Belfast Zip-Up Kids’ Backpack
A kids’ backpack with a wide zipper that little hands can open and close easily. It features a front pocket, adjustable shoulder straps, and a chest buckle.
Video class
This video is for members
Join Lulu Ferris to watch the complete class and sew along at your own pace.
What you’ll make
Sew the compact Belfast kids’ backpack with a wide main zipper, a lined front zipper pocket and a structured base.
Padded adjustable shoulder straps make the backpack comfortable to carry. A small chest buckle helps hold the straps in place.
The front pocket stores small treasures, while the main compartment has room for everyday school items such as an agenda and snack.
What you’ll learn in this class
- Organize and stabilize the fabric, lining, interfacing and batting pieces.
- Shorten longer zippers safely and finish them with fabric stops.
- Build and topstitch a fully lined front zipper pocket.
- Sew padded straps with sliders and an adjustable chest buckle.
- Shape the rounded upper panels and install the main zipper around the curve.
- Combine the outer fabric and lining for a clean bag interior.
- Attach the structured base and finish its interior edge with bias tape.
Fabric and materials
The backpack uses outer fabric, lining, fusible interfacing and batting. Choose sturdy backpack webbing for the adjustable straps and hanging loop.
You will also need a main zipper, a smaller pocket zipper, sliders, a chest buckle and bias tape for the interior base finish.
A walking foot and a heavier needle are helpful when sewing through the padded straps and other bulky layered areas.
Make it your own
Position the longer chest-buckle strap on the side that will be easiest for the child to adjust. The class explains how to reverse that orientation for a left-handed wearer.
To adapt the project as a small adult backpack, the instructor suggests adding about 20 cm to the shoulder straps and supplying extra webbing.
For alternate constructions, see the flap backpack or the multipurpose backpack.
Size and structure
The design is intended for children from daycare through preschool. The central panels are cut at 25 × 28 cm, and the side and base pieces establish a 10 cm depth.
These are cutting dimensions rather than finished backpack measurements.
The class includes a PDF with the project diagram, cutting dimensions and organized material list.
Pattern & materials
Patterns are included with membership
Active members can download every available PDF and materials list.
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