Monday, February 8, 2010

Bugpack

I just saw Hoppo Bumpo's post on the Made By Rae toddler backpack, and thought I'd post the one I made for the Bug.

The Bug was very keen to carry his own backpack. I was a little concerned about this as his old backpack was bigger than him and dragged along the ground. Walking along beside him I felt like an imperial mountain climber with my mini sherpa.

A little googling uncovered the Toddler Backpack pattern by Made By Rae. Perfect! I downloaded my copy for $6 US.

I made a few adjustments to the pattern:
  • I made the backpack taller to fit in a Tupperware lunchbox- straightforward instructions are included in the pattern.
  • I used interfacing throughout- I only had very stiff interfacing on hand, so this made the curves a little challenging to machine-sew. I think a medium-weight interfacing might work better. 
  • I reinforced the bottom of the straps: originally I didn't leave much of a seam allowance and the webbing frayed, so the straps pulled out. To repair this I folded the ends of the straps over and sewed them into a kind of knob, then inserted them back into the place they'd pulled out of and sewed them in again.
The Bug carries it proundly, and it's deceptively capacious. So while he no longer looks like a sherpa...

4 messages:

Nikki Cardigan said...

Bug's backpack looks great. The fabric is gorgeous. Sounds like the interfacing is the trick for getting that extra structure.

missi mu said...

This backpack looks great- will have a look at the pattern and thanks for the straps and interfacing tip!

Gina E. said...

How cute is that!! I don't have any kids, but their little clothes and things make me a bit clucky!
Thanks for your comment on my blog, where you found the picture of the Milly Molly Mandy cross stitch. The Tapestry Guild always put on a fantastic exhibition, don't they.

Angie said...

My son absolutely loves his as well.

You are right about all those "kids" backpacks that are actually way too big for them.

I loved this little pattern, the interfacing is a good idea (for my next one!)