Kira Backpack — Lulú Ferris

Project preview

This video is for members

Join Lulu Ferris to watch the complete class and sew along at your own pace.

What you’ll make

Sew a compact children’s backpack with a top zipper and two pulls, an elasticized front pocket and a gusseted, elasticized side pocket for a water bottle.

The lined interior has a divider for a notebook or other small item. Padded shoulder straps, optional gathered ruffles and a hanging loop complete the design.

What you’ll learn in this class

Shape elasticized pockets and add depth to the side pocket with darts.
Install a two-pull top zipper between the exterior and lining.
Make padded, ruffled straps and reinforce their attachment points.
Join curved panels by matching centers and seams.
Manage bulky layers and use a walking or roller foot when helpful.
Turn the lined backpack and close the opening neatly.

Fabric and structure

The sample uses poplin quilted with batting on the front and back. You can substitute interfacing, omit added structure or use a heavier fabric such as canvas.

Quilting, elastic and layered pockets create bulky intersections. If your machine struggles, simplify the exterior pockets or choose a less bulky structure.

Make it your own

Put the bottle pocket on either side, add one to both sides or omit the exterior pockets. You can also adapt another style, such as the Terra backpack pocket.

Add or omit the strap ruffles, change the quilting direction or leave the exterior unquilted. Adjust the details to the child’s needs and your machine’s capabilities.

Finished size

The finished backpack measures approximately 30 cm high, 23 cm wide and 10 cm deep. It is sized for young children, while longer shoulder straps can adapt it for an adult.

The complete video class includes an A4 pattern for home printing, with finished measurements in the pattern PDF.

Pattern & materials

Patterns are included with membership

Active members can download every available PDF and materials list.

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