How to Make a Small Sling Backpack

Backpacks are great to bring everywhere. I particularly like the sling backpack because it only has one strap and is super easy to sling over your your shoulder. This Sling backpack is an intermediate sewing project but not really that difficult to make. I saw this project on the Joann.com website but the instructions were not very good so I really had to figure it out. Once I did I thought to share it with you. If you would like another backpack project check out this one.

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What you will Need: How to Make a Small Sling Backpack

• Pattern you can get by clicking on this link
• 1/3 yd Canvas Fabric
• 1/4 yd Contrasting Canvas Fabric
• 16″ Zipper
• 2 yds 1″ Cotton Belting
• 2 1″ D-Rings
• Slider Buckle
• Magnetic Snap
• Sewing Machine

Step 1: Cut out your Fabrics

Using the pattern pieces cut one piece of template A and one piece of the reverse of Template A from your main fabric. From the Contrasting Fabric cut one piece of template B. This is the pocket piece. Cut one 2 1/2″ square from the main fabric and turn under 1/4″ on all four sides. Press. From the main fabric cut two template C and and template D pieces. Also from the main fabric cut four 1 3/4″ x 16″ strips. Next, cut one 21 1/2″ x 3″ strip from the main fabric, and two 2″ x 3″ strips from the contrasting fabric. Cut 2″ strips from the contrasting fabric. Cut one 60″ piece of belting. Finally, cut two 3″ pieces of belting

Step 2: Add the Magnetic Snap

Attach one side of magnetic snap to the right side of the front of the bag as marked on template A following the manufacturer’s instructions. Add the other side of the snap to the right side of the pocket as marked on template B.

Step 3: Prepare the Pocket

Take the template B piece and fold the top under 1/4″. Fold along line marked on template B along top of pocket. Press. Top stitch in place along both folds.

Step 4: Add the Pocket

Place the pocket onto the front of the outer bag and baste in place.

Step 5: Create the D-Ring Tabs

First, take the 3″ pieces of belting and fold them through each of the D-Rings. With right sides together, pin pieces from template C together. Tucking the D-Ring tabs between the layers where marked. Stitch along three sides leaving the curved edge open. Turn right side out. Repeat for pieces cut from template D.

Step 6: Add the D-Ring Tabs

Baste the raw edges of pieces C and D to the back of the bag where marked on the template. Make sure pieces C and D are pointed in toward center of bag.

Step 7: Prepare the Zipper

With right sides together, pin two Of the 16″ strips to one side of zipper. Stitch along the edge of the zipper. Turn and press the fabric strips so they are wrong sides together. Top stitch 1/8″ away from the seam along the zipper edge. Baste the raw edges of the fabric strips together. Repeat on the other side of the zipper.

Step 8: Prepare the Zipper Strips

With right sides together, sew 3″ edge of of the 21 1/2″ piece of fabric to one end of zipper strip. Fold under 1/4″ on each 3″ edge of strip from contrasting fabric, then fold in half.

Step 9: Add the Zipper to Bag Front

Tuck raw edges of seam just sewn on zipper strip into folded piece from contrasting fabric and top stitch along folded edges. Sew opposite 3″ edge of strip A to the other side of zipper strip and cover seam with the second strip from fabric B in the same way. Pin bag front to zipper strip, lining up zipper between marks on template A. Sew around entire bag front.

Step 10: Add the Zipper to Bag Back

Unzip the zipper before proceeding. Pin and sew back of bag to the other side of zipper strip, making sure to tuck in the pieces C and D, lining up the zipper where marked on template A.

Step 11: Add the Binding

Place the 2″ binding strip along the raw edges of the interior of the bag. Fold under the short raw edge. Stitch using 1/4″ seam allowance. Fold the binding strip over the raw edge and fold under 1/4″. Clip. Stitch the binding along the fold. Repeat for the other side. Turn bag right side out.

Step 12: Add the Belting

Draw one end of the belting through the D ring on the bottom of the bag. Fold under and stitch in place 2″ from the D ring. Draw the loose end of the belting through the front of the slider buckle then through the D ring on the top of the bag, and back through the slider buckle cross bar, folding belting back on itself. Fold under and stitch in place creating a loop around the cross bar of the slider buckle. You have now finished your small sling backpack.

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