Stuff I've Made | Drawstring Backpacks

I love the idea of drawstring backpacks but the cheap ones that the kids get at school or other events don't hold up well and let's face it, they are usually UGLY. Just me?

So when I came across THIS tutorial outlining how to create cute drawstring backpacks I knew I had to give it a try!

First, I used some leftover fabrics from my placemats and napkins (seen HERE) to create this fun little beach backpack for Payton.

I altered the tutorial a bit so to add some ruffles (leftover jelly strips from placemats) in coordinating prints plus I increased the size of the bag by just an inch or two and made the drawstring straps longer since she doesn't like anything that is very binding.

Because I knew she was going to be using this for swim team and that involves wet clothes and/or towels I decided to line the inside with coated fabric from the Lucy's Crab Shack collection. Especially since she needs a safe place to put her cell phone. The coated fabric keeps the wet from seeping into the little pocket on the front. ;) 

FYI, when using coated fabric for the lining, be sure to sew a strip of regular cotton to the top so that when you add the drastring, your bag will close tightly.

(what I used for Payton's bag)

InLinkz.com

Ethan is always toting around something or other so I made him a bag of his own as well. These would also make great storage bags for little cars, action figures, etc. He loves his bag. In fact, he exclaimed, "Is that for ME?!!!!" when I presented him with it the other afternoon. :) That made this mama feel good. 

I pretty much followed the tutorial except I increased the length and width by a couple direction each. After sewing Pay's bag, I wished I had done just a bit more on hers. I combined prints from several collections I had in my stash: Riley Blake (chevron), green stripe (Curiosities byBenartex) and of course the dinosaurs (Robert Kaufman Urban Zoologie)!

Happy Smile. Happy Boy. :)

(what I used for Ethan's bag)

InLinkz.com

My brother, sister in law and niece came over yesterday afternoon to swim. My mom and dad stopped by, too. It was so fun to see all the kids together. They just love their baby cousin. Makes my heart burst that they are so good to her.

Ethan kept telling her, "You're sooooo adorable. You're sooooo cute!". He is really gentle with her. It almost makes me want another baby. Almost. But not quite. ha. I'll settle for loving on my little nieces and nephews instead!

Well, we're headed to the last swim meet of the summer (except for the division 2's next weekend) so I better go get the cooler packed and the car loaded for the day! 

Love watching these girls swim:

Have a great weekend everyone!

Comments

[Joy Taylor]

Seriously where does you talent end, I totally love seeing your sewing projects, there is hope for me, one day when I learn, these are gorgeous and so are your kids..hugs

[Heather Ruwe]

Nichol...these are fabulous! Need to learn to sew to make one for aiden. :) you're so talented. TFS!

[Debbie]

Too Cute!!! My grand-daughters would love these.

[Linda in aus]

Nichol these are great I had to smile as my 18 yo left the house this morning with his drawstring back pack. See your never too old.. His was shop bought mind you, nothing like the gorgeous ones you have made your children..

[Sheri E.]

These are so adorable.

[Joann]

Nichol these are just beautiful!!! You taking orders yet? LOL cuz believe you me, I want one for my little girl!!!

Hugs,
Jo

[angela johnson]

How adorable! where do you live? Nice pictures! Im in Richland, WA!

[florida home insurance]

I completely really like seeing your stitching tasks, there is wish for me, one day when I understand, these are magnificent and so are your children.

[Latrice]

Love these bags so much. Thanks for the links. Payton is growing so fast. Holy cow is she gorgeous. Watch out mama!

[Drawstring Backpacks]

Hey nichol loved your Drawstring Backpacks and thanks for Link, time to design my own!!