 1" fabric strips)
Two 1" Grommets

Make and attach the Pocket:
I upcycled a pocket off an old pair of shorts. You can also make a pocket. Stitch it to the front of the knapsack, centered about six inches from the bottom.

Sew the bottom and side seams:
With right sides together, stitch the bottom edge of the knapsack with a 1/2" seam allowance.

Then, on both the front and back pieces, mark the side edges 3 1/4" from the top. Fold the edge over 3/16", stopping at your mark. Press. Fold over 3/16" again. Press.

Stitch these folds down and then, with a 1/2" seam allowance, stitch the sides of the bag, stopping about where the folds start.

Make bottom pleat in bag:
Turn bag right side out. Bring the bottom of the bag in 2 1/2" to create a pleat in the bag. Pin in place.

Add grommets:
In the bottom corners of the bag, mark the spots for the grommets by firmly pressing the front section of grommet into the fabric. (It will create a faint impression.) Use small, sharp scissors to carefully cut holes through all layers of fabric. Be careful not to let the fabric layers shift or to cut the holes too large.

Set the grommets in using the manufacturers instructions. (Make sure you put the front grommet in the front of the bag!) The grommets will hold the fold in place.

Make the channel for the draw cords:
Fold down the raw edge on the top of the bag 1/4". Press. Fold down again 1 1/4". Press. Stitch along the bottom fold.

Put in the draw cords.
Thread the end of one cord through the channels (Using a safety pin helps guide the end through). Go all the way around the back—both back and front—and come out the same side you started. With the second cord, start on the opposite side of the bag. This creates opposing cords that draw the bag together easily when you pull on them.

Tie the cords to the grommets:
Thread the loose ends of the cord through the grommets and tie.

Your knapsack is done. Fill it with stuff and enjoy!

Comments

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