HomeArts and Crafts IdeasSewing a Rucksack: Free Backpack Pattern
Hi creative friends!
Were happy to share thisfree backpack patternwith you along with the step by step instructions forsewing a rucksack.
I picture this canvas rucksack coming in handy for our fun outings.
I chose this rustic olive green color of canvas from Canvas Etc.
line of 100% cotton duck-dyed canvas.
The finished bag measures 20 high x 12 wide x 8 deep.
Now that I think of it, myrepurposed denim checkered picnic blanketwould fit nicely inside this rucksack!
Its a great weight of canvas sturdy and durable yet flexible enought for daily use.
Remove it promptly from the dryer to minimize wrinkles and creases.
Download the free backpack pattern.
Print off therucksack patternonto 811 sheets of paper and tape all the pages together to form the pattern.
Place fabric on a smooth, flat surface.
Also, be sure to align the grain lines on the pattern with the fabric grain.
Cut along all the solid lines.
The dash lines represent the sewing lines.
Be sure to mark the notches on all the pattern pieces.
These will come in handy later when sewing.
Mark all dots (for pocket placement) on the pattern using a piece of washable chalk of wax.
This step will help you position the pockets properly later on.
Always remember to secure your scrap fabrics when cutting out the fabric!
Thesedeconstructed pencil case and fabric flowerswould turn out great using this canvas.
Stitch the looped grosgrain lengthwise as shown.
With right sides together, sew the two sides of each shoulder strap together at 12 seam allowance.
True the seam allowance to eliminate bulk pefore turning the stitched straps right side out.
Press flat and add an edge-stitch around the entire perimeter of both straps.
Place prepared shoulder straps on the lower center back (CB) panel piece aligning the notches as shown.
Stitch the straps in place.
Stitch in place to form locker loop.
Position the 20 long grosgrain ribbon along the CB side panel, 5 from the bottom hem as shown.
Stitch in place and repeat on the other side with the other 20 long grosgrain ribbon.
Loop the ribbon ends through the other buckle pieces and stitch the ribbon ends with a double fold.
Youll know if the ribbon is looped through the buckles properly because it will lock in place when pulled.
Using a serger or zig zag stitch, clean finish all cut edges to avoid fraying.
Alternatively, you’ve got the option to do this step at the very beginning prior to starting.
With right sides facing up, align the two lengthwise edges of the upper pattern piece.
Sew one side of the zipper to the fabric and then repeat along the other side.
Put piece aside until the rest of the bag is assembled.
Place pocket pieces on a flat surface with right sides facing up.
Loop the remaining 6 grosgrain ribbon through the buckle.
Stitch the looped grosgrain lengthwise as done with the shoulder strap buckles.
Place the prepared ribbon at the center top of the large patch pocket piece.
Fold seam allowance up and edge-stitch in place.
Sew one side of the hook and loop tape to the pocket facing.
Fold the facing flap inward and topstitch in place just below the lower seam line.
Position the pocket onto the front of the rucksack, aligning the small dots.
Topstitch pocket in place along all 3 sides of the pocket.
For added reinforcement, add a triangle stitch to both corners of the pocket opening.
Draw a straight line using removable chalk and a ruler intersecting the notches.
Sew over the marked line.
With right sides together, position the upper zippered piece with the opening of the bag aligning all notches.
Sew pieces together, pivoting at the corners.
launch the zipper and turn the rucksack inside out.What do you plan to use your rucksack for?
Pin it for later!
