I got to sew some pretty little things for my granddaughter who turned two recently…
And one of them was this cute little back pack.
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The pattern is Simplicity #5284. It’s a mini version of a full-size, or adult, back pack.
I used 2 fat quarters (18″x21″ piece of fabric), and some left-over fabric from a little blouse I’d made her.
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I used some lace instead of ribbon for the bow and added a bling button for a touch of fun… I thought she would like it, especially when she gets a little older (like 3). 🙂
I sewed these on by hand so it wouldn’t show up on the under side of the flap. I also wanted to make sure it was on securely so that it wouldn’t come off after much use.
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The pattern called for elastic at the top, which I thought was genius. Everything stays inside, yet it’s easier to access than if it had a tie. (Why don’t back packs for grown-ups have this feature??! 🙂
I sewed on a piece of hook & loop tape for the closure – small enough that she can easily open it without a lot of effort, but big enough to keep it closed when she’s wearing it.
The pocket is large enough to hold a small box of crayons, or pencils, or a little dolly… whatever she likes. 🙂
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I used the wrong kind of interfacing… the pattern suggested light-weight and I knew that wouldn’t be enough, so I used heavy-weight; but it was really hard to sew. – even with a heavy-duty needle. Next time, I will definitely use medium! Lesson learned.
However, it did feel like a “real, store-bought” back pack. So, maybe the heavier interfacing was the right choice after all?
The pattern was easy to understand and the straps went on without a problem. I had never made a back pack before, so some of the placements (such as the tabs to pull the straps through) didn’t really make sense until everything was turned right-side-out. So the lesson here is… follow the step-by-step instructions and in the end it’ll all make perfect sense. Maybe, Kind of like life?… But I digress…
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It was so much fun for me to make this, especially since it was for my granddaughter!
Using the three fabrics was different and gave it a whole other look to it. Maybe next time I’ll just use one… maybe.
I can hardly wait to sew another one!
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Looking forward to sharing with you a pic of her wearing or using her little back pack. I get to see her soon again! 🙂
More projects to share in the coming days. Yay!
Have a blessed week,
Daisy
That is so cute and I know she loves it .
Handsome backpack. I bet she loved it. 🙂
She did! And thank you for stopping by! 😊
Super cute! I love that you used three fabrics instead of one!
These are the kind of projects that you can’t make just one! Can’t wait to see what it looks like with solids, or with a ribbons & lace, or with embroidery, or with a western/cowboy style… see what I mean?? 😊💕
You seem to be one of those people who just have a knack for making pretty things. This is so adorable.
Lillian, you are so sweet! I’m always so happy to see your blog posts and when you take the time to stop by and leave me a comment. Thank you! Hope you’re doing well. Loved your knitting projects on your blog!
I love your creations! 💖
Thanks, Camie, that’s so kind of you! I have a lot of fun doing these little projects and especially when I see the girls using them – that’s the best part! 🙂
This is adorable!! The elastic really is very clever! 🙂
Yes, I think all back packs should have that little elastic feature. Makes things a whole lot easier to reach quickly. Thanks for stopping by, Tami! 🙂
So so,adorable! She is going to love it! I sent a little back pack to a great niece once and she put it on and didn’t want to take it off. I had no idea she would react that way. :). Blessings on you and yours and your projects!
It’s so pretty, and so neat (I am in awe)! I love the three colours
Thanks, Lynsey, it was easier than I thought it would be. If you like to sew, give it a try, it will be fun! 🙂
Very sweet!
Thank you!
This backpack is so cute! My little great nieces would love this! 🙂
Hi Daisy!! What an adorable little backpack!! Love the fabric combination and all your pretty little additions. Have you given it to her yet?? I can see a two year old loading it up and emptying it again… such a sweet gift. And even though you said it wasn’t hard– just following instructions– It looks pretty daunting to me!! So glad you posted it! xox
Hi Rhonda! Yes, I sent it to her in a box I packed full of little goodies for her birthday. I enjoy making things for the grand babies…it’s fun and I learn new things with each project. Sometimes the pattern instructions don’t make complete sense until I’m at that point and then I realize what they’re trying to say! It’s kind of funny, actually. Sometimes I start a project not really knowing if I’ll be able to finish it correctly, but I press on and most of the time it all turns out ok. Haha. Good to hear from you! Xoxo
Hey Daisy– I think you’re right– persistence pays off on projects likes that! When I got stuck on sewing or cooking projects I call in my sis. She sews like you– and can figure out anything! Hoping you have a blessed Easter tomorrow. We drove over to St. John’s for a beautiful worshipful Good Friday service last night. Are you making an Easter dinner?? We’re going to my bother’s –always a sweet time. hugs hugs!
The backpack is adorable. Your granddaughter is lucky to have you as her grandmother.