Get ready for a super fun sewing project with this adorable drawstring backpack pattern! This easy and quick project lets you create a lightweight, trendy bag that’s just perfect for carrying your essentials. Whether you’re off for a quick grocery run, taking a leisurely walk in the park, or need a versatile bag for your kids’ weekend activities, this drawstring backpack has got you covered.

With just a few materials and simple steps, you’ll have a functional and stylish backpack ready in no time. This pattern is great for both beginners and experienced sewers, making it an awesome addition to your crafting projects. So, grab your favorite fabric and let’s get started on making your new go-to bag for easy outings!

Get the pattern and tutorial to sew drawstring backpack. Great as the kid's school activity bag or as the laundry bag etc.

You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to sew this drawstring backpack, with the entire process taking just around 30 minutes! You could even make a few of these versatile bags for different purposes: as activity bags for your kids’ games, art classes, music lessons, or tutoring, or even as laundry bags, shoe pouches, and more. Add unique embellishments or choose different fabrics to match its intended use and make each backpack truly one-of-a-kind!

I used thin nylon/polyester fabric that I bought from a Japanese Dollar store called Daiso. It’s the same material I used to sew the Strawberry Reusable Grocery Bag (free pattern & tutorial). If you can’t find this exact fabric, you may use other similar fabrics like cotton or coated fabric. The size of the bag is 12 1/2″ x 17 1/2″, but you can easily adjust the size to make a smaller (lunch bag) or a larger one.

Since it is a simple and fast sewing project, you can effortlessly create multiple items to give as souvenirs or goody bags for other kids. I’m considering crafting personalized goody bags for my son’s birthday celebration, featuring each classmate’s name on the bag and filled with a variety of delightful treats.

The drawstring backpack is a huge hit with my kids, who eagerly pack their weekend enhancement class materials into it. They proudly carry Mama’s handmade drawstring backpack to their class, beaming with excitement.

What’s Next:

Sew this backpack and share your finished handmade creation on Facebook and/or Instagram. Don’t forget to tag us, @craftpassion, so we can see it.
Pin it on Pinterest for a future To-Sew List.
Share with your DIY groups for a sew-along event.
Learn more about the basics of hand sewing and how to choose a sewing machine for beginners.
Explore more free sewing patterns and craft ideas, especially for making bags & purses.

DRAWSTRING BACKPACK SEWING PATTERN

Yield: 12 1/2″ (W) x 17 1/2″ (H) DRAWSTRING BACKPACK

Active Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour

Difficulty: Avid Beginner

Estimated Cost: $2 - $5

Backpack bags can be easy and quick to sew. This drawstring backpack takes only about 30 minutes to sew. Sew a couple of them to be used as activity bags for kids to bring out, be it for games, arts & crafts class, music class, or tuition. It is great as a laundry bag, shoe pouch, etc…. Add embellishments to customize each bag to its specific usage or activity.

Enjoy sewing them!

Download and print the SEWING PATTERN for drawing the fabric separately.

Materials

Fabric – thin Polyester or cotton or coated fabric, 20″ x 40″
Cord, 63″, 2 pcs

Tools

Sewing machine, with normal foot
Matching thread
Pencil or pen
Ruler
Scissors
Tools for turning or tweezers
Clips (if you are using polyester) or pin

Instructions

Download the drawstring backpack pattern from the link above. Prepare all the materials needed as listed above. Draw the pattern on the wrong side of the fabric, cut them out, you should have 1 long piece and 2 small pieces of fabric now. I used 2 different color cords so that you can see clearly how they were put together in the bag. Burn the ends lightly to prevent fraying.

Fold the small piece of fabric aka the holder for the cord end into halve with right side facing each other. Stitch a line 3/8″ away from the edge (left in the pic). Turn it right side out and topstitch near the edges (right in the pic). Repeat to make 2.

Neaten the raw edges on the 2 long sides of the bag fabric. I fold and sew it with a straight line.

This is the markings of the cord holders position which is 1″ from the folded line (the base) of the bag.

Fold the bag into halve with right side facing each other, align and clip. Fold the cord-holder into halve too, and place it on marking, with the folded edge facing inside. Repeat the same on the other side of the bag.

Clip if you are using polyester fabric or coated fabric. Pin or clip if you are using cotton.

Stitch a straight line from bottom to top but stop at the 2 3/8″ marking from top edge. This 2 3/8″ is reserved for the drawstring pocket. Repeat the same on the other side of the bag.

Press seam open all the way up. Turn over and topstitch around the un-sew seam. This is the opening of the drawstring pocket. Repeat the same on the other side of the bag.

Fold the 3/8″ seam allowance at the top of the bag, crease it. Fold again to align the crease edge to drawstring pocket line. Sew along the line to create the drawstring pocket.

The bag is done on the sewing part, it should have a drawstring pocket on the top and 2 cord holders at each side near the bottom. Insert the cords into the drawstring pocket in 2 circuits, as shown in the picture.