Mike Roll-Up Backpack
In this tutorial, we'll sew the practical Mike roll-up backpack, perfect for carrying everything you need. It comes in two sizes, with patterns included!
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
The Mike is a lined roll-top backpack in two sizes, with a zippered front pocket, padded back, padded adjustable straps, top handle, and padded interior divider.
The softer top folds and rolls before closing with webbing, a buckle, and a snap hook. The divider keeps a laptop or tablet separate from the rest of the bag.
What you’ll learn in this class
- Place interfacing, batting, or both.
- Construct a front zippered pocket.
- Pad and quilt the back without stiffening the roll top.
- Make padded straps and attach the webbing securely.
- Build the outer bag and lined interior.
- Add a padded divider for organization.
- Finish the top and thread the adjustable hardware.
Fabric and materials
Use a sturdy outer fabric such as canvas or denim. Poplin or another cotton woven works for the lining.
Lightweight or medium interfacing and batting can be used separately or together. Their placement controls the bag’s structure, padding, and roll-top flexibility.
Make it your own
Choose the small version for a lighter load or the large version for more capacity. Related backpack styles include:
Finished dimensions
The large backpack is approximately 37 cm high, 26 cm wide, and 8 cm deep. The small version is approximately 31 cm high, 22 cm wide, and 7 cm deep.
The video class includes small and large backpack patterns in A4 home-print and A0 copy-shop formats and demonstrates both structured and padded components.
Pattern & materials
Patterns are included with membership
Active members can download every available PDF and materials list.
Project gallery
