Free book bag pattern

My 13 year old daughter has outgrown her backpack days. It is a book bag she now prefers. But, our search for just the right size, shape and color came up empty. Fortunately, she loves what I whipped up on my sewing machine and you might too.

You will need:

1 Yard of Material (I used a decorator fabric not as heavy as canvas not as light as cotton)

Scissors or Rotary Cutter

Iron

Pins

Sewing Machine

Thread

Ruler

Note: Because your bag may hold heavy items, I suggest you back stitch all your seams.

To create the body of the bag, cut two pieces of fabric 17 ½” x 16 ½”.

For the straps (as shown in photo), cut to pieces of fabric 2” x 28” (This makes a very thin strap and it can be a challenge to turn. If you are not up to the challenge, make your strap 3” x 28.)

Cut a 2” x 2” square notch out of the bottom corners of both sides of the bag body. (Save the corners for patches used to reinforce the straps.)

Fold over top of the bag ¼” and press. Fold over another ¼” press and pin and sew. Repeat on the other side.

With right sides together, sew sides of the bag body ¼” seam allowance and press open seams.

Sew the bottom of the bag body with a ¼” seam allowance and press open seams.

Match the side and bottom seams of the bag, pin and sew with a ¼” seam allowance. Repeat on the other side.

Fold straps in half and press. Sew with ¼” seam allowance down the long side of the strap, leaving both ends open to turn. Turn and press.

Pin straps to the bag and sew in place or as on the bag shown, take your 2” x 2” squares from the notches you cut out of the bag body corners to make patches for the straps.

To make the patches: Take your 2” x 2” square and cut ¼” square notch out of each corner and press to the back. Place the patch over the strap end, sew around and corner to corner.

Turn the bag right side out & enjoy!

Because I've used up every possible surface in my craft room, I'm now working my way up the wall! I use my book bags to contain light weight items like patterns.