Bags

Cumberland Backpack Release

Just in time for back-to-school, my new pattern, the Cumberland Backpack! This pattern is now available in my pattern shop as a pdf pattern, paper pattern, and a German translation! The pattern comes in 2 different size options: size small is great for a small child or is the perfect purse size (I’ve used mine all summer long while on-the-go!), and size large is along the lines of a traditional school backpack. There are two different finishing options in the instructions: Option 1 is for finishing the lining with bias binding, and Option 2 is for finishing without binding (sewing the main parts right-sides together).

Sew Sweetness Cumberland Backpack sewing pattern
Finished Size:

  • small – 10” long x 12” high x 5” deep (25.4cm x 30.5cm x 12.7cm)
  • large – 11” long x 14” high x 8” deep (28cm x 35.5cm x 20.3cm)

Sew Sweetness Cumberland Backpack sewing pattern
The Cumberland Backpack‘s flap can be secured with either a twist lock (as shown in my samples), or with a magnetic snap, as many of my pattern testers have used. I thought the magnetic snap was a bit more masculine or gender-neutral looking, so I added that option in the pattern.

Sew Sweetness Cumberland Backpack sewing pattern

SUPPLIES

  • 1 yard (0.9 metre) of Exterior Fabric for small or 1-1/4 yard (1.1 metre) of Exterior Fabric for large
  • 1 yard of Lining Fabric (0.9 metre)
  • 1/2 yard of foam interfacing (0.5 metre) (By Annie’s Soft and Stable, Pellon Flex Foam, Bosal In-R-Form, or automotive headliner; if using Flex Foam, it is only 20” wide so please purchase double the amount)
  • 3 yards (2.7 metre) of 20” wide Pellon SF-101 Shape Flex fusible woven interfacing (or medium-weight fusible interfacing)
  • 1-1/8 yard (1 metre) of 1” (2.5cm) wide nylon strapping
  • 2 black plastic Strap Adjusters (with 1” (2.5cm) wide opening for strapping – I used Dritz brand)
  • 1” (2.5cm) twist lock -OR- 1/2” (1.3cm) magnetic snap
  • One 2” (5cm) square of Peltex or other stiff interfacing
  • Two 30” (76cm) handbag zippers
  • 12” (30cm) zipper
  • 10” x 5” piece of mesh for small and 11” x 6-3/4” piece of mesh for large (25.4cm x 12.7cm and 28cm x 17.1cm)

Sew Sweetness Cumberland Backpack sewing pattern

The straps are padded, which is a nice feature, and they are also adjustable, thanks to the use of Dritz Strap Adjusters, which are really inexpensive and easy to install. I’ve used nylon webbing for the adjustable straps here.

Sew Sweetness Cumberland Backpack sewing pattern
This black and white backpack was my original prototype, and I made it in Katarina Roccella ‘Avantgarde’ fabrics. I’ve been using this as a purse all summer as it’s really handy when we’re out bike riding. While it’s still a backpack, it’s rather fashionable, especially if done up in your favorite fabric!

Sew Sweetness Cumberland Backpack sewing pattern

I hope you’ve enjoyed reading about this pattern! Don’t forget to pick up your copy of the Cumberland Backpack sewing pattern now! And I’d like to introduce you to all of the pattern testers’ bags! They did a fabulous job and I know you’ll love seeing their fabric choices for this pattern!

 

Sew Sweetness Cumberland Backpack, sewn by Natalie of Hungry HippieNatalie of Hungry Hippie made a drool-worthy backpack with Priory Square fabric and stripes! This was already over the top and then you had to add that metal zipper – perfection! Natalie substituted the mesh in the pattern for a clear vinyl pocket.

Sew Sweetness Cumberland Backpack sewing pattern, sewn by LoriAs a life-long horselover, I nearly lost it when I saw this equine backpack! The print fits perfectly on the back and it couldn’t have been a better fit pairing it with that chocolate leather!

Sew Sweetness Cumberland Backpack, sewn by Sheri of Munkee Made
Sheri of Munkee Made created this adorable backpack using two fabrics from Cotton+Steel. I think this is so appropriate for back-to-school, it isn’t even funny!

Sew Sweetness Cumberland Backpack, sewn by MariaMaria V. made this timeless navy and floral bag, modern and classy but still hands-free as a great summer purse. Beautiful work Maria!

Sew Sweetness Cumberland Backpack sewing pattern, sewn by Crystal of the Cloth Albatross
cumberlandcrystalCrystal‘s backpack immediately made me think of a European-style backpack that you’d by in a shop – she’s cleverly combined two different bright heart prints with a solid, and perfectly chosen two different bright zippers. This is the size small, and on her 4-year-old daughter, is just perfect. Knock-out work Crystal!

Sew Sweetness Cumberland Backpack, sewn by NicoleWhile this backpack is definitely appropriate for any age, nothing is cuter than an adorable backpack in child-friendly fabric that a child has chosen themselves! I think any child would be so excited to head back to school with a beautiful backpack, such as this gem that Nicole has made! So cute!!

cumberlandlieblingsSigrid of Lieblingsgrün tested the German translation, and her backpack is utterly amazing in a light denim-colored fabric paired with an adorable elephant embroidery! Sigrid also added hot pink piping to the backpack. I love this so much!

Sew Sweetness Cumberland Backpack sewing pattern, sewn by Laura

Laura made this darling butterfly backpack and I love the fact that she broke up the front pocket with a bit of green textured fabric! It really sets things apart! Great job Laura!

Sew Sweetness Cumberland Backpack sewing pattern, sewn by BernhildBernhild was one of the testers for the German translated pattern, and she made her magnificent backpack with vinyl paired with machine embroidery. This is absolutely fantastic!

Sew Sweetness Cumberland Backpack sewing pattern, sewn by NancyNancy made this super girl power backpack for a co-worker at the hospital (because saving lives really is a super power!), and I think this is just one of the most thoughtful gifts I’ve ever seen!

Sew Sweetness Cumberland Backpack, sewn by MargarethMargareth made an absolutely gorgeous backpack, perfectly finished and pressed, and used a different fabric for the side panel, which looks great with the coordinating fabrics. What a great idea for a music student!

Sew Sweetness Cumberland Backpack, sewn by NancyNancy paired a pretty modern floral with some great linen. Just a bit of the floral on the flap really makes the features of this bag stand out!

Sew Sweetness Cumberland Backpack, sewn by JenniferJennifer made this adorable backpack and this fabric is undoubtedly perfect for a little boy! Great job on this backpack, it’s beautifully finished and the white zipper and green fabrics make every feature stand out!

Sew Sweetness Cumberland Backpack, sewn by LeahLeah made this super-fun backpack in fabric by Sarah Watts for Cotton+Steel. I think it’s so lovely and just what I’d wear around town with the bright clothing I’m so fond of wearing!

Sew Sweetness Cumberland Backpack, sewn by Maria of Beautiful BloomsMaria of Beautiful Blooms made the large size in a cute house fabric. This is size large, which is close to a traditional school backpack. Adorable Maria!

 

Thank you so much for reading, and you can find your copy of the Cumberland Backpack here in my pattern shop!

Related Posts

8 thoughts on “Cumberland Backpack Release

  1. MadebyMeg says:

    Aaaaah these are so cute! Great pattern!

  2. Reece says:

    Wow! Each one is so incredible! I especially love your small Avantgarde with the hot pink zips!

  3. jeanie beers says:

    Every one of these is gorgeous!

  4. Annette says:

    Gorgeous as always, Sara.

  5. Amanda Murray says:

    Would the small be appropriate for a kindergartener to use for school?

  6. Tabitha says:

    Do you have a good source for zippers?

Comments make my day and I love to reply!

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.