Back to School: Free Backpack Patterns

If it hasn’t occurred to you already, school is about to start. Whether your child is the type that embraces the season with exorbitant enthusiasm or one that hits “snooze” several times on the first day of class, the new school year does offer the chance to start afresh. This year, let kids rev up for their studies by sporting a new DIY backpack. Nowadays, these necessary totes can cost a pretty penny, and when it comes down to it, your son or daughter might have to forgo a trendy pack to afford more costly supplies. Thankfully, AllFreeSewing is always in the market for completely free backpack patterns. Benefit from this collection of tutorials to learn how to make a backpack that will let you skip the buyer’s remorse. DIY backpacks not only offer a cost-effective solution to pricey items, but they let your child associate a sense of new beginnings and fun with the school year.

Don’t be dismayed by the challenge of learning how to make a backpack. These designs are carefully constructed and photographed so that a seemingly difficult process becomes a simple sewing project. Take this Darling Drawstring Backpack, for example. Playing off of a simple design, this piece can be completed in an evening and last for the school year with minimal effort.

In addition to its simplicity, the Darling Drawstring Backpack offers a refreshing spin on the traditional backpack. Parents, learn how to make a drawstring backpack if you have a child that needs a little help transitioning from summer to fall. This souped-up bag plays off of the design of a basic drawstring summer sack that you’d carry your pool clothes in. Best of all, it offers ultra-functionality. With added pockets, D-rings, and sturdy handles, this lined backpack can handle any coarse load with style.

Find out how to make a backpack or school bag for every kid in your family with these other designs:
Bow Backpack
From Shirt Sleeve to Shoulder Bag
How to Make a Drawstring Backpack
30 Minute Little Boy's Messenger Bag

It doesn’t end there, though. AllFreeSewing offers more awesome alternatives to retail products with tons of bag and backpack patterns. Unlike the store, though, these projects are free! Did your son or daughter always want a superhero backpack, but they cost too much? Make one of these backpack patterns with inexpensive superhero fabric over sturdy canvas and you’ll make their year. School’s in for autumn; this year, face it with fashion and without busting your wallet.

If you are a sewing, quilter or needle crafter, upload your latest sewing project or your favorite of all time, and we’d love to feature it here! Each Sunday, we’ll be back with more sewing inspiration to get you crafting with fabric and thread.