Tutorial: Tote Backpack with Side Pockets

Supplies Needed:

1/2 yard fabric
1/2 yard lining fabric
remnant of contrast fabric (for flap)
3/4 yard of heavy weight interfacing
small bits of 3/8″ elastic (about 6-7″ long)
belting and sliders
batting

Pattern includes:

Front and back (cut 2, cut 2 interfacing, cut 2 lining)
side (cut 2, cut 2 interfacing, cut 2 lining
base (cut 1, cut 1 interfacing, cut 1 lining)
side pocket (cut 2, cut 2 lining)
flap (cut 1, cut 1 interfacing, cut 1 lining)
inner pocket (cut 1 lining)
strap (cut 2, cut 2 interfacing, cut 2 lining)

(all of my patterns include 1/2″ seam allowance)

sewing Pattern pDF

Step 1

Apply interfacing

Apply interfacing to the front and back, the sides, the base, and the flap. You can use sew on interfacing or fusible, whichever you prefer.

Step 2

sew side pockets to lining at upper edge with right sides together

Step 3

sew 1/2 inch in from upper edge to create elastic casing

Press the lining to the back of the pocket piece and sew 1/2 inch from the end (if you’re using 3/8″ elastic). Adjust the size of the casing if your using a wider elastic.

Step 4

insert elastic through the casing and sew it to both edges

Step 5

baste pockets to both side pieces

Line up the sides and bottom and baste the pockets in place. From here on the side piece and pockets will be considered one piece.

Step 6

assemble strap loops and baste to the bottom of the back

Loop the belting around the center rung of the sliders and baste them to the back of the bag.

Step 7

sew side pieces and base together

Step 8

attach the back and front of bag to the side/base pieces

With right sides together sew the side/base piece to the front and then the back of the bag.

Step 9

Turn the bag right side out

Be sure to press the seams

Step 10

hem upper and lower edges of inner pocket

Step 11

sew the back pocket to the back lining piece

Line the pocket up with the sides of the back piece.

Step 12

assemble lining according to steps 7 and 8

Step 13

place bag inside lining (right sides together) and sew across upper edge, Leave back edge open

place the bag inside the lining, right sides together. Then stitch the upper edge along the side and front, but leave the back open (so we can add the flap there).

Step 14

Turn the bag right side out and edgestitch

Flip the bag through the gap in the back and stuff the lining inside. Edgestitch the very top to keep the lining down on the inside for a more finished look.

Step 15

baste interfacing and batting to the straps

Step 16

Baste belting to one end of the straps

Step 17

sandwich the belting with strap lining and sew around the perimeter

Be sure to leave the opposite (non-belting) side of the straps open so you can turn the straps to the right side. Press the strap so that it sits more-or-less flat.

Step 18

sew down the center of the straps to secure batting

This helps to keep the batting in place so that it won’t slide around over time.

Step 19

baste straps to the back of the bag

Step 20

sew flap and lining with right sides together

Leave the top of the flap open

Step 21

Clip corners and turn to right side

Press the flap and edgestitch for a cleaner finish. I also added some decorative red topstitching, but you can skip that if you want to.

Step 22

sew flap to back of backpack with right sides together

Step 23

fold lining over flap seam and stitch closed

This is similar to the way you sew a waistband, fold the lining over the flap seam and stitch it close to the edge. You can top stitch or ditch stitch, what ever you’re more comfortable with.