Tutorial - Refashion a Bag into a Backpack

Update your purse with a new lining and straps

Tutorial at Patchwork Posse Blog

"Finding the ‘just right’ bag can be tricky. There is always something out there that fits what I need and am looking for…except for one thing. You know how it goes, right?! Without having a whole lot of time to get a totally new bag made and finished, I decided it would be a lot easier and quicker to start off with a finished purse and update it to fit what I really need".... Read more

Tutorial - How to Repair a Hole in a Backpack

Start by using the right needle for the material

Tutorial at Green Issues by Agy

"My son's haversack tore at the top.  Then it became a big hole.  And now the strap is loose as well!  This is what happens when repairs are left until the very last minute.  So I decided to fix it (now that the Maker Faire is over), and we even had a Haversack Fix It Friday last week. We had a very productive evening fixing holes, zippers, linings and even a strap!  Here are 5 tips I would like to share with you when repairing a haversack".... Read more

Tutorial - How to Make a Recycled Jean Backpack

Make a cute and functional backpack out of recycled jeans and sweater ribbing

Tutorial at Joyful Daisy Blog

"I have seen a lot of cute jean bags over the years but this design using the inseams for straps and an old sweater ribbing for the top is truly ingenious!  I can brag a little about this because it is not my design… this is another idea my mom woke up with!  She is so resourceful using parts of jeans that are often discarded and I love how she added pops of color with some scraps of fabrics that she had leftover from past projects.  So let’s see how she pulled this recycled jean backpack all together".... Read more

Tutorial - How to Crochet a Backpack

Using acrylic yarn makes your bag machine washable

Tutorial at The Chilly Dog Blog

"I love handmade purses and bags! I think they are a great way to show off your personality and tote your stuff around. I actually have quite a collection in my own closet - just ask my husband. Some of my favorite bags have a simple, clean, casual design. This pattern embodies that idea. It's a great everyday bag and can be worn as a backpack or over one shoulder like a purse.  The bag is unlined, but since the pattern stitch creates a fairly dense fabric, there's no need to worry about small items slipping out".... Read more

Tutorial - How to Upcycle Shorts into a Backpack

Simple tutorial on how to make a soft backpack from old shorts

Backpack Tutorial at Creating My Way to Success Blog

"I had a few pairs of soft shorts that didn't fit very well. I've had them a few years and really like the bright colours so wanted to make something fun with them. Here's how to made a funky soft backpack: First cut the seams and trims off the shorts to get panels of fabric in various sizes, plus the drawstrings".... Read more

Tutorial - How to Add a Name Tag to a Backpack

Name tag can be switched out for another

Name Tag Tutorial at Cucicucicoo Blog

"Yesterday my little 2 year, 8 month old boy had his first day of public nursery school. And two days before that, I suddenly remembered that he needed a little backpack for school. I didn’t want to buy another because we already have gazillions of little bags and backpacks at home, except it turns out that they’re ALL very girly bags. I don’t normally care about dressing my son in clothes that have some girly touch to them (like a little flower or pleat here or there) and his favorite color is actually pink, but these bags were just too much for me to feel comfortable sending him with to school, where he was bound to be harassed by less informed people. So I proposed using the least girly bag, which is unisex except for the “My Doll” logo on the front. I figured it would be a snap to cover that up with a patch that I could stitch Nicky’s name onto".... Read more

Tutorial - How to Make a Backpack Goodie Bag

Kids will love this happy goodie bag

Goodie Bag Tutorial at Stubbornly Crafty Blog

"Trace the pattern pieces onto your felt and cut them out (one full pattern and one that is cut off at the dotted line). You’ll also need to cut out 2 strips of felt measuring 1.5″x3″ and one measuring 1 3/4″x17.5″. Cut two 5-inch strips from your ribbon. Take your two strips of felt (1.5″x3″) and fold them in half. Draw a line down the center. Take your main backpack piece and fold the flap down. Pin the strips 3/4″ inch down, pinning through your middle line. Sew them down".... Read more

Tutorial - How to Upcycle a Sweatshirt into a Backpack

Perfect for boys, back-to-school, or grad gifts

Backpack Tutorial at Maiden Jane Blog

"There are so few ideas of what we can make "for the boys." My Sweatshirt Tote Tutorial has been very popular so I have been thinking for some time about making a drawstring backpack version for a while. People give me old sweatshirts now, so when my cousin gave me this Ohio State sweatshirt, and learning that my nephew was heading off to THE Ohio Statue University, I knew it was a good time to make this Drawstring Backpack".... Read more