Bags

Edelweiss Backpack

 

Hello hello! I haven’t had a new pattern out in a little while. Each little project I get into takes me away from bag-making for a little while, but I promise you, I will always come back as it is my most favorite thing to do!

Today I’m very pleased to introduce you to the Edelweiss Backpack PDF sewing pattern (which can also be made into a cross-body bag, but I do believe I love the backpack version best!). Now also available on paper. As you will see later from some of my pattern testers’ photos, this bag can be for either a child, teen, or an adult.

 

During the past year, I’ve had a lot of requests to do a backpack. I struggled with the idea of one because I wasn’t sure if I could come up with a bag idea that was structured enough that it would still have some design to it. I have to say that I’m pretty happy with this; if my kids wanted a backpack made by me, I’d be more than happy to make them this in their favorite fabric!

 

I made two different versions, this purple and pink damask and a bright green print by Frances Newcombe for Art Gallery Fabrics as part of her line, Safari Moon.


This fabulous bag can be made as either a backpack or a cross-body bag! There are pretty flap pockets on the front, as well as both a zip closure and flap at the top of the bag. With an inner zipper pocket, you’ll have lots of places to store the essentials that you need to keep within easy reach! This is an intermediate level sewing pattern.
Finished Size:    15-1/2” tall x 12” wide x 5” deep
Supplies
1 yard of fabric for the exterior (1-1/4 yard for directional prints)
1 yard of fabric for the lining
3 yards of 20” wide Pellon® SF-101 Shape Flex® fusible woven interfacing (or light-weight fusible interfacing)
3/4 yard of By Annie’s Soft and Stable™
(Soft and Stable is a 1/8” thick, foam sew-in interfacing; one of my testers also recommends automotive headliner fabric in place of the Soft and Stable)
1 package of (3 yards) double-fold bias tape, 1/2” wide (or make your own) – twill tape will work as well
20” regular zipper
9” regular zipper
Three 1/2” magnetic snaps

1-1/2” metal slider and 1-1/2” metal rectangle ring (1 of each for the cross-body bag OR2 of each for the backpack)

The pattern contains 20 pages of instructions, 44 full-color step-by-step photos, and pattern pieces needed to make the bag.

 

I’m very grateful to my pattern testers that stepped up to the plate to make and test this bag for me! Thank you for lending me your artistic talents!

I love an action shot!! Holly got a little helper to model her beautiful backpack. Look at the smile on that face…I’m wondering if a bribe was in order? lol, just kidding! I love this one, and the fabrics are so sweet!

Jennifer made her bag in this modern dot, and she added some pretty purple piping to her bag too!! Love that added extra feature, it really makes the details on the bag pop!

Cindy of Raspberry Sunshine made this sweet backpack in Momo Odyssey fabric. Love this! A great graphic print that comes together nicely with Cindy’s beautiful handiwork!!

Cyndi from The Nosy Pepper made this adorable backpack for her son in cute Riley Blake zombie fabric, which he picked out himself. Super cute and I love the pop of orange on the sides! I got to meet Cyndi in person this past weekend at Camp Stitchalot, and she is a bag-making machine!

Angie from Sewing with Squeak (who by the month is running a sew along on her blog right now for my book!) made this cute pink print backpack! Totally adorable, and she says it’s her first backpack ever – yay, so glad it was my pattern that broke you in, lol!

photo 1 (2)

Annette made this gorgeous neutral backpack, with perfect placement of the pockets! Wonderful work as always, Annette!

 

Gosia of Quilts My Way made this ah-maze-ing version of the bag in a pretty turquoise fabric! I love it so much and the finish is so professional! If you want to read more about Gosia’s bag, check out the post on her blog!

Kelleigh made this lovely gray version of the backpack, and as she’s a teacher, she says it will get a ton of use toting papers and all the other necessities! Love how professional this looks, it’s just great!

Rebecca made her backpack in this beautiful geometric print, with hot pink topstitch detailing. I love how professional this one look! Super chic!!

Alyssa made this adorable floral backpack, and I think the fussycutting on the flaps and front pockets is just astounding! Alyssa rates this as an intermediate skill level pattern. Fantastic job, and this is just perfect for spring!

Chloe made this super-hip backpack in bicycle print, with pop-out red polka dot piping on the flaps – awesome! I love this one, perfect for a day out and about! Read more about Chloe’s bag on her blog here!

Maria from Beautiful Blooms made this awesome polka dot fabric for her daughter, who is turning 10 this Sunday. She wore it to a Girl Scout meeting, and apparently now Maria has some custom orders coming in for this bag. 😉 Totally adorable!!

Teresa made this bag in a great neon print fabric; she also added a keyfob and an inner gathered pocket for a laptop. Apparently Teresa’s 21-year-old daughter has already claimed it – I guess Teresa has to make another, lol! 🙂

Norma of Norma’s Bag Boutique made this striking neutral chevron backpack! I love it, and Norma is planning on making another for her nephew’s birthday. Yay!

Mary made her back in a beautiful blue stripe fabric, and she’s taken care to match the top flap to the body of the bag seamlessly. Wonderful work, Mary!

Shelley made her bag in this warm-colored bag paired with neutrals. I love that she modified her front pockets to make them accordion style, and I also like the unique snaps! Great job Shelley!

Jennifer made her bag in a beautiful chocolate floral and added piping to all the outer seams. I love it with the piping, it really makes the features of the bag pop! Lovely work Jennifer!

Alisha of Crafty Brooklyn Army Wife made this awesome citron bag with a huge graphic print (and you know I am always a sucker for a large scale print!). Love her bag, and you can read up about it on her blog!

Fiona made this pretty butterfly and text print fabric, and it’s awesome! She said that her husband told her that this was her best bag yet…perhaps I am a little bit partial, but I think I agree! Wonderful work, Fiona!

Yvette of One Day at a Time made this pretty dark floral bag, and she said she had hardly finished the bag when her daughter claimed it as her new school bag! I think that’s high praise as I think sometimes girls can get rather choosy (or, at least mine is). Lovely backpack Yvette!

Bernie made this bag with upholstery vinyl, which makes it totally look like leather – holy moly, it’s so ‘professional lady’! I love it! Wonderful with the pop of white too!!

Rebekah made this beautiful kawaii backpack with modified pockets. I love that she also combined the front fabric with some black! Really creative!

Kelly made this adorable pink bike print backpack, and had her adorable model to show it off! I particularly like the chevron on the pockets as it sets them apart from the rest of the bag. Gorgeous!!

Jeannie made the cross-body version of the bag, and she used this bright cheater print for her fabric. It looks fantastic! Wonderful work, Jeannie!

Donna made this beautiful yellow floral version, and she quilted her fabric, which I think gives it a sweet touch! I like the contrasting straps that are peeking out from the back, too!

Thank you again everyone! If you liked what you saw, I hope you’ll pop over to my pattern shop to pick up the Edelweiss Backpack sewing pattern!

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19 thoughts on “Edelweiss Backpack

  1. Peta says:

    Love this bag! All the samples are adorable, but the piping put me over the edge!

  2. Absolutely love the piping added to this bag. Great work!

  3. It was a pleasure testing this pattern for you. Congratulations on the release!! I really love this pattern. It looks so great with so many fabric choices. I’m sure you’ll have another bestseller on this one. The big flap provides space to feature a great print. And as seen by the testers work it can easily be modified either by using piping, omitting the flap or making other kind of pockets (which I did on other versions). I already made one for my nephew and he loves it.

  4. Maria says:

    This is a gorgeous bag and your testers did a wonderful job. I especially like the piping on the bag.

  5. Bernie says:

    This was a great bag, Sara! You truly are so talented. Clear instructions every.single.time!

  6. Beth says:

    So cute, every one of them. I really love the one in the zombie fabric. 🙂 But for me, the grey circles, or that great geometric fabric. So many choices.
    Great job Sara

  7. It was a pleasure testing this fabulous pattern 🙂

  8. WOW what beautiful version of the backpack…I never knew a backpack could be so cool and colorful!
    Everyone did a fabulous job…and extra “bow” to the ladies that were brave to add the piping to the bag…I love the look it gave! I’m impressed !

  9. Katy Cameron says:

    Well really, I can’t think what’s been keeping you otherwise occupied… ;o)

    Love how this turned out though :o)

  10. kateuk says:

    Awesome, all of them- there is some serious fussy cutting going on!

  11. Wendy says:

    So many great versions of the backpack–looks like a great pattern!

  12. CeLynn says:

    Woo hoo for another sweet pattern! Love all the different backpacks,but that piping is just over the top!

  13. It is a beautiful pattern.

  14. Susan Bates says:

    All the bags are awesome!!

  15. Kim Mullen says:

    How wide does the 3/4 yd of soft N stable need to be? They sell several widths and now I’m confused. Thanks!

  16. Sue Barton says:

    I am making this pattern out of my husband’s “reject” blue jeans per my 13 year old grand daughter’s request. I have come to step 59, finishing the bag, and realize I may have to reconfigure the flap to compensate for the very heavy denim. I have done it elsewhere on the straps, so I’m pressing on.
    The pattern is excellent, and your directions are very helpful. This is my first backpack, and I might send you a picture after it is done. Sami plans to dazzle it up with some rhinestones so anything can happen.
    Would you offer some advice on the pattern for using blue jean weight fabric on the pattern. I’m sure there are others who would use it.
    Thanks again, guess grandmas can learn new sewing tricks!

  17. are there any photos of the inside of this backpack? I would love to see that too

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