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Drawstring Backpack with FuseFlex
Backpack Size: 13” x 14”
Designed and made by Heidi Pridemore
Skill Level: Advanced Beginner
Looking for your next sewing project that’s both functional and fun? You’re in the right place! In this tutorial, we’ll guide you through creating a charming drawstring backpack that’s as stylish as it is practical. What makes this bag truly special is the use of Camelot’s FuseFlex stabilizer, which adds a light yet sturdy body and structure, making your bag durable without sacrificing flexibility. Whether you’re a seasoned sewist or a beginner ready to try your hand at a new accessory, this project is perfect for you. Let’s dive in and transform fabric into a must-have drawstring backpack you’ll adore!
Supplies Needed:
- Outer Bag, Tabs, Straps & Inner Pocket (Red Hearts) (A) 1 yard
- Lining and Outer Pocket (Cream Bows) (B) 3/4 yard
You Will Also Need:
- 1 yard of FuseFlex
- (2) 9” Zippers
- Wonder clips
- Glue Stick
- Basic sewing supplies and tools
Cutting Instructions:
Fabric A
• Cut (1) 13” x WOF strip. Sub-cut (2) 13” x 14” rectangles and (2) 4” squares. rectangle.
• Cut (1) 7 ½” x WOF strip. Sub-cut (2) 7 ½” x 8” rectangles.
• Cut (2) 4” x 32” strips.
Fabric B
• Cut (1) 13” x WOF strip. Sub-cut (2) 13” x 14” rectangles.
• Cut (1) 7 ½” x WOF strip. Sub-cut (2) 7 ½” x 8” rectangles.
FuseFlex
• (2) 13” x 14” rectangles.
• (4) 7 ½” x 8” rectangles.
• (4) 1” x WOF strips
Assembly Instructions
- Following the Manufacturer’s instructions, press the FuseFlex pieces onto the wrong side of (2) 7 ½” x 8” Fabric A rectangles, (2) 7 ½” x 8” Fabric B rectangles and (2) 13” x 14” Fabric A Rectangles.
- Center the zipper, right side down on the 7 ½” edge of (1) Fabric A square. Use the glue stitch to glue the zipper in place.
Repeat with 7 ½” x 8” Fabric B rectangle and the second zipper.
- Use a Zipper foot and sew the zipper in place.
- Repeat Steps 1-2 with the other side of the zipper and the second 7 ½” x 8” Fabric A rectangle. Repeat Steps 1-2 with the other side of the zipper and the second 7 ½” x 8” Fabric B rectangle.
- Fold the two halves of Fabric A fabric, right sides together, align the edges.
- Pull the zipper head into the middle of the bag and trim the zipper ends even with the fabric edges.
- Clip the two halves of Fabric A, right sides together with Wonderclips.
- Open the zipper. Sew around the two layers of Fabric A to form the lining pocket.
Repeat with the Fabric B unit to make the outer bag pocket. Turn the pocket units right side out and set aside.
- To make the straps, fold (1) 4” x 32” Fabric A strip in half lengthwise and press. Open the strip and fold each side edge to the center crease and press.
- Open the fabric and press (2) pieces of FuseFlex to one creased section. Trim any excess fuse flex from the ends.
Refold the strip.
- Start 2” from the short edge and top stitch down each long side of the strip. Repeat to make a second strap.
- To make the side tabs for the drawstrings, fold (1) 4” x 4” Fabric A square in half lengthwise and press. Open the strip and fold each side edge to the center crease and press. Fold the piece again to make (1) 1” x 4” Tab, Top stitch down each side to finish the tab. Repeat to make a second tab.
- Position the Outer pocket on one 13” x 14” Fabric A rectangle, centered on the 13” side and 2” from the bottom of the bag. Use the glue stick or pins to hole the pocket in place. Topstitch around the pocket to secure it to the Fabric A piece to make the outer bag front.
- Repeat Step 12 with (1) 13” x 14” Fabric B and Lining pocket to make the lining Piece.
- Place the Outer Bag Front and second 13” x 14” Fabric A piece, right sides together. Make sure the top of the pocket is pointing towards the top of the bag.
- Measure down from the top edge 1” and make a mark for the top of the drawstring channel. Measure down another 1” and make second mark for the bottom of the drawstring bag.
Repeat with the other side of the outer bag top. - Flip up the bottom half of the Outer Bag back. Fold each 1” x 4” Tab in half lengthwise. Clip the tabs to the outer bag as shown 1” from the bottom edge.
Sew around the outer bag down each side and across the bottom to make the outer bag. Do not sew between the drawstring channel lines on each side. Turn the outer bag right side out. - Place the two lining pieces right sides together. Clip the two halves together.
Sew down each side and across the bottom, leaving 3” to 4” opening for turning.
- Slide the lining over the outer bag, right sides together.
Align the top edges and clip the two pieces together.
- Sew around the top edge to form the drawstring bag.
- Turn the bag right side out through the opening in the lining.
- Turn in the raw edge and press/ Topstitch the opening closed.
- Push the lining into the bag.
- Measure and mark the drawstring channel onto the outer bag using the drawstring openings as a guide. Topstitch through both the bag and the lining on both lines to create the drawstring channel.
- Slide one Strap in one opening, around the channel and back out on the same side.
- Slide one end of the strap through the strap tab.
- Slip one end of the strap into the other end of the strap and topstitch the two ends together to create a loop.
- Repeat with the second strap and the opposite side of the drawstring channel to complete the drawstring bag.
Congratulations! You’ve just crafted your own stylish and functional drawstring backpack using Camelot’s FuseFlex stabilizer for that perfect balance of light body and durability. We hope this project brought a touch of creativity to your day and inspired you to explore more DIY sewing adventures. Whether you use your bag for daily errands, gym essentials, or as a thoughtful handmade gift, it’s sure to turn heads and spark compliments. Don’t forget to share your finished bag and sewing journey with us—happy sewing!
