Quilted Patchwork Backpack
Beginner–intermediate friendly
Materials
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Assorted quilting cotton scraps (for patchwork panels)
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1 yard (1 m) coordinating main fabric (green in the photo)
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½ yard (0.5 m) lining fabric
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½ yard fusible interfacing (medium or heavy)
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Batting (for quilted areas)
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Cotton cord for drawstring
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Magnetic snap or button for the flap
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¼” cotton lace trim (optional)
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2 D-rings or rectangle sliders (for straps)
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Sewing machine + walking foot (recommended)
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Rotary cutter, mat, ruler
Finished Size
Approx. 14″ tall × 12″ wide × 6″ deep
(35 × 30 × 15 cm)
1. Make the Patchwork Panels
Front and Back Panels
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Cut small squares: 2½” × 2½” (6.5 cm).
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Sew squares together to make two panels measuring approx.
14″ wide × 10″ tall (36 × 25 cm). -
Press seams open.
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Layer each panel:
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patchwork top
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batting
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muslin or thin backing
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Quilt vertically or in straight lines.
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Trim to clean edges.
Optional: Add vertical strips of coordinating fabric between patchwork sections (as in the photo).
2. Add the Bottom Band
The bag in the photo has a decorative lower band.
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Cut main fabric: 14″ × 4″
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Sew to the bottom of each quilted panel.
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Add lace trim over the seam if desired.
3. Create the Backpack Body
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Place the front and back panels right sides together.
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Sew both sides and the bottom using a ½” seam allowance.
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Box the corners:
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Fold each corner to create a triangle.
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Measure 3″ across.
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Sew straight, trim excess.
This creates the depth of the backpack.
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4. Make the Lining
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Cut lining pieces the same size as the outer bag.
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Sew sides and bottom the same way.
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Box corners to match the outer bag.
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Leave a 4″ opening at the bottom for turning later.
5. Make the Drawstring Casing
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Cut a strip: 4″ × 28″ (can vary depending on your bag width).
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Fold long edges to the center, then fold in half.
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Stitch along the folded edge.
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Attach the casing around the top edge of the bag body, leaving small openings for the cord exits.
6. Make the Flap
The flap in the photo is semi-circular patchwork + quilted.
Cutting
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Patchwork top: 8″ × 14″, curved
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Batting
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Lining
Construction
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Sew small squares or wedge pieces to make the flap top.
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Layer: patchwork + batting + lining.
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Quilt as desired.
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Bind around the curved edge with bias tape.
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Add a magnetic snap or sew a decorative button loop.
Sew the flap to the back panel, centered.
7. Make the Shoulder Straps
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Cut two strips of main fabric:
4″ × 30″ (adjust for your height). -
Fold long sides to the center, then fold again (like making bag straps).
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Add interfacing inside for strength.
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Stitch along both sides.
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Attach D-rings or rectangle sliders to make straps adjustable.
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Sew the straps to the top and bottom of the back panel.
8. Assemble the Bag
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Insert the outer bag into the lining right sides together.
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Match seams.
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Sew all around the top.
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Turn the bag right-side out through the opening in the lining.
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Sew the lining opening closed.
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Push lining inside and top-stitch around the edge.
9. Install Drawstrings
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Cut two pieces of cotton cord: 30–35″ each.
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Thread each cord through the casing in opposite directions.
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Knot the ends.
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Add metal cord tips or fabric tabs if desired.
Your Quilted Patchwork Backpack Is Ready!
This design is perfect for:
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scraps and mini charm squares
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boho, vintage, or cottagecore fabrics
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hand quilting or machine quilting
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adding pockets, loops, lace, or extra patchwork









