mini back pack tutorial

so we recently took a little trip to the beach

and i just thought it would be fun to make

miss ruby

her own little 'pac pac'

to carry on the plane...filled with activities

such as stickers, paper, pencils, snacks,

and her very first little magnetic doodle board.

it was a hit.

clearly

since she was such a good model for me.

so here is a little step by step:

1. cut two canvas weight (or heavier weight material) rectangles

11 1/2 x 13''

cut two more rectangles in a

lighter, cotton type fabric in a cute pattern,

same dimension.

2. sew two separate pieces together, right sides

facing out

3. cut a 5x5'' square pocket out of canvas material. sew 1/4" seam down the top of pocket. pin to the middle of one rectanctangle and sew down, leaving top open.
4. fold down top of each rectangle by 1/2 " and sew down to form and opening which will encase the drawstring eventually.

5. cut 2: 3 1/8 x 19 1/4" pieces of canvas or other neutral color for the straps. fold these in half and sew along the opening, as well as along the fold. add these straps to the rectangle with no pocket, folding over top edges and sewing onto canvas in a rectangle shape to secure strength.

6. drawstring: cut 2: 31 x 1" pieces of patterened fabric. fold in half and sew down to flatten. sew two pieces together.

7. with canvas regtangle pieces facing eachother, sew together...making sure to not sew the straps into this process. turn right side out and shimmy that drawstring on through.

*notes: i would maybe use a lighter weight than the canvas i used as it was hard to pull the backpack's drawsting tight. and the words i stamped on the outside are a french term of endearment meaning 'little cabbage'. wish i would have embroidered them but was delierious and tired at the time. next time, perhaps.

ps. i am not the faciest sewer. i just love it. some day i will be amazing. wait for it.