How to sew the outside applied pocket & final assembly, Small Backpack: Part 3

applied pocketIn this third and final part of the Small Backpack Pattern sew along, we're going to be sewing the applied pocket and doing the final assembly of the bag.  Hopefully, everyone has been following along from Part 1, where we cut the small backpack pattern, attached the outside zipper, added the lateral small pockets and made the small inner pocket.  Then in Part 2, we sewed the outside zipper, sewed the backpack straps and attached the backpack strap hardware.

applied pocketAdditional Materials for this Section:

  • Bias tape 1 3/4″ x 28″ (shorter side)
  • Bias tape 1 3/4″ x 29″ (longer side)
  • Bias tape 1 3/4″ x 30″ (bottom)

I would highly encourage you to try to make your own bias tape.  You can find a great tutorial on just how to do this here:  Making Continuous Bias Binding Tape.

applied pocket

Video Tutorial

Step One:  Attaching the front pocket

This pocket detail will make or break your small backpack.  It requires a bit of patience and precise stitching.  If you are a beginner, take your time doing this step and you will gain an enormous amount of self-confidence.

Below is how to prepare your zipper for the pocket provided on the small backpack pattern.  The full video tutorial will be published next Tuesday.  In the meantime, you can make the inner pockets and attach the outside zipper.

applied pocket

How to add the zipper to the applied pocket

Cut two tabs at 1″ by 1 1/2″.

Fold the ends of the tab at 1/4″ and pin at both ends of the zipper.

Sew at 1/8″.  Pin the top part and lower part of the pocket. Sew at 1/8″ from the teeth of the zipper.Basically, your zipper and tabs should finish with the measurements of the top and bottom of the pocket.  small backpackSo trim the zipper and tabs to be within the edges of the rest of the pocket.On the wrong side of the pocket, box the corners sewing at 1/4″.

Fold 1/4″ around the pocket and pin 1″ from the sides and bottom edge.small backpack

Sew the pocket down at 1/8″.

Step Two:  Assembling your small backpack

Pin the back side to the gusset.  Pin the center first then work on one side then the other.  I have placed the straps inside the back pocket and pin the pocket so I do not sew it accidentally. small backpack pattern

Sew at 1/4″.  Yes,  I do use that many pins because I like to simulate a stitch, and I hate to rip so if there is something wrong with the pattern I can change it immediately.small backpack pattern

Pin the front to the front side of the small backpack.  Work from the middle to the sides as previously mentioned.  small backpack patternNote: The extra pocket in the lining shown above.  This is optional and there's no pattern.  If you want to make this as well, simply tracie the front of the backpack pattern (shown below in red) to the height of pocket you want and then add the hem allowance at the top.  

Add the small pocket you made in Part 1 of the sew along to the back and sew at 1/4″.

Step Three: Applying bias tape and closing the small backpack

For the next step on closing the small backpack, we need to make bias tape that is long enough to cover all the exposed seam allowances.  Here is a tutorial on how to make your own bias tape. We need 3 strips of bias tape between 28, 29 and 30 inches by  1 3/4″.   small backpack patternPin the bias tape to the raw edges of the backpack and sew at 1/4″.Fold the tape over the seam allowance and sew very close to the edge. Pin the bottom, matching the curve and the corners.  This step is the trickiest because we have two rounded corners and two pointed corners.   Use as many pins necessary to ensure the bottom fits.  If you have sewn all the seams the same size it should.small backpack patternsmall backpack patternSew at 1/4″.small backpack patternPin the tape at one of the sides, folding at the beginning about 1/2″ and ending one inch past the fold. small backpack patternCut the tape past the fold. This will ensure you will not see a raw edge. small backpack patternSew at 3/8″.
small backpack patternFold the tape over the raw edge end pin.  Sew very close to the edge.  You should hardly be able to see where the tapes join. small backpack pattern
small backpack patternsmall backpack pattern

And you're done!

This is the end of the sew along, turn your backpack right side out and you are ready to apply a bit of steam here and there to make the seams lie flat.  Ready to be worn and enjoyed!

applied pocket

P.S.  I think my George doesn't like it, so I will give it to my daughter.  I will find something else for him very soon 🙂


Bonus Section: How to draft an easy applied pocket.

While it may look difficult, an applied pocket is actually very easy to draft and sew.  This type of pockets is frequently found on leather bags, fashion saddle bags, backpacks, shooting vests, fishing vests, and cargo pants.

This style of applied pocket is one of the easiest of them all.  It has an exposed zipper and boxed corner.  I will show you how to draft your own pocket to apply it to any size bag, however, the one you need for the small backpack is already included in the pattern.

First, determine how big you want your pocket to be in relation to your backpack.  Normally this pocket in a backpack covers the lower half of a backpack.

Tools:

  • draft paper any kind
  • pencil
  • ruler

Trace a rectangle that is as wide (minus 2″) and as long as half of your backpack.  Divide this rectangle horizontally into 3 equal parts.  Separate the two parts by cutting the first part off.  This will become the top of the pocket.

Trace the corners as shown in the picture below. The length of the lines is one inch, this is the industry standard,  normally this pocket is not as deep as other applied pockets which I will cover in the future. 

Erase the corners and add a 1/4″ seam allowance where the zipper will be sewn. 

 


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Pat
Pat

Is there a printable version of the instructions. I do better with printed version rather than video?

Emma
Emma

I will make this………….I will, I will, I will!!!! Very cute bag. I appreciate the challenge. Thanks so much for the detailed tutorial and wonderful illustrations. Can’t wait to view video and begin. 🙃 

Carolann
Carolann

I just made my second bag, and decided I should pay you for the pattern I have. Gotta give back to people like you who put things out there free for us to learn from. Thank you.

emily
emily

Hi! I loved making this bag so much! I started sewing a few months ago and this really helped me learn different things about sewing! i added a few extra details like buttons on the side and a border going around the back. Thank you so much for making this free and easy to use

Janet Tweedy
Janet Tweedy

Love your patterns but you say this is not for beginner yet others say this is really easy 🙂 who to believe ?

Janette
Janette

What are the final measurements for the backpack (LxWxH)?

Karen Poole
Karen Poole

I LOVE this pattern and such detailed instructions! I have been wanting to make a backpack to take hiking that isn’t too big and I can add padding to the part that rests on the back!! I have titanium rods in my back so if it’s not padded it will really irritate my back, this is so perfect! And thank you for making it free!

Natalia little
Natalia little

how would I make a live size version of that bag

lisa
lisa

hi…is there a link where i can print the instructions on how to make this bag please…rather than having to come back and forth to my pc…thank you

Abisola
Abisola

Nice tutorial Mayra but pls I av a problem with the gusset can u tell d measurement used for the front and back gusset and also d measurement for the bottom of the bag. Its really a very nice bag and I really want to get it am a beginner by the way. Thank you very much for the free tutorial

lanre
lanre

Hey Mayra I downloaded the bag pattern but measurements was not included so I was hoping u could help me with the measurements thanks a million

Tesa Fox
Tesa Fox

Just finished the bag, had some issues with lengths not matching up but other wise it’s nice. Used an old pair of jeans for the outside and it worked well, though my poor sewing Machine! Suggestion though to anyone making this add a small loop or handle at the top before finishing the bag, I thought of it but didn’t follow through and I regret that

yoha
yoha
Reply to  Tesa Fox

yo igual lo realice con unos jeans viejos pero tambien tuve problemas con las medidas que no coinciden pero ahora que lo pienso debe ser por no respetar las medidas de costura.. la tira de los costados me quedo larga.. soy muy principiante pero me encantan los retos asi que ya lo termine en 2 dias! me quedo horrible ? pero volvere a hacerlo cuando este mas entrenada jaj muchas gracias por el patron me encanto?

I also did it with old jeans but I also had problems with the measurements that do not match but now that I think about it it must be for not respecting the sewing measures .. the strip on the sides is too long .. I am very beginner but I love them the challenges so i finished it in 2 days! I stay horrible ? but I will do it again when I am more trained haha ​​thank you very much for the pattern I loved it?

Tesa Fox
Tesa Fox

Hi! you mention that it can be worn cross body but I don’t see how

Tesa Fox
Tesa Fox
Reply to  Mayra Cecilia

Thank you!

Gail
Gail

Thanks for your tutorial and pattern, Mayra. I noticed in your illustrations that you changed the front of your pattern from rounded bottom corners to square. Would you please tell me how to attach the rounded sides, front and bottom? I’m having a bit of trouble with it. Thanks a million

Storme
Storme
Reply to  Gail

I had the same issue, I wish I’d have looked closer at the photographs before sewing the bag together. I did lots of fiddling trying to make the curved front bottom work, but in the end I couldn’t. I ended up making it as straight as I could. Next time I’ll be using two back pieces.
Otherwise it’s a good pattern and makes a really cute bag.

Joan
Joan

Thank you very much for such a detailed tute. Looking forward to making it. George doesn’t look at all impressed, but I must say, it does fit him well. 🙂

Sarah
Sarah

Thanks Mayra for this backpack tutorial. The work you and Deby put into these free tutorials is very much appreciated.

Diane Babcock
Diane Babcock

Thank! Great tutorial. I appreciate it, even if George isn’t crazy about the product, lol. He’s so handsome!

Jinger Snapp-Laplace

Thanks for the great tutorial and George is a wonderful model!

Maggie Martin
Maggie Martin

I think George likes it, it is just NOT his color. THNK YOU for a great TUT!
Hugs
Maggie