Kids' Backpack

Make the body of the kids' backpack

• Position the 2 pieces of fabric with wrong sides together and baste the sides and bottom.
• Place the pieces of serge, folded in half, on each side, 2 cm (3/4 inch) from the bottom. Sew around the three basted sides, 5 mm (1/16 inch) from the edge.

• Leaving all seams intact, recut along the three sewn sides at 3mm (1/32 inch) from the edge. Also cut the two bottom corners in bias.
• Turn the bag inside out. Iron the seams and then sew a new seam 5 mm (1/16 inch) along the three sides (this technique allows for tidy interior seams).

Top and closure of the kids' backpack

• Turn the bag right side out.
• Sew one buttonhole that is 1.5 cm (5/8 inch) long on the front of the bag, on each side, 1 cm (3/8 inch) from the side and 4 cm (1-9/16 inches) from the top.

• Turn the bag inside out and sew a hem at the top (fold 5 mm/1/16 inch and then 1.5 cm/5/8 inch).

• Pass the cord through a buttonhold, aided by the safety pin. Go around the bag and pull it out through the same hole.
• Do the same thing with the second cord, going through the second buttonhole.

• Pass each cord through the button loop formed by the serge on each side.
• Knot each cord end to make it secure.