Quilted Patchwork Backpack

Quilted Patchwork Backpack

Beginner–intermediate friendly


Materials

  • Assorted quilting cotton scraps (for patchwork panels)

  • 1 yard (1 m) coordinating main fabric (green in the photo)

  • ½ yard (0.5 m) lining fabric

  • ½ yard fusible interfacing (medium or heavy)

  • Batting (for quilted areas)

  • Cotton cord for drawstring

  • Magnetic snap or button for the flap

  • ¼” cotton lace trim (optional)

  • 2 D-rings or rectangle sliders (for straps)

  • Sewing machine + walking foot (recommended)

  • 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

  1. Cut small squares: 2½” × 2½” (6.5 cm).

  2. Sew squares together to make two panels measuring approx.
    14″ wide × 10″ tall (36 × 25 cm).

  3. Press seams open.

  4. Layer each panel:

    • patchwork top

    • batting

    • muslin or thin backing

  5. Quilt vertically or in straight lines.

  6. 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.

  1. Cut main fabric: 14″ × 4″

  2. Sew to the bottom of each quilted panel.

  3. Add lace trim over the seam if desired.


3. Create the Backpack Body

  1. Place the front and back panels right sides together.

  2. Sew both sides and the bottom using a ½” seam allowance.

  3. Box the corners:

    • Fold each corner to create a triangle.

    • Measure 3″ across.

    • Sew straight, trim excess.
      This creates the depth of the backpack.


4. Make the Lining

  1. Cut lining pieces the same size as the outer bag.

  2. Sew sides and bottom the same way.

  3. Box corners to match the outer bag.

  4. Leave a 4″ opening at the bottom for turning later.


5. Make the Drawstring Casing

  1. Cut a strip: 4″ × 28″ (can vary depending on your bag width).

  2. Fold long edges to the center, then fold in half.

  3. Stitch along the folded edge.

  4. 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

  • Patchwork top: 8″ × 14″, curved

  • Batting

  • Lining

Construction

  1. Sew small squares or wedge pieces to make the flap top.

  2. Layer: patchwork + batting + lining.

  3. Quilt as desired.

  4. Bind around the curved edge with bias tape.

  5. Add a magnetic snap or sew a decorative button loop.

Sew the flap to the back panel, centered.


7. Make the Shoulder Straps

  1. Cut two strips of main fabric:
    4″ × 30″ (adjust for your height).

  2. Fold long sides to the center, then fold again (like making bag straps).

  3. Add interfacing inside for strength.

  4. Stitch along both sides.

  5. Attach D-rings or rectangle sliders to make straps adjustable.

  6. Sew the straps to the top and bottom of the back panel.


8. Assemble the Bag

  1. Insert the outer bag into the lining right sides together.

  2. Match seams.

  3. Sew all around the top.

  4. Turn the bag right-side out through the opening in the lining.

  5. Sew the lining opening closed.

  6. Push lining inside and top-stitch around the edge.


9. Install Drawstrings

  1. Cut two pieces of cotton cord: 30–35″ each.

  2. Thread each cord through the casing in opposite directions.

  3. Knot the ends.

  4. Add metal cord tips or fabric tabs if desired.


Your Quilted Patchwork Backpack Is Ready!

This design is perfect for:

  • scraps and mini charm squares

  • boho, vintage, or cottagecore fabrics

  • hand quilting or machine quilting

  • adding pockets, loops, lace, or extra patchwork