The Park Sling Backpack Video+Sewing Pattern was fulfilling a request by my husband (and also by many viewers on my live shows!) for a single-strap backpack. The Park Sling Backpack is available in 2 different sizes, small or large. Size small is a great everyday-sized backpack (for essentials like cell phone, wallet, and a few other items), and size large is close to a traditionally-sized backpack.
I made my size large sample in a fabric designed by Samarra Khaja for Timeless Treasures Fabrics, and size small was made in ‘Flock’, a fabric designed by Rashida Coleman-Hale.
The PDF Pattern for the Park Sling Backpack contains 14 pages of sewing instructions, complete with 45 step-by-step color photos. The optional add-on video is 1 hour 50 minutes long, and I’ll walk you through how to make the entire project from start to finish in the video.
The single strap in this backpack quickly and easily clips and unclips with a side release buckle, and you can switch the shoulder to wear on the backpack by clipping the swivel clip onto the d-ring on either side of the bag.
Thank you so much to my pattern testers! I hope that their beautiful work will inspire you!
by Christina
by Jessica
by Tara
by Diane
by Pijah
by Sarah
by Claire
by Sandie
by Brooke
by Diane
by Nikki
by Nikki
by Donna
by Harriet
by Michelle
by Madelyn
by Bronwyn
by Laura
by Lori
by Terry
by Nancy
by Charlie
by Donna
by Bernie
I know I will have a lot of fun making this backpack.I cannt want to get it.
Difficulty level please
Hello Linda! I would say this is an intermediate pattern. Thank you!
Hi Sara Is the lining such that its loosy goosy inside or is it attached and if you pull something out the lining stays behind
Hi Terry! The lining is tacked to the exterior seam at the end before turning right side out through the opening in the lining. Hope this helps!
My daughter and I want to make it on her entry level sewing machine, would it work? Also can I make the large two inches shorter? How many yards do we need? Thank you
Hi Laura, if your sewing machine can handle bulk okay, then you should be fine! If you want to make the bag shorter, besides the front and back panels, you’ll also need to adjust the side panel. Thank you!
Will you consider doing an update with a water bottle pocket, please?
Hello Jame, thank you for your comment! I don’t have plans to update this pattern; however, I do have a free video tutorial on how to add a side pocket to any bag, which may be helpful: https://sewsweetness.com/2018/08/video-how-to-add-a-side-pocket-to-any-bag.html
Thank you!
Thanks do much!! I will check it out!
Is a paper pattern available?
Hi Diane! Unfortunately, we did not come out with a paper pattern for this title. I apologize for the inconvenience!
Hi Sara, Is there a photo as to what the inside each zipper area looks like? Are there pockets or mesh inside?
Thanks Flori
Hi Flori! This video may help (it was from a promotion that was in February 2019, although I think it shows the details you are looking for): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BbOmMq8UfDc
Hi Sara yes that is exactly what I wanted to see! Thank you
Hi Sara. I’m a relatively new member to your site. I found you a few months ago and have made a few purchases. By any chance will your 4 bundle pattern promotion be offered again? I just watched the promo video as I wanted to see the inside of the Speedwell and fell in love with the other patterns on the promo video. Thanks.
Hi we are going to England to see family and was thinking of making this bag for my husband is it a cross body strap or just over the shoulder bag and would it be suitable for a man.
Hi Kathleen! The strap is cross body and I have seen many of them that were made for men! I feel like the size large is generally made if it is made for a man.
Hi! I printed the pattern and wow. This is going to be fun. I can’t wait to get started. I ordered the pdf and video but don’t know how to view the video. Thank you! Barbara
Hi Barbara! You can find those instructions here: https://sewsweetness.com/video-access-instructions Thank you!
What types of fabrics is your prototype made with?
Any chance you could briefly describe how to make the pattern a little smaller but not as small as the small size? Say 19” instead of 21”? Could I just shrink the printing size maybe?
Hello Anne, you can print the pattern pieces at a different percentage in order to get a smaller bag. You’ll also need to reduce the size of the squares/rectangles (like for the zipper pocket). I demonstrated a tool that I found helpful for figuring out what percentage to print pattern pieces out at if you wanted a smaller or larger bag (check about 2 minutes in): https://sewsweetness.com/2019/10/sewcial-sunday-october-6.html?v=7516fd43adaa
Hi Sarah, on page 3 of the instructions, step 2, do I also baste the Exterior Panel A and B to the foam?
Also, I’m using quilt basting spray Instead of the wash away Wonder Tape to attach pieces before I baste them. Does this cause a problem further along In the assembly? Thanks!
Hi there! I saw your email come through and I’ve replied to your email. Thank you!
Hi Sarah, this will be the third small Park Sling bag I’ve made. As you can see I’ve adapted it a little and will be doing even more on my next one I’m working on as we speak. The small part sling was small enough that I thought I would only make one opening instead of two dividers. But I wanted the outside zipper pocket and/pocket on the back for handy convenience. I have trouble with swivel clips that pull out of the swivel slot because of wear and tear. Do you have a good source for a sturdy swivel clip that will not do that?
Hi! Planning for a long time to buy this pattern. I’d like to ask if my brother GS2700 can handle this? Thank you very much.
Hi Nehen! I’m not familiar with that machine, but before I got my Juki, I had an inexpensive $120 Brother sewing machine and it sewed the bags just fine. Hope this helps!
In the 4 pack video, the yarn minder bag with the flap… where did you get the fabric with the knit stitches?
Hi Cyndy, it was purchased from Spoonflower: https://www.spoonflower.com/en/shop?on=fabric&q=yarn&availability=ForSale&sort=bestSelling
The pics of these sling packs looks great and look like just what I need! However, would it be possible to get written directions? I am on limited internet data and it is impossible for me to watch any sort of video. Thanks so much.
Hello Pam, we do sell PDF instructions for this pattern; just select ‘PDF Pattern’ at checkout. Thank you!
Is there interfacing used
I finished the small backpack today & it turned out really cute. I think my grandson will love it; however it tested my following direction skills. I didn’t purchase the version that included the video. I will do that in the future.
I just purchased the pattern and so excited about it. Do you have cutting files for this pattern available?
Hello Eman, thank you for your purchase! You should be able to find the SVG files in your account (it looks like you made the purchase on Etsy, so the files would be in your Etsy account). Thank you and have a beautiful day!
Hi there, I love this bag, can I see the pockets inside the smaller zipped compartment, just to see how many and roughly what sort of size each is to know what items it might hold. I used to have a bag like this and it was great, time for a new one I think. As others have asked, can you advise the percentage to print at to get a bag at an in between size of the small and the large. Thank you.
Hello Anne! Here’s a video I have about increasing/decreasing a pattern: https://sewsweetness.com/2022/06/how-to-increase-or-decrease-a-sewing-pattern.html Unfortunately as I have not made the backpack at a different size than the small/large version that is in the pattern, I can’t advise on what percentage to print at. I will email a photo of the inside, since I can’t post it in the comments here. Thank you!