Tutorial: Dinosaur Drawstring Backpack with Spikes
Did you ever want a dinosaur backpack with spikes that stand up on their own? Follow along with this super cool dinosaur (or dragon) drawstring tote to make your own custom backpack. This is easier than you think, and only requires some fabric remnants, some heavy interfacing, and something to use for the drawstring. Download the free pattern below and get started.
This page contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases. That being said, I encourage you to use your local sewing shop whenever possible, or to look for supplies second hand.
Supplies Needed:
(all of my patterns include 1/2″ seam allowance)
Step 1
Apply interfacing to the spikes
Using an awl (or sharp, pointy tool) poke a hole in the belt about 1.5 inches in from the end (or at the edge of the belting inside so that the hole does NOT go through the belting). Make sure it is centered along the width belt.
Step 2
sew the spikes together
with right sides together sew each spike. Start and end sewing at the seam allowance (1/2″ from the end)
Step 3
clip corners and turn the spikes to the right side
Turn the spikes to the right side and press them flat.
Step 4
baste the spikes to one side of the front
make sure to leave seam allowance and the top and bottom of the front piece.
Step 5
sandwich the spikes and sew the front down the center
Step 6
Press the seam open on the back
Press the front seam and the spike seams open on the center of the front piece (this is what’s going to get the spikes to stand up).
Step 7
Topstitch the seam allowance on both sides of the spikes
After pressing the seam allowance open, topstitch it in place along both sides of the spikes.
Step 8
Sew the tabs
Fold the sides of the tab pieces to the center and then fold them in half. Sew along the length of the two tab pieces.
Step 9
Baste the tabs to the back of the bag
Fold the tab pieces in half and baste them to the bottom of the back bag piece.
Step 10
hem the sides of the casings
make a narrow hem on both of the shorter sides of both casings
Step 11
Fold the casing in half
Step 12
sew the casings to the top of the bag
On both sides of the bag, sew the casing through all layers. Then press the casing up, away from the bag. This will create a loop for the drawstring to go through.
Step 13
Sew the front and back of the bag together
With right sides together sew the front and back of the bag along the sides and bottom.
Step 14
Turn the bag to the right side
Clip the curve and turn the bag to the right side. Once turned the spikes should stand up on their own.
Step 15
add the drawstring to the casing
You need two pieces of string (about 60″ long) and they both need to go all the way around, through both casings. One string you’ll insert through the left side, thread it all the way around so it comes back out the left. The other will start on the right side and go all the way around so it comes back out the right.
Then you want to tie each string around the tabs that were sewn in earlier.
Finished!
