SINGER PROJECTS Drawstring Backpack Just two rectangles of fabric, webbing straps and a drawstring are used to make this simple backpack. So quick and easy to make, you just might want to make several in different fabrics and colors! PROJECT SKILL LEVEL:
Shopping List Everything you need to complete this project in one place. Use this convenient checklist to ensure you have all required materials in your sewing room, or take it with you when you shop for supplies. o ⅝ yard (0.57 meters) of non-stretch fabric o All-purpose sewing thread o 52 (1.4 meters) of 1 (25mm) wide webbing o 45 (1.15 meters) of drawstring cord o Small piece of tear-away stabilizer (to use when making buttonholes) o Removable fabric marker o One large safety pin o Ruler
Sewing Directions Note: Sew using ½ seam allowance unless otherwise specified. 1. Prepare the following: Cut two pieces of fabric, each 15½ (40cm) wide by 19 (48cm) long Cut two pieces of webbing (for straps), each 26 (66cm) long Cut one piece of cord (for drawstring), 45 (1.15 meters) long 2. Select a multi-step zigzag stitch on the sewing machine. Adjust the stitch width to 5mm and the stitch length to 2mm. Stitch along the raw edges of both fabric pieces, which will help prevent the fabric unraveling. 3. Using a fabric marker, draw two ⅜ (1cm) horizontal buttonholes near the top edge of the front fabric piece, as shown. 4. Place a small piece of tear-away stabilizer on the wrong side of the fabric, behind the area where the buttonholes will be stitched. Pin in place, if desired.
5. Adjust the Buttonhole Foot to make a ⅜ (1cm) buttonhole. 6. Remove the All-Purpose Foot and attach the Buttonhole Foot. Stitch two buttonholes where the fabric was marked. Note: For more information about how to sew a buttonhole, refer to your machine s instruction manual. 7. Remove the excess stabilizer from the back side of the fabric.
8. Cut the buttonholes open using a seam ripper. Be careful not to cut through the stitched ends of the buttonholes. 9. Remove the Buttonhole Foot and attach the All-Purpose Foot. Set the machine for straight stitch. Place the two fabric pieces together with right sides facing one another. Pin along the bottom edge (opposite the buttonholes) and stitch. 10. Position EACH webbing piece on the fabric BACK piece 2½ (6.35 cm) from the side top edge and close to the bottom seam. Pin in place.
11. Machine-baste the webbing pieces in place, removing the pins as you sew. 12. Bring the front and back of the backpack together and pin along the sides. Sew along each side from the bottom seam to the top edge, making sure to keep the webbing free from the seam. Press the seams open. 13. Fold down the top edge of the backpack 1½ (3.8 cm) and press.
14. Topstitch close to the fold along the top edge of the backpack. 15. Stitch again ¾ (1.9 cm) from the top folded edge to form a casing for the drawstring. 16. Attach the large safety pin onto one end of the cording. Insert the cord into one buttonhole, bringing the cord all the way through the casing until the safety pin comes out the other buttonhole.
17. Tie an overhand knot on each end of the cord. This will help prevent the cord ends from going back through the buttonhole and into the casing. 18. To secure your carried items in the backpack, pull the cord ends and tie them in a bow at the top.