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How to make a drawstring backpack

How to make a drawstring backpack

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If you have kids in sports, you needed this easy DIY drawstring backpack like yesterday. Sew your own with this sewing tutorial and survive soccer season!

If you have kids in sports, you needed this easy DIY drawstring backpack like yesterday. Sew your own with this sewing tutorial and survive soccer season!

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Why you'll love your DIY drawstring backpack:     •Make individual bags for your kids so they can find their stuff pronto      •Big pockets on the sides for water bottles      •Great for library trips, holding gym gear and more Let's sew!

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How to make a drawstring backpack supplies: – 5/8 yard cotton quilting fabric – 3.5 yards paracord (you can find it in most craft stores) or other thin sturdy cord – 1/3 yard contrast fabric – loop turner  – elastic threader

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You'll also need the free DIY Drawstring Backpack Pattern. You can sign up to get it for free when you click on the link below.

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To make your DIY drawstring bag, first print out the pattern.  Line up the symbols and tape. Cut 2 pockets, 2 bag pieces and 2 loop pieces from your choice of cotton fabric.

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Next press the top raw edge of the bag pieces 1/4" towards the wrong side.  You can finish the edge with a zigzag stitch or serger first if you like.

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After that, press 1/2" more towards the wrong side.

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Make a 1/2" clip 1 1/2" down from the top raw edge of bag pieces.  Fold the edge of the clipped edge inwards twice to make a small hem.

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Stitch the casing sides from the top to the bottom where the clip is.  Make sure to backstitch right at the clip along the hem.  Sew the other 3 short sides of the casing.

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Fold the pressed hems back towards the wrong side and stitch from the wrong side close to the pressed edge.  Hem the casing on your second backpack piece.

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Grab your pocket pieces, and fold 1/2" towards the wrong side of the short straight top edge.  Press the fold, then press back 1/2" more towards the wrong side.

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Stitch the top hem down close to the pressed edge.  Repeat for pocket #2.

Stitch the top hem down close to the pressed edge.  Repeat for pocket #2.

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Press the angled sides of the pockets 1/2" towards the wrong side.

Press the angled sides of the pockets 1/2" towards the wrong side.

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Fold the short ends of the loops in half, right sides together.  Stitch down the longer sides of the loops with a 1/4" seam allowance.

Fold the short ends of the loops in half, right sides together.  Stitch down the longer sides of the loops with a 1/4" seam allowance.

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Use your loop turner to turn the loops right side out.  Roll the loops in your fingers so that the seam is in the middle of the loop.

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Sew the side seams of the DIY drawstring backpack with a 1/2" seam allowance, starting from the bottom of the bag going up towards the edge of the casing.

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Finish the seams with a zigzag or serger, then press.

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Fold the sides of the pocket pieces together and lightly press the vertical center of the pockets.

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Line up that center fold of a pocket with one of the side seams.  Pin the sides in place.  Next, sew the sides of pocket to your backpack close to the pressed edge.

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Fold one of the loops in half and pin it 3/4" from the side seam on the bottom front side of the bag.

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To finish up, fold the backpack right sides together and sew the bottom seam with a 1/2" seam allowance.

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Time to thread the your DIY drawstring backpack.  Click the link to watch the video at about 8'45" for a clear look at the threading process.

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Voila! And that's how to make a drawstring backpack.  Go try this, you will make your kids so happy with this project!

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Read the full how to sew drawstring backpack and watch the video tutorial.