Little sister was feeling left out the other day when the older ones were getting their school backpacks out and trying on new ones. She even tried to get one of them to strap a lunch box on her back so that she could have one too.
That's when I decided that she needed her own. Being the crazy person that I am, I decided to make her one instead of buying one. She isn't even 2 years old and is such a petite little gal. I found a toddler backpack tutorial online and altered it quite a bit to fit her body.
Using scraps (flannel and cotton), and the fittings from Aaron's broken backpack, I created this little backpack for her. It zips open and has plenty of room for her toys and treats.
"Hey guys! Wait for me!"
Here is the tutorial I used from Crazy Little Projects. It is the perfect toddler/preschool backpack. Since Ruby is so small, I had to shorten it by about 4" and bring in each side about 2". I used a 9" zipper, and altered all side pieces and straps to be smaller as well.
I did my straps and strap fittings completely different than the tutorial. It just made more sense to have it patterned after a regular backpack. With the length adjustment straps at the bottom. You can see how I laced them in the photo above.
The tutorial shows how to add a lining. Since I used a heavy fusible interfacing on each piece of fabric, and was running low on coordinating fabric scraps, I decided that the interfacing would be sturdy enough.
At times I thought this project was a nightmare, but then it would start to come together again and give me more confidence. I am always so grateful for those who share their tutorials. This one was just darling and she did a fantastic job with it.
Ruby has been wearing her backpack all over the house and even brought it to church with her. While she may want to tag along after her siblings, I'm thrilled to have her home with me for another 4 years!
jennifer says
Brandy,you're an incredible artist of canvases of children,cooking and crafts.I enjoy your site very much,thank you :))
Brandy says
Hey thanks, Jennifer! 🙂
gina says
I can't sew. Can I buy this exact one for my baby girl from you? Love Love Love it!
Brandy says
Hi Gina! I am so glad that you like this little backpack! Unfortunately, with 4 small children I am not able to commit to selling my sewing projects right now. The stress of selling my stuff is overwhelming, but I'd like to someday open an Etsy shop. I found my fabrics at Joanns, but am not sure they still carry those. However, I did find a seller on etsy who makes adoreable backpacks from a pattern from Made by Rae. Her patterns are fabulous, I've used them before. The etsy shop is an authorized seller. I wonder if she might be able to do a custom order for you.
Brandy says
Forgot to add the link: http://www.etsy.com/listing/123252997/girls-backpack-toddler-backpack?ref=sr_gallery_7&ga_search_query=owl+toddler+backpack&ga_order=most_relevant&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_page=3&ga_search_type=handmade
TiffanyM says
That is perfect for these little ones being left at home! Love!