I get excited when I am at my vendor booth and potential customers ask, "Did you make that?"  I know I have a sign hanging that says, "Sewn By Nikki," but I can't help to turn and point to it while saying, "Sure did!  I sewed everything here!"  The utter shock on their faces never ceases to amaze me.  I watch as they touch, turn and open the products to check the quality of my work and if right on cue, a return customer enters to validate what a great job I do on my items.  They then discuss the customer service and quality of my work.  This backpack is no exception!  This backpack leaves new customers in shock because like my tote bags and duffel bags, they can't understand that I don't have a manufacturing line - that it's just me in my craft room sewing.  (That is when I tell them to hop on my You Tube channel as proof.) You can check it as well! Here is the backpack tutorial you will be using!



I hope you enjoy this video.  I filmed it and decided to do a voice over for it.  I am curious to see what you think.  I tried to still give you advice on producing the product but wanted to figure out some way to speed up the video without cutting too much; whether film, or quality.  I hope you like it.... it's strong, it's functional!


Material needed:
Outer fabric  = OF       Inner Lining = IL
(2)  13"w x 14"H for Front and back panels  --> OF/IL
(1) 13"w X 11"H for flap (round 2 edges as shown in video) --> OF/IL
(2) 5"W X 14"H for side panels --> OF/IL
(2) 5"W X 12"H for side panel pockets --> OF
(1) 3"w X 10" L for Hook Loop Carrying Tab -->  OF
(1) 9"w X 7"H for back pocket piece --> OF/IL
(1) 5 1/2"w X 13" wide for bottom of bag (strong material)  --> OF/IL
For Straps choose option 1 OR 2:
Option 1
(2) 3 1/2" w  X 36"L and CUT the length in two (20" and 16" long) --> OF
(Use selvage edge of fabric!)
Option 2
(2) 3 1/2"w X 20" L for top shoulder straps --> 
(2) 3 1/2 "w X 16" L for bottom of straps --> 

* Inner lining pieces should be cut as indicate above (IL) - in addition to the following:
(1) 3"w X 9"L for keychain
(1) 101/2" X 14 for inner pockets

Other materials needed:
2 sets snaps for side closure
1 magnetic clasp
1 zipper 9"+ (OR adjust your pack pocket side based upon zipper size you have).
* Don't forget interface for all of the outer pieces; straps, bottom of bag, side panels, flap, front and back panels.
It's squares and rectangles!  You got this!
Get to sewing! : )
Nikki