Want the printable pattern PDF?
Grab it from our shop on a pay-what-you-want basis (including $0). No emails, no signup hoops.
Download the Small Backpack Pattern →
This free mini backpack pattern makes a small, structured backpack with three zipped pockets: one inside, one on the front, and one hidden against your back where a pickpocket cannot reach it. The pattern downloads as a print at home PDF in both A4 and US Letter, and the same bag converts to a cross body style if you would rather wear it on one shoulder. It is a good size for school, college and day trips, and it sews up beautifully in canvas, oilcloth or a firm upholstery cotton.
The build is split into a three part sew along with a full video tutorial. Part one, below, covers printing the pattern, the outer zipper, the side pockets and the inner zip pocket. One honest note before you start: every individual step here is beginner friendly, but there are a lot of them and several zips, so treat this as an advanced beginner project rather than a first ever make.
If you have been watching the size and style of bags lately, you’ve probably noticed all those impossibly cute little backpacks everyone is carrying. Along those lines, I’ve made this small backpack pattern to be small (and cute) but still big enough to be practical.
You can also use this small backpack as a cross-over or cross body bag as well. I made that way because I like to have options and truth-be-told, I am a bit paranoid with a backpack. I guess having grown up in Panama where, as the saying goes, “pickpockets can remove your socks without even taking off your shoes” I have had my share of missing money and wallets. This is why I’ve added a pocket in the back with a zipper. There’s an internal pocket, also with a zipper, and even the outside pocket has a zipper. So if you can remember where you put your wallet, the chances of keeping it are high..
There’s also a possibility of adding one more pocket to stash your mobile phone, but I will leave that up to you. I will show you how to add it you want it. Please note, however, it will not be included in the pattern, so this is probably for the intermediate to advanced sewists. The rest of the project is suitable for beginners.
This backpack takes a while, because there are a lot of steps, so I have set the pattern and project out as a kind of sew along. The first part will give you a general idea on how to make the backpack and the inside components. You’ll find this below.
If you want to find all the parts and instructions to make this free small backpack project, the easiest way is to navigate to this page where you’ll find links to all three parts and the video tutorial.
Part two will show you how to make the straps and attach them to the small backpack, and part three will show you how to assemble and finish the bag. Combine this with the our complete video tutorial, and you should have all you need to make this mini backpack pattern.
This is a challenging project rather than a difficult one. If you have just started making bags and you like being stretched a little, you will find it very rewarding, and every fiddly step is shown in the video. It will make a great accessory for your wardrobe or a fantastic gift for a friend or a loved one. I made two for this tutorial and I’m keeping one and giving the other to my teenage daughter. She loves it.
Video Tutorial
Materials For The Mini Backpack
- 1/2 yard of canvas, oilcloth, thick nylon fabric.
- 1/2 yard fusible interfacing
- 1/2 yard of lining
- 2″ cotton tape (66″ in total)
- 1″ ribbon (66″ in total)
- Thread to match
- One (1) 18″ Nylon zipper
- One (1) 10″ nylon zipper
- One (1) 10″ nylon zipper (inner pocket optional)
- Jeans needle or leather needle
- Four (4) D Rings
- Two (2) Lobsters Claw
- Two (2) 1″ Rectangular buckles for tensioning the straps
Tools You Will Need
- Zipper foot
- Scissors or a rotary cutter
- Walking foot (optional)
Free Mini Backpack Pattern Download
You can get this pattern free from So Sew Easy. Choose whatever you would like to pay, including free. For help downloading and printing PDF patterns, please CLICK HERE.
Download the free patternMini Backpack Pattern Layout
This is just meant to show you what the pattern will look like once it is printed and assembled.
Part One [of the Three Part Series]
In this part of the sew along, we’re going to be printing the pattern, assembling the materials, and sewing the inside pocket as well as the gusset and the main zipper.
Cut all pattern pieces following the pattern.
A note on fusible interfacing: The type of interfacing you use will depend on the fabric you choose to work with. Canvas and think upholstery fabric do not need it. Cotton quilting will need both in the outside fabric and it the lining.
I am using 100% cotton fabric from the upholstery section at IKEA and have opted to fuse a medium weight interfacing to both outside and lining fabrics. In hindsight, I wish I hadn’t since it made it impossible to sew a cotton tape handle (to hand carry the bag) on the top of the backpack. I could have done it, had I used my industrial machine to finish the bag. However, not everyone has an industrial machine at home. Before placing the handle or using thick upholstery fabric make sure your machine can handle many layers of fabric.
Step One: Attaching the outer zipper
Place the right side of the fashion fabric up.
Place the zipper right side down.
Place the lining wrong side up on top of the zipper.
This will make a sandwich with the fashion fabric.
Use the zipper foot and sew at 3/8″. Once you have sewn the zipper down, open to turn to the work to the right side and iron. (We show this in the video tutorial, as this might be a bit confusing for the beginners in the group.)
We will repeat the same procedure, but this time on the other side of the zipper. Lay the fabric right up and place the other side of the gusset wrong side up aligning the sides. Pin together and turn to the lining side.
Pin the lining and sew at 3/8″. Iron once again and topstitch.
Sew 1/8″ from the edge using the zipper foot.
Pin the lining and fashion fabric and sew at 3/8″.
Top stitch 1/8″ from the seam and trim the seam allowance. You can trim the zipper to the edge of the gusset at this point as well.
Step Two: Adding the lateral small pockets
Following the pattern, fold the top edge 1/2″ and iron. Use the crease to fold the edge 1/4″ in so it does not show.
Pin the pocket to the bottom of the gusset.
Step Three: Making the small inner pocket
I have chosen to use the lining to make this little pocket. This pocket is small enough for a small wallet but you can adapt it to a bigger size if you wish.
On the wrong side of the fabric, pin the zipper right side down and sew using your zipper foot.
Turn the fabric to the right side and topstitch the zipper at 1/8″.
Place your zipper horizontally with the piece you just sewed up.
Place the other part of the pocket right side down on the lower side of the zipper.
Sew the zipper using the zipper foot turn and topstitch at 1/8″.
Open the zipper half way.
Sew, zigzag and trim both sides but not the top.
Iron your work.
Pin the pocket to the back lining of the small backpack.
As I have mentioned above, there is no pattern for the internal pocket that is big enough for your phone. However, this is very easy to add. Depending on your phone size.
Trace the bottom part of the front pattern side, add 1/2″ for seam allowance on the top fold and stitch as you did on the lateral small pockets.
End Of Part One Of This Mini Backpack Project
And you’re done with this part of the project. I really hope you enjoyed this project so far. As a further refinement of this design, I am going to make one in leather which should be fantastic. When I am done will share it with you on Pinterest.
Access All Parts Of The Mini Backpack Sew Along
All three parts with a video tutorial are out! Click the link here or the panel below to find all three tutorials.
Sewing this one for back to school, or as a gift? There is plenty more to make in our free sewing patterns library.
If You’d Like To Support Our Site
If you want to help us continue to bring you a wide selection of free sewing patterns and projects, please consider buying us a coffee. We’d really, really appreciate it.
Ready to make it?
The printable pattern is yours for whatever you would like to pay.
Get the Pattern →
I just finished my backpack and it’s SOOO adorable! I learned so much making this bag and can’t wait to make another. Thank you so much!!
My pleasure!
hey! just starting this project 🙂 i can’t tell which zipper is used first – i have both the 10in and the 18in but the length of the back gusset is about 17in when measured? i assumed the shorter zipper was for this part but in the video the zipper used goes the entire length of the gusset..
You assume right.
Hi
Do I need to cut out too gussets ?? (2 outer fabric 2 lining )
Thank you sherrie
Yes you do!.
When I try to print the pattern it takes me to a page with only photos of the bag, am I missing something? Thanks for all the work you are doing!!!
I’m so sorry if this has already been addressed, but how do you convert it from a backpack to a crossbody? do you just attach the lobster clips to each other? i can’t wait to sew this up, thank you so much!
Yes that is right you have to end the straps with lobster clips on both ends to make it a crossbody bag.
I would love to make this but I can’t even get past the pattern! Pieces are not labeled as to what pieces are joined together, many even without the name of the pattern piece to help find the joining section, or whether or not to cut on the fold or how many pieces to cut although the pattern does seem to designate lining pieces from fashion fabric. I’d also love to know the finished size – it looks fairly large when modeled on person but in the video it appears to be smaller! I’m looking for a smaller backpack and hope this one is it. I’m confident if I could get the pattern cut out I could sew it without further problems, especially with the help of the video. I’m really discouraged just by the pattern – glad it is by donation and not some set price!
Hello Fran, I will be returning your money, my philosophy is that if you are not happy with my work don’t make your life more difficult than the current global situation makes it to be. If this pattern was for sale it would have all the labels that required as it is for free I encourage people to spend some time on the site which is how I make the big companies pay for the 5K a months that it costs to run a site as large as this one. Sending the weekly email alone is 1200 USD. This is an old pattern, made by many people around the world and not for beginners at all since it is a long project. There is a sew-along and all the videos are on YouTube. The instructions to this pattern and all the free ones (OVER 200) are here on this site for free and for as long as the site can stay open. Kind Regards and thank you for your time and feedback.
Bag came out cute. The only problem I had was adding the binding. I couldn’t figure out how to add the binding around the bottom with out distorting the sides. I ended up just zigzagging all the raw edges
I show in the video how to do it but your machine must handle all layers.
Hi! I haven’t started this project yet, I’m still buying the d rings and zippers and such. I’m wondering about the ‘optional pocket?’ In the video there was one that didn’t use a zipper, the large one on the inside, but I’m confused as to which optional pocket uses the zipper? Is it the one that has access through the back, or the one that hangs down from the top on the inside?
Thanks!
can you tell me the finished size?
Helo such a cute backpack. Finished size please. Thanks for sharing
These instructions and pictures are really hard to follow, it doesn’t mention what pattern piece you are using
Yes this is not for beginners, this is for people who want to push their skills to a higher level. Have you watch the video for this project? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uy0_zMvB-ig
You should watch the video in full before starting this project and you will find it makes the pieces so much easier to understand and flow follow. I made this at the end of May, and it came out adorable…my girlfriend loves it. Take your time and follow the video when assembling as it is very helpful.
Is the seam allowance included in the pattern or do I add seam allowance?
It is included and it varies, please read all the instructions before stating this project. What the video so you can have an idea of the sequence.
I truly appreciate all the time and work you have commented to doing this for free. On behalf of all your audience Thank You!
Sharon Hoyle
My pleasure Sharon, and thank you for your support!
Hi! Just starting out with this backpack. I was wondering if the pattern has the seam allowance included or not?
Thank you!
yes, it varies, please watch the video, and all the instructions before you start. Also, I forgot to ask you to buy bias tape.
I am just getting started on making this. I’ve decided to watch the video first before doing anything. As I was watching you got to the part where you are adding bias tape, I was like uh oh I didn’t get any so I rechecked the materials list and it wasn’t listed as an item. I think you should probably add that, now I’m hoping I have enough fabric to make my own.
Thanks for the feedback, three years this pattern has been available and you are the only one that has pointed out. Thanks!
I finished my backpack. I used all the same fabric and quilted my outside pieces. I’m not sure I would call this a small budget project tho. My supplies were just over $40 and then the time it took for all the pattern cutting & sewing time…this could probably be an $80 plus item. I will say I think it turned out very cute and it is a good size. I made this for my best friend’s 50th birthday, I can’t wait to give it to her. I wish there was a place for me to post some pics…..
Please use Instagram, use this #soseweasy and everyone will see your picture. It is small in size, certainly, the materials you use is up to you. The Time it takes is what it takes to make something of good quality such as the one you describe. It took me almost a month of my time, electricity, supplies, website hosting expense, to put this sew-along together all free for you to enjoy…so yes good things take time so personally I am very happy that you made it all the way and to give it to a friend? I hope your friend knows what a wonderful person you are.
I would love to post a picture of my project but I don’t use Instagram…. My girlfriend absolutely loves her backpack and has gotten lots of compliments on it. Is there some where else I could post photos so others can see the project?
You can try our Facebook group chat, or if you like you can send me the picture and I add it to My Instagram account or at the bottom of these post with your name. Let me know which you prefer.
I was unaware there was a facebook group chat, could you send me the link and I’ll try to post it there…Thank You
I’m confused about the lining fabric to make the inside pocket and the backside pocket. Should I cut two of the same pattern?
Hi Julie, please read the instructions, these are separate tutorials and you will; find them on the blog or following the video on youtube.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uy0_zMvB-ig&list=RDCMUCYibABfbKk9SkQirY7es_Fg&start_radio=1&t=0
Hi! I just realized that there doesn’t seem to be a pattern piece for the inside pocket on the back of the bag. It seems like this pocket is larger than the inside pocket, so I don’t think I use that pattern piece. Do you have the dimensions for the back pocket pattern piece? Thanks!
Lovely design – however, could you not give an option for printing on A1 or A0 – I generally get my patterns printed professionally on large format printers, meaning I don’t need to patch and stick the pieces together. Lazy, me! Many thanks and keep the inspiration going. Pat
I could do it, this is true, but my time is so limited I truly can not satisfy everyone. But thank you for your suggestions. I will keep in mind.
If you allow an idea. Considering you do have the pattern layout and I suppose you to have it in full size as well. (Since I imagine it’s your starting point to make it printable on A4.) You could for example release the pattern layout in a better resolution than on the image provided here for people wanting to print on larger formats. This one for example would fit nicely on an A0.
If limited to max 4×4 A4 it fits an A0 perfectly.
Is there a graphic for the section that says “Sew the straps making a large X. Alternatively, you can use rivets or screws with a hole puncher as in this picture.” I cannot find the photo for the hole puncher bit Thank you
HI Janet, watch the video then you will be able to understand how to make the X. https://amzn.to/2w0VPNZ
The Side Gusset – surely there’s two of them? One for each side…
Yes I do make mistakes, it is a typo. But Allas!!! let common sense and gratitude prevail!
Where can find part 2 & 3, for small back pack?
Hi Dottie, at the end of the tutorial are the links. Click on the links please.
Is there any way to print the instructions for the tutorial?
No just follow along with the video on YouTube. Thanks! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uy0_zMvB-ig” rel=”noopener” target=”_blank”>
I would appreciate if you would offer a pdf of the entire pattern pieces. I have a printer that does 24″x 36″ paper and I do not want to tape them together.. The cost of printers have come down so much that many pattern makers are offering a separate pdf of patterns.
I like your little back pack !!!!
I will keep it in mind.
Is there an easier way to download your directions? I get multiple pages with many blank spots. I tried it on the mini backpack and the same thing happened.
Hi Sandra, the tutorial is free on the site. You can use the video (3 of them) also free on YouTube.
Hello,
First, sorry for my english …! (I am French!)
Thank you very much for this very complete tutorial: I can not wait to get started!
Only, can I not find information: are seam margins included in the pattern? How much are they exactly?
Thank you in advance!
Gwénaëlle (from Saint-Malo!)
Bon Jour!Gwénaëlle, le marge de couture change et dépend de la pièce que vous cousez. Mais la plupart c’est 1cm. Je n’ai pas parlé français depuis 10 ans donc que mon français n’est plus aussi bon, désolé!
I thought your French was spot on! (and I only took HS French!)
Hi Mayra – I think you need to add 1 more zipper to your materials list. Unless Im mistaken, there are 3 zippers for the outside and then 1 optional zipper for the interior pocket for a total of 4. 🙂
You are right Cathi, above. I made it with the main zipper to open up the backpack, the one on the outside front pocket, the one on the back side, and finally the one on the inside zipper pocket for the iPhone. That is a total of 4 zippers. Also I wanted to mention that I made this, but didn’t cut an extra piece of lining fabric to go behind the inside zipper pocket and actually makes a pocket for the outside zipper pocket. lol My little backpack was super cute also, I just didn’t add that lining piece and so my hand goes all the way through under the zipper pocket from the back side zip pocket.
Thanks for the free pattern! I made it at 70% of its size to make a kind of small purse. It turned out super cute!
I bet! If you use Instagram please use #soseweasy so I can have a pick at your backpack. Thanks!
I’m going to try this for my next version! I can imagine how cute it is that size. 🙂
I am so excited to make this for my toddler out of an old shirt and jeans of Daddy’s 🙂 I’ll send you the outcome when it’s ready.
Looking forward:)
What are the dimensions for the backpack? Its is lovely.
Thank you Mary, it is Width 17″ X Height 13″.
Hi Mayra, is it 1/2 a yard by 1/2 a yard or do I need more width?
I’m very excited to make this bag!!
Hi Milly, 1/2 yard by the width of your fabric typically 44″ to 54. Please read the instructions before you start the project. there is a sew-along on our YouTube channel.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uy0_zMvB-ig
This is a lovely pattern but you say not the easiest. what would you suggest I try first not having made backpacks before ?
Hi Janet, this is a project that takes a couple of days to make and requires you to handle your machine well. The outside pocket would be the hardest thing to attach. I would suggest to start with this one https://so-sew-easy.com/reversible-fabric-vinyl-tote-bag-pattern/
Do i fuse the interfacing to the fashion fabric before starting anything? or should i do it as i go? also I’m a beginner so I’m still learning what to do for the parts not in the video
Hi Kiko this is a sew along lease click on the different parts of the posts. I like to fuse the fabric first and then cut.
Am I dumb? I see amounts for interfacing and li int but how much of the actual outside fabric is needed???
Hi Kimberly, please check the first item on the list of materials.
this looks amazing! but I can’t figure out where to click to download it or the ipad backpack… help?
After the Tools heading it is an elongated orange button.
Your nails are lovely. Grubby nails on a sewing video are a turn-off.
What size D rings, lobster claws and width of ribbon?
Should there be two side gusset pieces? I thought there would be one for each side. I’m also a little confused why the side pocket piece indicates the curved side goes towards the back. It actually says “back” twice but doesn’t say front anywhere. Should the curve go towards the front or the back panel? Thank you for an awesome free pattern!
Hello that was probably a typo and a mistake on my part please watch the video sew-along it will help you understand the patten. https://so-sew-easy.com/new-video-tutorial-sewing-small-backpack/
What are the dimensions of the finished product?
Absolutely love your nail polish! Keeping my eyes open hoping I’ll come across one like it? Do you remember the name/brand by any chance?
Love the tutorial too! Quite clear intructions and pretty! Will be starting mine soon.
You are welcome Kay, it is gel polish by OPI. I love it too.
I want to make this back pack bigger for my college age daughter in the fabric she chooses. With extra pocket strap side for lap top.
Thank you for your tutorial! It helps ver much!
My pleasure!
I made some adjustments so I could use it for my toddler for preschool. Thank you for the pattern.
This is such a beautiful backpack. Lovely job!
I just made this bag. I loved it for the size and have seen many adults wearing these smaller bags. There were several issues I found between 1) the pattern and what needed to be cut and 2) the video. I literally spent 3 days on this when it really should have taken me only a day to do so. I really appreciate that you did that and that it’s FREE !!!! There are pockets you sewed but didn’t have any pattern pieces for and then, when looking at the bag at different places, one bag has the “D-rings” above the back zipper and one has them below …. I will be making me another one and making my own modifications for some things I want to add to it that aren’t on the original. Thanks again for a cute pattern….. I’ve been sewing for @ 50 years, and to be honest, I thought it bounced around too much from one thing to another, then back to the previous, then back to something else. I think for future try to do something like all pockets together if possible, all zippers together, etc. etc. Also, it would be great for picture purposes to photograph any white items not on white or the same if you’re making something darker. THANKS again !!!
Mayra,
thank you for getting back to me. I tried adobe reader to print out the
small back pack pattern. My test square does not equal 2″x2″ it is
1 9/16″ x 1 9/16″. So my back pack will be a little smaller but it should be
fine.
Thank you again for helping. Have a nice day
HI Florence, that is odd and worth working out why your pattern is a bit smaller. That would really be a pain in a clothing pattern. Make sure it is on an “Actual Size” print setting. Good luck with the project. Kind Regards,
I can download the pattern. However the pattern hangs over the copy paper
and so the whole pattern is not available for print. Tried actual size
tried 70% and still nothing. The side pocket, side gusset and front gusset do not fit on the 81/2 x 11 sheet of copy paper and nor do the print out on another sheet that can be matched up. What am I missing?
Pattern small back pack
HI Florence seems to me you are not using Adobe Reader to download the pattern. Am I correct?
The same thing happened to me. It’s because the printing goes all the way to the page edge, and my printer will not print all the way to the edge of the paper. I tried it several different ways as well and ended up just eyeballing it so the circles and lines matched up. I haven’t sewn the project together yet, so wish me luck!
P.S. I did download it and save as a .pdf file, which I opened with the latest version of Acrobat Reader, so that’s not the issue.
This pattern calls for fusible interfacing but the instructions do not show where it is used.
The cutting instructions generally call for cutting one piece of the fusible fleece per pattern piece — so does that mean it is only applied to the fashion fabric? and the fashion fabric used for the side and front outer pockets will not have the fusible interfacing attached?
Hi Elaine, please read all the three-parts before attempting this pattern. Depends on the fabric you use. Canvas or upholstery fabric do not need fusible interfacing if you are using cotton quilting (some people have) you need to fuse both fashion fabric and lining. However, make sure your machine can handle all the layers.
why i cant download pattern?
Not sure Sophie, I just checked the link and it works fine. Are you using adobe reader?
Is the interfacing ironed on to all the main fashion fabric pieces? I noticed this step was skipped it seemed and I was kinda confused.
Depends on your fabric.
cant download the pattern, hellpppp!
Pls I can’t find the measurements used
Hi, Jane, it varies, you need to read the posts or watch the YouTube playlist.
Hi, what type of fusible interfacing to use on a very light weight cotton fabric for this backpack?
Medium weight fusible interfacing. I would line both lining and fabric to give the backpack somebody. Or you can use a stiff fusible interfacing and just apply it to the fabric.
Thanks for the sewing pattern and tutorials. Questions about the fusible interfacing.
What type of fusible interfacing should I use on a 100% light weight cotton fabric for this backpack?
You can use Flexfoam FF78F1by Pellon. See your other comment for alternative solutions.
Hi again I just want to show the back of the bag – It is obviously a denim refashion and I didn’t do a pocket to the front as shown in the other picture
Its very comfortable over the shoulders too
Hi There
I tried to leave a comment before but I think it did not work so sorry if this is up twice
I just want to say that joining the pattern was difficult – The thinner Zipper gusset didnt match the length of the wider zipper gusset – I dont know if I just had extra trouble matching the A4 papers and joining the pieces and left something out or what the problem was , but this is not the first bag Ive made – Anyway after some adjustment I altered the pattern adding bits I felt were missing. In the end I made the bag but pattern connection was not easy – Has anyone fed this back to you before?
The video tutorial was excellent !
I like the outcome very much its a great size backpack – Thankyou for having this free online : )
Hello Mayra. I was wondering if this pattern could be made about an inch smaller? My granddaughter loves it but wants even smaller.
Yes, darling, it can be done. Be mindful of the bottom if you change the size the rest will not fit. I would suggest pinching the pattern in the middle, do it to all the pieces and adjust the zipper length to the new requirement. I have been meaning to make a smaller one in leather with some studs. Not sure how popular leather will be though, the sewing will need to be by hand.
I really love the way the backpack was sew.thank u very much