I am so excited to re-introduce you to the Making Backpack pattern! I’ve added a new (mini!) size & added a BONUS alternate zippered front pocket option, too!
Here’s a quick list of the pattern’s features:
- two sizes to sew! Regular and Mini
- front slip pocket (plus BONUS! alternate zippered front pocket)
- interior zip pocket
- adjustable shoulder straps
- useful top handles
Update Information
I’m sure you might be wondering, what if I already bought the original PDF pattern? Great news! Check your email* and a new download link has been sent! Just download the new updated file and save it to your computer/cloud storage!
*automatic download link is sent (via our file host, SendOwl) to the email address you originally used to purchase your pattern, please check your spam/promotions folder.
If you purchased a paper copy from my shop (directly through my website www.noodle-head.com), please contact us and we will verify your purchase and send you a complimentary PDF copy of the updated pattern. Thanks in advance for your patience while we get things sorted.
The Making Backpack is a fun backpack that’s perfect in its simplicity, but also great for customizing. Choose your favorite canvas (prints or solids), waxed canvas, or dry oilskin and get to work creating your very own custom backpack. I’m excited to see what you make! Now with so many great options!
I hope you’ll love this new Mini addition (& pocket)! I can’t wait to put my Mini Making Backpack to use this summer!
Today through June 12th only (ends Sunday, June 12th at 10 pm CST) pick up your PDF for 20% off! No code needed!
Construction Notes
The Making Backpack features bound interior seams for structure! It’s my favorite choice for this particular pattern.
This is different than my Sandhill Sling pattern where I feature a drop-in construction method. The beauty of either of these methods is that they’re interchangeable! Once you’ve tried each method, you may find one method works for you better than the other – and that’s perfectly okay! Sewing things yourself means you get to be in charge of your project!
If you’d like to check out the Sandhill Sling sew-along (click here for the YouTube playlist), you can use that method to construct the Making Backpack.
Pssst….
- I am very excited to show you some of the samples that testers made! I plan to dive in to the details of each of the samples that I’ve made – so be sure to stop by my blog in the coming weeks for those!
- For those of you who prefer paper patterns, I’m hoping to have those ready by the end of the month. Thanks for your enthusiasm & patience!
- Lastly, my friend Jess of Okla Roots put together a video on the Making Backpack (Regular size)! Check it out!
The Making Backpack was originally published as part of Making Magazine in 2018. And then as a stand alone pattern (Regular size) in October of 2018.
Supplies used:
I will be blogging about these samples individually, but here’s the basic rundown below.
Bronze Mini sample:
- Washed Canvas in Bronze (Mind the Maker) purchased from Zipper Zoo
- lining is Lightweight Duck in Rosewood purchased from Fancy Tiger Crafts
- gingham is Kitchen Window Wovens by Elizabeth Hartman (in Lingere)
- zipper is the Cinnamon color available in my shop
- webbing kit available in my shop (this is the Hazelnut colorway – coming soon!)
- Size 24 Snap kit available here
- hardware kit here
Read about the original yellow sample here.
Orange Mini sample:
- Dry Oilskin from Zipper Zoo (this is the Smokey Orange color)
- lining & binding is by Alexia Abegg for Ruby Star Society (Vessell collection) purchased from Sewtopia
- Interior zipper is from my shop (this is a 6″ zip)
- Exterior main zipper and pocket zipper is zipper by-the-yard from Zipper Valley – and oh so beautiful!
- Hardware and leather pulls are both from my shop
Blue Regular sample:
- waxed twill (Cadet Blue) from AL Frances Textiles
- lining is Lightweight Duck in Seafoam purchased from Fancy Tiger Crafts
- gingham for binding is is Kitchen Window Wovens by Elizabeth Hartman (in Slate)
- zippers were from Zipit, webbing was from Zipper Zoo (looks like the color is unavailable at this time
- Hardware and leather pulls are both from my shop
Hope that covers it all! Thanks so much for being here, I appreciate all of you! Thanks for your constant inspiration.
Hi, love the mini size maker backpack. Will there be a paper pattern available soon?
Thanks so much Karen! Yes, I hope to have it by the end of the month.
Anna this is awesome! I’ve had quite a dry spell with sewing, perhaps this will help inspire me to break out of it! Love the mini size so much.
Thank you Donna!!!! Glad it inspires you! 🙂
Test Comment
LOVE the new pocket you came up with. Can’t wait to make a mini!
Thanks so much Beth!
The mini is super cute! I already have a paper copy of the pattern but I bought it from my LQS- should I buy the pdf now to get the mini?
Thanks Sarah! Send us an email at hello@noodle-head.com and we’ll help you out. 🙂
I am so excited for this pattern! Thank you so much for making a mini. I cannot wait to make me and my girls some. You are the best.
Thanks so much Kristie!
Should I go ahead and buy my Making Backpack and then the pdf will be shared? Thanks so much.
Hi Lee Ann, the new file (including the new mini size) is what you’ll receive if you purchase. Thank you!
I have made the full size for my daughter and the mini for myself and for the attendant at doggie day care that puts up with my crew. I modified the pattern to have both the slip pocket and the zipper pocket on the front, This is my go to bag for travel since I can put my iPad, head set and/or a project in it and still have plenty of leg room for those long flights.
That sounds so great Agnes! Thanks for sharing! 🙂