Levi Backpack
In this sewing tutorial, I’ll show you how to make a practical, easy-to-sew backpack for kids to take to school or for adults to use.
Project preview
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 Levi, an unlined rectangular backpack sized for books, large notebooks, folders, and a laptop. It measures approximately 28 cm wide, 38 cm high, and 11 cm deep.
A zipper closes the main compartment. Adjustable shoulder straps and a carry handle suit older children or adults, while a flap-covered front pocket holds smaller essentials.
For younger children, compare the flap backpack and zippered kids’ backpack.
Another option is the kids’ satchel backpack.
What you’ll learn in this class
- Finish fraying edges with zigzag or overcasting stitches.
- Install and topstitch a continuous zipper.
- Shape the front pocket and sew its curved flap and snaps.
- Position the carry handle, adjustable straps, sliders, and anchors.
- Reinforce the load-bearing strap areas.
- Join the gusset to the front and back around the corners.
Fabric and supplies
The sample uses waterproof canvas for body and easy cleaning. The class explains how to finish fabric that frays and how to choose an appropriate needle for your material.
You will also use a zipper, backpack webbing, matching sliders, and snaps. The downloadable PDF contains the cutting measurements and materials list.
Make it your own
Mix fabrics for the body, pocket, and details, or reuse a sturdy plastic shopping bag. Webbing may be 3 cm or 4 cm wide, provided the sliders match its width.
Add an interior pocket or bind the exposed interior seams. Decorative topstitching and contrasting zipper components offer simple color variations.
Finished size
The finished backpack measures approximately 28 cm wide, 38 cm high, and 11 cm deep. The PDF recommends longer shoulder webbing for an adult backpack.
The video covers the zipper, pocket, straps, body assembly, and final snaps. The PDF supplies the pattern pieces, cutting measurements, and materials list.
Pattern & materials
Patterns are included with membership
Active members can download every available PDF and materials list.
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