What does every munchkin need to tote around their goodies?
A fancy schmancy personalized backpack of course!
Create one for the tot on your list with bits you’re guaranteed to already have in your stash with The DIY Upcycled Denim Rug Rat Backpack Tutorial:
Grab a jeans pant leg for the exterior, a length of fabric for the interior & your choice of closure (velcro is easiest for the little ones to use).
Chop up your material into the following measurements: 25cm x 60cm (denim & interior fabric) + two 10cm x 50cm strips of jean-scrap (for the straps) & whatever embellishment you desire.
Place the fabrics together right sides facing.
Stitch them together, be sure to leave an end open for turning.
Turn right side out, tuck in the raw end & top stitch all the way around.
And the body of your backpack is done! Lay it flat, inside facing up.
Fold the bottom end just over halfway up towards the top end.
Fold the top down and now you have the basic shape of the backpack.
Arrange & pin on the velcro closure.
Stitch it down.
With the velcro holding the backpack together, arrange & pin your embellishment to the flap.
Sew it on (I zigzagged around the initial 3x using a wider zigzag each time giving it a super thick outline & ensuring zero possibility of future fraying).
Lovely! Onto the straps:
Heat up the hausfrau torture device & grab a strap. Fold one side into the center & press.
Fold the other side into the center & press (tucking the raw edge under will prevent fraying).
Repeat with the other strap and…
zip over to your machine & straight stitch together.
As always, I sew a quick zigzag over the seam for extra strength.
With the back facing up, pin one end of your straps in the center, just above the halfway point.
Repeat with the other end.
Stitch them on.
Grab a small scrap, cut it to size & sew it over the raw ends for a clean look.
perfect-o!
Flip the backpack over & pin the sides together.
Stitch them up and your (finally) done!
Pop it on your & check the awesome fit!
Fill it up with goodies and treats and enjoy a day at the park!
