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Home » Sewing » Sewing Bags

The Best Drawstring Backpack Pattern

Jan 30, 2022

Make a cute diy backpack using this free drawstring backpack pattern and tutorial. See how to make a drawstring backpack that's easy but made in a professional way - with tweaks, all explained in easy and clear step-by-step photos. This backpack even has a zipper cover!

free backpack pattern

Do you want an ad-free, printable copy of this online tutorial? Find it here for just $3. You won’t need to access the internet every time you want to make it. ------ Or get the BUNDLE with ALL the Printable Tutorials - current and future ones!

link to printable pattern bundle

This post may contain affiliate links. Thanks for your support. Check out THESE tutorials for easy bags:

  • This Super FAST Diy Gift Bag - In Minutes!
  • How To ADD pretty drawstring stoppers
  • Cutie Drawstring pouch - free pattern
  • even more drawstring bag sewing projects
  • or this drawstring basket - so cute, and NO threading at all!

This Free Backpack tutorial has tons of options

I made this free backpack pattern work for ALL AppleGreen Cottage readers, no matter what your sewing skills. Yey! So this is what you can choose among:

  • basic option: you can make a flat drawstring backpack - beginner version!
  • or a flat-bottom drawstring backpack with boxed corners - stands on its own!
  • a wide, generous zipper pocket on the outside (psst - easy but looks classy!!!)
  • a neat interior slip pocket with a flap closure to carry your money nicely secured?
  • a small or a large drawstring backpack? See below which one will better suit your needs.
finished backpack with zipper and drawstring closure in aqua and teal fabric

FINISHED SIZE

Do you like the 'mommy and me' look? Well, these two will work great, the small drawstring backpack pattern is great for kids or for you when you don't need a lot to carry. And the large one will house a lot. Adult size, same features.

I also made the large version of this diy drawstring backpack a bit wider (not just proportionate to the small drawstring backpack!) so it's even easier to place bulkier items in it.

And the interior pocket is PERFECT for this mini wallet, make a set:

wallet sewing pattern
Get the mini Kalina Wallet pattern in my shop.

The finished sizes of the diy backpack are as follows:

  • small drawstring backpack: 10" wide by 15" tall by 2" deep with boxed corners (25x38x5cm)
  • large drawstring backpack 13" wide by 17" tall by 2" deep with boxed corners (33x43x5cm)
drawstring backpack pattern
This is the small drawstring backpack. And a handy little diy zipper case.

Supplies

For the Small Backpack

  • ½ yard of main fabric
  • a fat quarter of accent fabric
  • ½ yard of lining fabric
  • half yard/meter of fusible fleece (45" bolt width) - or ¾ yard if you use 20" bolt width (for outer, tabs, and handle, optional pocket)
  • two pieces of 55" (140cm) of round braided cotton cord (¼" or 6mm thick)
  • a standard nylon coil zipper length of minimum 10" or 25 cm (zipper size #3, with 1" wide tape)
  • optional: one KAM snap or a button for the pocket

For the Large BACKPACK

To make the large backpack, you'll need:

  • ½ yard of main fabric
  • a fat quarter of accent fabric
  • 1 yard of lining fabric
  • ⅓ yard/meter of fusible fleece (45"/120cm bolt width) - or a yard if you use 20"/50cm bolt width (for outer, tabs, and handle)
  • two pieces of 65" (165cm) of round braided cotton cord (¼" or 6mm thick)
  • a standard nylon coil zipper length of minimum 12" or 31 cm (zipper size #3, with 1" wide tape)*
  • optional: one KAM snap or a button for the pocket

*NOTE on zipper width: if using a zipper #5, i.e. one with the zipper tape width of 1 ¼" (3cm), you'll simply use a ⅜" (1cm) seam allowance instead of the indicated ¼" (6mm) when sewing the zipper, and it works too. The total resulting difference of ¼" will be compensated in Step 6. You don't need to calculate anything.

If you have a hard time finding the cotton cord in the color you want, switch it for a different thickness. Or, a reader has been so kind to let me know that she found ¼" cord at Joann's (in the US). It was called Cara's Cotton Craft Cord. Thank you, Nancy! <3

Cutting Directions

Small Backpack (width x height)

From the main fabric, cut

  • 1 rectangle 13" x 10" (bottom part of front outer)
  • one rectangle 13" x 16" (back outer)
  • 1 strip 9" x 4" (for top handle)
  • 2 anchor tabs 3" x 4"
  • 1 rectangle 7" x 10" (for interior pocket)
  • 1 rectangle 7" x 7" (for interior pocket flap)

From the accent fabric, cut:

  • 1 rectangle 13" x 8 ½" (top part of front outer) = 33cm x 21.6cm
  • 2 rectangles 12" x 4" (top casing)
  • 2 zipper tabs 5" x 1 ¼" (You can go with longer than 5" fabric pieces and shorten them later)

From the lining fabric, cut:

  • 2 rectangles 13" x 15 ¾"
  • 1 rectangle 13" x 16 ½" (for zipper pocket)

From fusible fleece, cut:

  • 1 rectangle 12" x 15" (for back outer)
  • 1 rectangle 12" x 9 ¼" (for front outer - bottom part)
  • one rectangle 12" x 5 ¾" (for front outer - top part) = 30.5cm x 14.6cm
  • 1 strip 9" x 2" for top handle - alternative: 9" x 1" from f. fleece and same size strip from stiff woven interfacing for added stability
  • 2 pieces 3" x 1" to strengthen anchor tabs (optional)
  • 1 rectangle 6" x 4 ½" (OPTIONAL pocket)
  • 1 rectangle 6" x 3" (OPTIONAL pocket flap)
drawstring backpack pattern

LARGE BACKPACK (width x height)

From the main fabric, cut

  • 1 rectangle 16" x 11" (bottom part of front outer)
  • 1 rectangle 16" x 18" (back outer)
  • one strip 9" x 4" (for top handle)
  • 2 anchor tabs 3" x 4"
  • 1 rectangle 7" x 10" (for interior pocket)
  • 1 rectangle 7" x 7" (for interior pocket flap)

From the accent fabric, cut:

  • 1 rectangle 16" x 9 ½" (top part of front outer) = 40.6cm x 24.1cm
  • 2 rectangles 14" x 4" (top casing)
  • 2 zipper tabs 5" x 1 ¼" (You can go with longer than 5" fabric pieces and shorten them later)

From the lining fabric, cut:

  • 2 rectangles 16" x 17 ¾"
  • 1 rectangle 16" x 17 ½" (for zipper pocket)

From fusible fleece, cut:

  • 1 rectangle 15" x 17" (for back outer)
  • 1 rectangle 15" x 10 ¼" (for front outer - bottom part)
  • (one) 1 rectangle 15" x 6 ¾" (for front outer - top part) = 38.1cm x 17.2cm
  • one strip 9" x 2" for top handle - alternative: 9" x 1" from f. fleece and same size strip from stiff woven interfacing for added stability
  • 2 pieces 3" x 1" to strengthen anchor tabs (optional)
  • 1 rectangle 6" x 4 ½" (OPTIONAL pocket)
  • 1 rectangle 6" x 3" (OPTIONAL pocket flap)
fabric to sew a drawstring backpack pattern

You can also use additional prints, for example, I used a fourth print for casings and a fifth print for zipper tabs. Totally up to you.

And I know I'll be getting questions about this adorable fabric - these are all prints from the new Ahoy Mermaids collection by Melissa Mortenson for Riley Blake Designs. I love the color palette filled with pinks, greens, and navy blue, and maybe my favorite combo is that of dark teal and seafoam green, with some gold sparkle mixed in. So playful! You can check out the entire line here, or buy some from fabric shops on Etsy here.

How To MAKE a drawstring Backpack tutorial

Here I'm making the small-size backpack. The seam allowance is ½" (1.3cm), except when sewing the zipper, where it's ¼" (0.6cm), as indicated in the tutorial. First, we'll prepare the small pieces, then sew the front pocket and assemble everything together, then box the corners (optional) and add drawstrings to complete your own backpack. Let's start by preparing the small pieces:

Step 1 - Add interfacing

Using the manufacturer's instructions, add fusible fleece to the back of the outer pieces:

  • back outer
  • front outer - bottom part
  • front outer - top part**
  • handle strap
interfaced pieces to make a drawstring backpack
On the LEFT: Back Outer, Front Outer - Top, Front Outer - Bottom; On the RIGHT: Handle

**Take care when fusing the front outer top part: align your fusible fleece along the top seam allowance edge and you'll notice that

  • at the top, ½" (1.3cm) will be left uninterfaced, and more importantly:
  • the bottom 2 ¼" (5.7cm) will be left uninterfaced - for a good reason:
fabric with interfacing applied
The bottom edge will turn into a zipper cover, hence not interfaced.

Step 2 - MAke The Handle and Anchor Tabs

Use the two tab pieces, and the handle piece, and fold each of them this way:

how to make a drawstring backpack handle
  1. Fold the strip lengthwise in half, press and unfold.
  2. Then fold the upper edge to the center crease and do the same with the lower edge.
  3. Fold again along the original center and press, then topstitch along the long edges.

Now you have 2 tabs (1" by 3") and one handle - all with unfinished ends. Just the long edges are finished. Set aside for now.

Step 3 - Make casing

Now take the two casing pieces (each 4" by 12" or 14") and hem the short sides, turning them under by ¼" twice and stitching in place. This is also called a double fold hem. You'll get this:

two pieces of drawstring backpack casings in teal fabric

Fold them lengthwise wrong sides together and press.

Step 4 - Prepare the Zipper

First, cut your zipper to measure exactly 9" for the small backpack and 12" for the large backpack - this is the length you need to cut. Then you'll add zipper tabs to these pieces.

shortened zipper with diy fabric tabs
Here's how to add tabs to your zipper

See here how to shorten a zipper with tabs to reduce bulk at the side seams. Neat and easy. The finished length of your tabbed zipper (including the fabric tabs on each side) will be 13" (small) and 16" (large backpack).

Step 5 - Sew The Front Zipper Pocket

First, let's see what pieces you need to make the front part of your drawstring backpack. This is where your outer zip pocket will be.

teal fabric pieces of the drawstring backpack pattern

Lay down one Outer piece with right side up, then the zipper facing down (and the zipper pull on your left). Then lay the pouch lining on the zipper, aligning the top edges:

installing a backpack pocket

Sew through the three layers using a ¼″ (0.6 cm) seam allowance.

NOTE: if you have a zipper with tape width 2 ¼" (zipper #5), simply use the ⅜" (1 cm) seam allowance, and don't worry - the resulting difference will be taken care of (automagically) later 🙂

Then flip the whole thing so it's the right side of the fabric facing towards the outside, and topstitch along the zipper for a neat result.

Now (IMPORTANT) place your

  • Front Outer TOP piece (the blue scales print) with right side facing you, and the PRINT should be UPSIDE down. (Notice the scales upside down?)
  • and on top of that, the sewn piece with the zipper facing down (pull on your right)
  • and flip the remaining pocket lining upwards so it meets the top edge.

This is what you have now:

Using a ¼" (0.6 cm) seam allowance with zipper #3 or ⅜" (1 cm) seam allowance with zipper #5, sew along the top edge.

Zipper pocket completed.

This is the Outer Front piece looks now (LEFT), compared to the Outer Back Piece:

Outer Front piece is on the left.

Step 6 - Create a Cool zipper Cover!

So, the Outer Front piece you've got now is taller than the other, Outer Back piece. Now we'll create a nice cover for the zipper. It will give your front piece a professional look. I love it!

zipper pocket in a drawstring backpack

This is how: with your thumb and index finger, pinch the fabric just above the zipper (that's the scales fabric here) - creating approximately an inch of a 'roof', cover for your zipper. While doing so, model it against the Outer Back piece and adjust to get the Front piece approximately the same height as the outer Back (16" or 18"). Pin in place.

This will make the Outer Front the same height as the Outer Back piece. Like this:

Adjusting the height of the Outer Front piece.

NOTE: you'll get about a zipper cover of approximately one-inch size. A bit less if you used the #5 zip.

Press just the zip cover part of the fabric (don't iron over zipper teeth) to get a nice fold. Then use the ruler and chalk to mark the stitching line: the seam should go over that zipper tape and if possible, just a tiny bit closer to the zipper teeth than the original seam (one where you attached the zipper). Like this:

how to make a drawstring backpack

If you want to, you can stitch from the back side, just along the previous seam from step 5 - hence removing any guesswork:

how to make a drawstring backpack

Detailed view: this is how your seam should go through the zipper tape layer - if the zipper teeth WERE visible throught the fabric.

diy drawstring backpack fabric

Front Outer done. Now we'll make sure we can use it as a backpack - we'll add tabs for the drawstring cords, ok?

Step 7 - Attach Tabs

Remember the anchor tabs we made in Step 2? Time to baste them on. Fold the Outer Front Pieces and place them on the side of the Outer Front piece at a distance of 2 ½" (6.4 cm) from the bottom edge. While doing so, I also recommend basting the back pocket lining to keep it in place.

Step 8 - Add The Handle

diy drawstring backpack

This drawstring backpack pattern includes a nice large handle that will make it easy to hang your backpack nearly anywhere. Let's add it now to the Outer Front piece:

Place the handle ends centered along the top of the outer Back piece - the distance between the two handle ends should be 2" (5 cm). Pin and then baste in place.

Step 9 - Optional Interior Flap Pocket

Interior pockets are so useful! If you're like me, you can't live without them. So I added this option - feel free to use or skip.

But it's the perfect size for this cute mini wallet you can make in a set!!

If you want to, you can make a flap pocket for the inside of your backpack. I've made a separate tutorial for that - it's easy, but I wanted to include all the photos, and this tutorial has too many already anyway 🙂 Check out here how to sew the flap pocket pieces.

Got them? Let's go on:

  1. Place the lining piece so that the width will be 13" (large backpack: 16"), then
  2. place the main pocket piece, with topstitching at the top side, centered on the lining.
  3. Sew around 3 sides of the main pocket piece, leaving the top open.
  4. Then measure 1" above the main pocket piece (blue dotted line) and stitch the flap in place.
  5. Closure: you can add a snap (tutorial here) or sew a button and make a buttonhole. Whatever works best for you!

Step 10 - SEW the Top of the Backpack

I'll cut this part into several photos so it will be easier to see how to finish the top of your drawstring backpack pattern:

First place the folded casings along the two front pieces. Grab the two outer pieces and place them right-side-up, then place the two casing pieces (folded WST) with the raw edges aligned with the top.

Next, add the lining pieces, like this:

Place the lining pieces on top of the outer pieces, the raw edge aligned, and right sides together. The lining with the pocket needs to go on the Outer BACK piece, right side facing down.

Stitch along the top edges, each time using a ½" (1.3 cm) seam allowance. This is what you get:

Feel free to understitch the top edge, see here how I did that in my free tote tutorial.

Step 11 - Assemble the Backpack

Now, place the two parts RIGHT SIDES together, with outer poieces facing each other, and lining pieces together too.

Use a ½" (1.3 cm) seam allowance to stitch around, leaving a few inches in the bottom of lining, for turning. Then clip the corners and trim any excess on the seam allowance.

Step 12 - Optional - box the corners

This drawstring backpack pattern will turn out just fine with or without boxed corners.

Feel free to box all four corners to give your backpack a flat bottom so it can stand on its own. Or you can leave the backpack flat and skip this step. Your choice.

 I boxed the bottom corners on my backpack at 2 inches diagonally.

Fold the corner flat matching up the two side seams. The side seams should lie directly one over the other. Mark the corner perpendicularly to the middle seam - see the purple line I drew with a fabric marker? Then stitch over that line. Backstitch at the beginning and end of the seam to reinforce it.

Step 13 - Turn Right Side Out And Close the Gap

Trim any excess seam allowance and turn your drawstring backpack right-side-out through the hole in lining and stitch it closed.

If you want to, topstitch around the top edge. I always either understitch or topstitch (and sometimes both) - it makes such a neat edge and works for any drawstring backpack pattern!

Now give your backpack a good press - I always use a seam roll to press bags and similar - make one for yourself using my free seam roll tutorial.

Step 14 - How To INSERT DRAWSTRINGS on the Backpack

Cut the cord into two pieces of 55" or 140 cm (small) or 65" or 165cm (large backpack) and use a safety pin or a bodkin to guide the first cord through the entire drawstring casing. Both ends of the cord will come out of the same opening.

Repeat with the second cord and the second opening, starting and ending on the opposite side of the casing.

how to add strings to a diy drawstring backpack
how to add strings to a diy drawstring backpack

Hoping you've enjoyed my tutorial. If you want to, check out more stuff I've got to sew, either in the bag patterns category, on the Free tutorials page.

But first, save this diy drawstring backpack pattern to Pinterest so you can keep it at hand at all times:

Want MORE FREE TUTORIALS And Patterns?

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Or …check out this popular PDF pattern – the Kalina Mini Wallet in our shop. So practical!

wallet sewing pattern
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drawstring backpack pattern

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Linda

    February 25, 2023 at 3:06 pm

    Thank you! Yes this is the best drawstring design. Had some difficulty understanding how to do the flap but managed to sew up four bags. Wish it was in PDF format to print out.

    Reply
  2. Arlene

    August 07, 2022 at 5:12 pm

    Hi Damjana,
    I made 2 of these backpacks for birthday gifts for 2 girls and they turned out great. I want to make one for myself now 😍. Your instructions were accurate and easy to follow. I like that you provided 2 sizes. I also made scrunchies with the leftover fabric and loved your table for different sizes. Will definitely try some of your other patterns. Thank you for making these patterns available to all.

    Reply
  3. Pam

    November 14, 2021 at 7:56 pm

    Thanks for such a great pattern. I loved making this and it will become my go to backpack pattern in the future.

    Reply
  4. Mary Jo

    July 21, 2021 at 2:50 am

    Thank yoou for the wonderful Backpack pattern. It was easy to follow and turned out perfectly. Looking forward to more patterns.

    Reply
    • Damjana

      July 21, 2021 at 8:58 am

      yey, I love that! tag me @applegreencottage or #applegreencottage if you post a photo on Instagram or Facebook, I'd love to see your finished backpack!

      Reply
  5. Mary

    June 30, 2021 at 4:39 am

    Hello! Thank you for a fabulous tutorial. The directions were thorough and clear. I finished the small backpack for my granddaughter last night, and I am so happy with the outcome and can't wait to send it to her for her birthday. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

    Reply
    • Damjana

      July 04, 2021 at 9:36 pm

      Mary hi, you're welcome!

      Reply
  6. Casper

    June 12, 2021 at 6:43 pm

    Hi there! I am so excited to be making matching bag sets for my family this summer! I am wondering if the yardage listed for the main and lining fabrics is based on a 45" bolt or a 60" one? Thanks!

    Reply
    • Damjana

      June 12, 2021 at 7:18 pm

      Casper hi,
      a great question! I used fabric from 43" bolts. And there should be some fabric left over, the quantities listed are just approximate. Hint, you can use the scraps to make cute matching zipper pouches 🙂 Happy sewing,

      Reply
  7. Sherri

    May 25, 2021 at 9:36 pm

    Hi,
    I have a few questions before I try this awesome pattern. Wondering if I need to pre -wash fabric and interfacing? Worried about puckering when washed. And as well if you need to use the fleece interfacing or is there other options? Or can it be done without interfacing as well?

    Reply
  8. Margo

    May 18, 2021 at 8:25 pm

    What weight interface did you use to make this. Thank you!

    Reply
    • Damjana

      May 18, 2021 at 8:50 pm

      Margo hi, that's a great question. I used a high-loft fusible fleece for the project, Vilene H640. That would be close to Pellon Thermolam. Enjoy sewing the backpack,

      Reply
  9. MARYANN

    March 31, 2021 at 5:35 am

    Hello, Dajana,
    Thanks for the great tutorial. Photos are excellent. What a great take on the simple drawstring bag! Looking forward teachingb my granddaughter with the help of your tutorial.

    Reply
  10. Florence

    March 15, 2021 at 2:19 pm

    Hello Damjana, thank you for your tutorial. I would like more details about step 1.
    When fusing the front outer top part and aligning the fusible fleece along the top seam allowance edge, i don’t get 2 1/4″ left uninterfaced but rather 3,7 cm. Could you help me ? Sorry for my English, I'm French. Thanks a lot.

    Reply
    • Damjana

      March 15, 2021 at 3:05 pm

      Florence hi,

      a good question. First, I'd make sure the pieces were cut correctly- see Cutting Instructions, I added the metric measurements to the two pieces, just for you. Secondly, make sure the fusible fleece is positioned correctly, as marked in Step 1 (I added a bit of a clarification for you, check out the light green text box in Step 1). Let me know if this helps. Happy sewing,
      Damjana

      Reply
  11. Francesca Yerke

    March 14, 2021 at 11:26 am

    Hi, I’m new to making backpacks, but this looks So doable. What type of material will hold up better? I’ll probably order online, so I won’t be able to gauge the thickness without actually feeling it. Any ideas? Kudos for all your great ideas & tips!
    Thanks,
    Fran

    Reply
    • Damjana

      March 14, 2021 at 12:50 pm

      Francesca hi,

      glad to meet you here 🙂 As for materials, I love using quilting cotton with interfacing as described in the post, and canvas works great too. At least for the top part you+l want to keep it rather soft for easy pull on the drawstring. However, anything sturdier would work great too for the bottom front part - vinyl, faux leather too. I've purchased some of the beautiful faux suede in teal and grey to try out a different version too. I hope this gives you a few ideas to work on. Happy sewing, Damjana

      Reply
  12. Joyce Johns

    March 06, 2021 at 7:45 pm

    Is there just the tutorial with the instructions or is there a pattern to physically print and cut out to use. I am unable to locate physical pattern to print.

    Thank you for your assistance.

    Reply
    • Damjana

      March 06, 2021 at 8:55 pm

      Joyce hi,

      currently, there is only the online tutorial, with cutting instructions directly in the tutorial (Just rectangular pieces to cut). There is no printable pdf/digital file to download.
      Warmly,
      Damjana

      Reply
      • Joyce Johns

        March 07, 2021 at 6:40 pm

        thank you.

        Reply
  13. Ashley

    March 05, 2021 at 7:57 pm

    Is a PDF version of the instructions available?

    Reply
    • Damjana

      March 05, 2021 at 8:06 pm

      Ashley hi,
      this tutorial is only available online, no PDF file is available. Hope it helps,

      Damjana

      Reply
  14. Barbara

    March 05, 2021 at 1:37 pm

    My 8 year old granddaughter would absolutely love this! She called me a couple of weeks ago wanting to know if she could come over to go swimming - in February! The water is still cold enough to stop your heart, LOL! I have mermaid scales fabric, but can you tell me the name of the mermaid fabric and the manufacturer? I’ll add this to my list of 5,000 other things I need/want to sew, LOL! Thanks For all you do! It’s always fun to see what you will make next.

    Reply
    • Damjana

      March 05, 2021 at 1:49 pm

      Barbara hi,

      so kind of you to stop by - your granddaughter is so lucky to have such a creative grandma! The fabric collection is from Melissa Mortenson's Ahoy Mermaids collection she designed for Riley Blake Designs. It's brand new, so ask in your local shop, and Etsy has a lot of it, I've just researched today.

      Happy sewing,
      Damjana

      Reply
      • Barbara

        March 05, 2021 at 2:00 pm

        Thank you so much! I’m a fan of Melissa’s, so I should have known, but as usual, I’m behind in everything.

        Reply

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