This post may contain affiliate links.
When my husband gave me an old pair of gray Levis, I instantly knew I would be upcycling those jeans into a small backpack. The interior of the backpack would be made out of an old button shirt of his too. It was the perfect opportunity to create a small toddler backpack upcycled from Daddy’s old clothes.
I found this free small backpack pattern with tutorial just the right size for a toddler backpack. The pattern and tutorial are super easy to follow and great for beginner sewers. I highly recommend it! There are a few variations to the pattern for the pockets and straps. However, I mostly followed the tutorial for assembly.
Denim Backpack Materials Used
- denim jeans
- men’s button-up shirt
- 2 1/2 yards 1″ cotton strapping/webbing
- 2 1/2 yards 1/2″ grosgrain ribbon
- heavy duty thread (optional for decorative stitching)
- regular weight coordinating thread
- HeatnBond Lite
- medium – heavyweight fusible interfacing (like Pellon SF 101)
- iron-on temporary fusible tape
- 4 – 1″ D-ring
- 2 – 1″ lobster clasps
- 2 – 1″ adjustable sliders
- 2 – 40″ double zip polyester zippers (cut into 3 smaller zippers) (I like ByAnnie zippers)
- 2″ bias tape (created from the men’s dress shirt)
UPCYCLED MINI SKIRT TO TOTE BAG
A mini skirt is the perfect size to turn into a tote bag that’s great for everyday use. This is an easy beginner project to get into bag making.
To get started on this upcycled denim backpack I printed and cut out the paper pattern. Before cutting into the jeans and shirt, I sketched out a plan for how to cut out the backpack pattern pieces from the fabric.
For the lining pieces created from the dress shirt, I added either fusible interfacing or Heat n’ Bond to give it more structure.
Instead of adding the applied pocket to the front of the backpack, I used one of the butt pockets from the jeans. Above the jeans pocket, I added a zipper pocket. I pieced together several pieces of denim to be able to create the front panel of the backpack. The front panel is backed with lining and a double layer of lining to create the pocket.
I also added the shirt pocket to the interior for an extra slip pocket inside, perfect size for a phone.
The side pockets were cut from the bottom of the jean legs and are not lined.
Upcycled Leather Jacket to Leather Handbag
See how your can turn an old leather jacket into a beautiful designer handbag.
For the back zipper pocket, I followed the tutorial.
To create the back panel interior pocket, I followed the same directions as the exterior back pocket.
The straps are made from 1ā³ gray cotton webbing and lined down the center with grosgrain ribbon. I added a long stitch with heavy-duty thread for decoration. To keep the ribbon straight down the middle of the webbing, I used an iron-on temporary fusible tape before stitching.
The top of the backpack straps are attached slightly different than the tutorial between two layers of denim. I also added a small handle to the top of the backpack.
I had just enough shirt fabric left to create bias tape to finish off the inside edges.
This small backpack is a great size to use as a toddler backpack with some room to grow. Upcycling the denim jeans created a sturdy bag that will withstand wear and tear. The button-up shirt for the inside gives it a light, soft interior.
BACKPACK REFASHION
Get inspired to turn a plain bag into a statement piece. Learn to make your own fabric patches and easy ways to install metal studs.
This upcycled denim project turned into the perfect backpack for my toddler. Now I need to refashion other clothes into a small backpack for myself, so I don’t have to borrow his!
DENIM LUGGAGE TAGS WITH FREE SEWING PATTERN
Use up leftover denim scraps and make luggage tags to mark your bags. These DIY luggage tags will help your bags stand out from the rest of the bags.
Do you like to upcycle clothes? Check out my other refashions here.
love this backpack idea! why not make one instead of buying!!!
Right!?!?! And denim is so durable!
Very nice! Love it. Want to try it myself,but not very good at liningš¢. So impressed you recycled things to make this backpack. Trying to do more of that myself. Saw a simpler backpack made by a young oriental girl. May try that one first as a warm-up. It didn’t have all the extra pockets or zippers and wasn’t lined. My husband ordered two long zippers from Amazon for me lol. One can always use an extra backpack.
I say you can never have too many backpacks! I get a lot of pleasure out of recycling clothes into something new. An easy way to line a bag is to attach the lining to the exterior fabric (either by basting or you can use a fusible adhesive product (like Heat n Bond), then finish the seams by covering with binding.
I think this is great. Will have a go my self. Very clever – Thankyou
Send pics! I would love to see how it turns out :)
is there a way (unless other wise) i can add length to the straps for an adult to use like myself but the bag itself can stay the same?
Absolutely! I can wear this backpack with this length when it’s at full length. It wouldn’t hurt to add length for an adult.
You did an amazing job!!!! This looks like it was bought at the Leviās store!!! You did awesome matching the zipper and other royal blue elements.
That is such a kind comment. :) Thank you!
This looks absolutely brilliant !! how do you get pattern please
Hi Eleanor – Thanks! It’s a great bag and pattern. You can find the free backpack pattern here.