How to Make a Backpack by Nicole Mallalieu

Intermediate | 58 min 29 sec

Introduction
Overview00:57

Materials
Materials01:52

Prepare Fabric and Sew Outer Bag and Lining
Prepare fabric with interfacing08:45
Make and attach bag straps19:28
Assemble outer bag07:40
Sew lining07:30

Finishing
Finish backpack12:17

Taught by Nicole Mallalieu

Buy For $29.95

Pricing Options

Pro bag maker and pattern designer, Nicole Mallalieu, shows you how to make a simple yet sturdy backpack for everyday use. You will learn a plethora of techniques, like how to use interfacing to add structure, add a lining with pockets, attach hardware and make straps from scratch. Plus you'll learn tips for reducing bulk in seams, making invisible marks with a hera marker, and other professional finishing techniques. All of these design details come together to give the bag a clean, polished look. This sporty, lightweight bag is a great project for a beginning sewist who has an eye for detail or a more advanced sewist who wants to brush up on his or her skills.

Here’s what you’ll need:

20’’ polka-dot fabric for main panel (44’’-wide quilting weight fabric)
20’’ lining fabric (44’’ wide quilting weight fabric)
1 yard heavy-weight fabric for straps (Nicole uses a Cotton Drill)
20’’ light fusible fleece (Vilene H640 or Pellon 987F)
60’’ x 20’’ interfacing such as Pellon Shapeflex (or 1 yard 44’’ wide interfacing)
8’’ x 12’’ sheet fusible webbing
Two 1’’ slide adjuster
Two 1/2'' to 3/4'' D-rings or O-rings
Three 1’’ D-rings
Two 1/2'' - 5/8'' snap hooks
Sewing machine
Zipper foot
Walking foot
Regular presser foot
Matching thread
Hera marker (optional)
Fabric marker
Glue stick pen for fabric
Quilt basting spray
Tailors awl
Scissors
Point cutter (optional)
Duck bill scissors (optional)
Thread snips (optional)
Seam ripper
Pins
Rotary cutter and mat
Quilting ruler
Iron and ironing board
Pressing cloth
Pressing ham or rolled up piece of cotton moleskin (optional)