Using the legs from a pair of jeans, fabric from a shirt, and a stray button, you can make this little backpack in about the time it takes your toddler to take a nap.
Materials
Read all of the pattern instructions before beginning. This will help you plan in advance
how to orient your fabric. All seam allowances are ½".
• A pair of wide or bootcut jeans
• A woven cotton shirt
• A button or a button to cover
• Contrasting thread
• BERNINA Jeans Foot #8 (optional)
Cut the Fabric
Cut off one jeans leg 12" from the hem. (Note: If the hem is damaged,
repair it first.)
Cut from the second leg:
• Two 3" x 18" strips (long straps)
• Two 3" x 8" strips (short straps)
• One 4" x 7" rectangle (flap)
Cut from the woven cotton shirt:
• Two 3" x 18" strips (long straps)
• Two 3" x 8" strips (short straps)
• One 4" x 7" rectangle (flap)
Topstitch the Hem
The first step is to topstitch the hem of the jeans left in a contrasting
color. Using BERNINA Jeans Stitch Foot #8 makes the stitch very regular and helps with the tension control. I like going over the stitching three times, trying not to overlap my stitches, to add a wild,
creative look to the hem.
Note: If the leg has any holes or blemishes, you can secure them in the same “wild” manner.
Create the Straps
Pin the jeans strips right sides together with the corresponding shirt strips. Using a ½" seam allowance, sew along both long sides and one short end of each strap.
Sew the Flap
Pin the jeans and shirt flap pieces right sides together. Using a ½" seam allowance, sew around all four sides of the flap, leaving a 2" opening in the middle of one side for turning.
Trim the Seam Allowances
Trim the seam allowances of each strap to ⅛"
Trim the seam allowances of the flap to ⅛", but leave them intact above the gap.
Turn and Topstitch the Straps and Flap
Turn the straps and flap right sides out. I like to use the same “wild topstitching” technique to edgestitch the straps and flap.
Attach the Short Straps
Place the short straps inside the bag at the lower corners, leaving
½" showing beyond the raw edge of the bag.
Sew the bottom of the bag shut and trim the excess strap fabric.
Turn the bag right side out.
Make a Buttonhole
Using your sewing machine’s buttonhole stitch or function, stitch a buttonhole in the flap to fit the button you chose.
Prepare the Long Straps
Overlap the ends of the long straps and stitch across them as shown.
Trim the excess fabric ¼" from the seamline.
Attach the Long Straps
Pin the straps to the top of the bag, aligning the stitch line with the bag’s topstitching. Sew along the previous stitching line to secure the strap unit in place.
Attach the Flap
Attach the flap to the bag in the same way, placing it over the strap unit as shown.
Finish the Straps
If you are making this for a little girl, knot the strap pieces.
If the child is a boy or is a little older or taller, overlap the ends and sew the straps together. Keep in mind that children like to have a snug fit, much snugger than adults.
Sew the button to the bag. Your instant backpack is ready to gift!
Note: The button shown in the sample is a button form covered with fabric from the shirt. Covered button kits are available from most sewing stores.
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