Tutorial: Small Satchel Backpack with Inner Pocket and Grommets
This is a mini backpack that’s great for those times when you don’t need to carry around a lot, but you still need something hands free. It’s even got a little pocket on the inside so you don’t lose your keys. You can also make it as a little backpack for kids! Print out the sewing pattern below, and I’ll walk you through how to make the bag.
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
stack the interfacing and the batting on two straps and baste them in place
One the wrong side of two strap pieces, stack the interfacing and then the batting and baste them all together along the edges. You can also use a scrap of fleece or similar materiel for this if you prefer that to the batting.
Step 2
sew the straps along the long sides then turn them to the right side
With right sides together, sew the remaining two strap pieces to the batting pieces. Then turn the straps right side out.
Step 3
sew a line down the center of the straps
Sew a line of stitches straight down the center of the straps to hold the batting in place.
Step 4
fold the handle in quarters and sew it closed
Similar to bias tape (or belt carriers), fold the handle in quarters and then in half. Sew it closed along the open edge.
Step 5
fold the pleats at the bottom of the bag and baste
Fold the pleats at the bottom of the bag pieces. Press them and baste them in place.
Step 6
apply interfacing to the top bag pieces
Step 7
sew the bag to the bag top
with right sides together, sew the top bag to both of the bag pieces. Press the seam allowance up, toward the top.
Step 8
sew the bag together at the sides
with right sides together, sew the bag together along both sides. The base is still unsewn.
Step 9
baste the handle and straps to the bag
Baste the handle and the straps to the top of the bag (whichever side you want to make the back), then baste the straps to the bottom of the bag as well.
Step 10
apply interfacing to the base
Step 11
sew the base to the bag
With right sides together, sew the base to the bottom of the bag through all layers.
Step 12
hem the upper edge of one pocket piece
Make a 1/2 inch hem on the upper edge of one of the pocket pieces.
Step 13
sew the pocket pieces together
sew the two pocket pieces along the sides and bottom with right sides together.
Step 14
turn the pocket to the right side
clip the corners and turn the pocket to the right side.
Step 15
baste the pocket to the seam allowance of the bag
Inside the bag, baste the pocket to the seam allowance between the bag and top bag pieces.
Step 16
sew the facing together
with right sides together, sew the two facing bands together along the sides.
Step 17
press up the bottom edge of the facing
Press up the seam allowance at the bottom of the facing.
Step 18
sew the facing to the top of the bag
sew the facing to the top of the bag with right sides together.
Step 19
fold the facing to the wrong side and sew it
turn the facing over to the inside and sew it. It should cover the raw edges of the pocket and the seam between the bag and top bag pieces.
Step 20
mark your holes for the grommets
using the pattern as a guide, mark your holes for the grommets. along the upper bag.
Step 21
cut holes for the grommets
cut the holes until the grommet fits through. Because these are a large size grommet, I usually have to poke a hole, and then use scissors to make it larger before the grommet will fit.
Step 22
press the grommets in place
Place the flat washer on the back of the grommet, sandwiching the fabric. Then press it in place. There are many ways to do this, but I highly recommend using some kind of grommet presser. I have a really weak grip strength, and this makes the process so much easier. Repeat this process for all 8 grommets.
Step 23
add a drawstring
after pressing the grommets, add a drawstring a lace it around the bag.
Finished!
