Tutorial: How to Make a Mini Backpack with Pockets

This is a tutorial for a mini backpack with a drawstring closure and pockets, one zipper pocket on the front and one little pocket inside. I’ve also included the pattern that I created so you can print it out and easily follow along with the steps.

This design is based off of a little backpack I’ve been using for years and love. Unfortunately, that old backpack is falling apart, so I studied how it was made and decided to make this similar mini backpack using fabric from my stash

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Supplies Needed:

1 yd fabric
1 yd lining
contrast fabric remnants (I used the same as lining fabric)
1/2 yard heavyweight interfacing
8″ zipper
medium weight interfacing (for the straps)
belting strap and slider
batting for straps
Twill tape or string

Pattern includes:

front and back (cut 2, cut 2 lining)
front pocket top (cut 1 contrast fabric, cut 1 interfacing)
front pocket bottom (cut 1, cut 1 interfacing)
side (cut 2, cut 2 interfacing, cut 2 lining)
base (cut 1, cut 1 interfacing, cut 1 lining)
strap (cut 2, cut 2 batting, cut 2 interfacing)
flap (cut 1 contrast fabric, cut 1 interfacing, cut 1 lining)
inner pocket (cut 1 lining)
casing (cut 1)
optional: drawstring holder (cut 1)

(all of my patterns include 1/2″ seam allowance)

Download Pattern

Step 1

Apply Interfacing to front, back , sides, front pocket, and flap

You can use sew in or fusible interfacing, whichever you prefer.

Step 2

Place zipper face down on bottom pocket and sew

With the zipper face down, line it up with the top edge of the bottom pocket piece. After sewing, press the zipper up.

Note: my zipper was not quite long enough, so I extended the edges with some bits of fabric. You can ignore that if you got a zipper that’s long enough

Step 3

fold over upper pocket on fold line and place zipper face down against the edge

Fold the upper pocket edge up according to the fold line. Then you want to line up the top of the zipper with the edge of the fabric so that the fold overlaps the zipper. Stitch through all layers close to the edge of the zipper.

Step 4

sew the corner darts of the pocket pieces

With right sides together, sew all the corners of the pockets half an inch in from the end

Step 5

edgestitch the pocket to the front of the bag

Fold over the sides of the pocket and pin it to the front of the bag. Edgestitch close to the sides of the pocket with matching thread according to small circles on the pattern.

Step 6

baste belting to the bottom of the back

Loop the belting around the center rung of the sliders and baste them to the back of the bag.

Step 7

Sew the base and sides together

Step 8

sew the front and back to the base and side

With right sides together sew the side/base piece to the front and then the back of the bag. When finished, turn right side out and be sure to press the seams.

Step 9

prep the straps – baste the interfacing and batting to the reverse side

Note: the batting isn’t strictly necessary, but it makes the strap more comfortable.

Step 10

sew straps in half lengthwise with right sides together

It can help to turn the seam allowance of one end of the strap in before sewing to make the next step easier.

Step 11

Insert belting into the straps and stitch

Make sure the end of the strap is folded in and insert the belting. Edgestitch and topstitch the belting in place to secure it. Sew a line of stitching down the center of the straps to secure the batting so it doesn’t fall out of place and get lumpy over time.