MakeDesignerBags

FREE · 3 COMPLETE PATTERNS · MATERIAL LIST · 1:1 TEMPLATES

3 complete backpack patterns. Free, and the first one sews in an afternoon.

The three finished backpacks (FLAP, BUCKLE and ROLL Pack) in front of the pattern pages: pattern pieces, a full-size template and a step-by-step page

Free PDF · 3 Patterns · US Letter or A4 · instant download

The FLAP Pack, the BUCKLE Pack and the ROLL Pack: three different backpacks, three complete patterns, each with its own cutting chart, step-by-step diagrams and 1:1 templates. They share one base construction (One Base, Three Packs), so once you have sewn the first, the next two go faster. No zips, no piping.

3 complete patterns in one PDF

  • Pattern 1 (#034): The FLAP PackMini backpack, rounded flap, hidden magnetic snap19 pages
  • Pattern 2 (#035): The BUCKLE PackDay pack, fold-over top with a side-release buckle21 pages
  • Pattern 3 (#036): The ROLL PackTall roll-top with a contrast base band22 pages
  • One material & shopping list for all three patternsFabric, interfacing, webbing and hardware, bought onceIncluded
  • 1:1 printable template sheetsA 10 cm check ruler on every sheet · inches and centimetres on every measurementIncluded
3 complete patterns + material list + 1:1 templatesFree

All three patterns, free. Just tell us where to send them.

Three backpacks, three complete patterns

Each pack is a full pattern of its own. They share one base, so every pack you sew makes the next one easier.

The FLAP Pack: mustard mini backpack with a navy print flap
BeginnerStart here

Pattern 1 · The FLAP Pack

8 5/8" × 10 5/8" × 2 3/8" (22 × 27 × 6 cm)

A lined mini backpack with a rounded contrast flap that snaps shut, a grab loop and two fixed straps sewn into small fabric triangles. The only hardware is one hidden magnetic snap. Fits a child or a small adult.

The BUCKLE Pack: two-colour day pack with a fold-over top and buckle strap
BeginnerThe day pack

Pattern 2 · The BUCKLE Pack

9 1/2" × 15 3/8" open, 10 5/8" folded × 3 1/8" (24 × 39 / 27 × 8 cm)

The same body grown to day-pack size, pieced in two colours. The top folds forward and one strap clicks it shut; the shoulder straps adjust with ladder slides.

The ROLL Pack: tall rust roll-top backpack with a dark base band
BeginnerThe tall one

Pattern 3 · The ROLL Pack

10 1/4" × 17 3/4" open, 10 5/8" rolled × 3 1/8" (26 × 45 / 27 × 8 cm)

Roll-top height, a contrast base band, a firm top edge that rolls forward and clips into a buckle strap. Fold it once when full, roll it three times when not.

Inside the PDF

PDF page: overview of all pattern pieces with their measurements
All pattern pieces
PDF page: one shopping list for all three packs
One shopping list
PDF page: a step with a diagram, tip and warning
A real step page

Each of the three patterns: its own cutting chart in inches and cm, step-by-step diagrams, tips and warnings on each step, 1:1 templates at the back.

How it works

  1. Enter your email and choose Letter or A4.
  2. Download the PDF with all three patterns on the next page (and find it in your inbox).
  3. Print only the template sheets at 100 %, cut rectangles with a ruler, and start with the FLAP Pack.

This is for you if…

  • you have sewn a tote or a zip pouch and want to make a real backpack without guessing
  • you like instructions that tell you why, not just what
  • you want one shopping trip, not three

Not for you if…

  • you have never used a sewing machine (start with our beginner tote first)
  • you want a padded, laptop-sleeve, 14-pocket hiking pack

One shopping list

Buy this once and you can sew all three. For 44"/112 cm fabric:

  • Exterior canvas or twill 1 1/2 yd (1.4 m), or three colours, as on the covers
  • Contrast fabric: a fat eighth (flap), 3/8 yd (0.35 m) print, 1/4 yd (0.25 m) heavier canvas (base band)
  • Lining cotton 1 5/8 yd (1.5 m) · medium woven fusible interfacing 2 yd (1.8 m)
  • Webbing 1" (25 mm): 8 3/8 yd (7.6 m) · 1 magnetic snap 3/4" (18 mm) · 2 side-release buckles · 4 ladder slides · 4 D-rings
  • From your sewing box: thread, a denim needle, clips, chalk, a point turner, a lighter for the webbing ends, a plate about 8 5/8" (22 cm) across (it is the template for the flap curve)

Questions

Do I need a special printer?

No. Any home printer. Only the template sheets must be printed at 100 % ("actual size"); each one carries a red 10 cm ruler to check. Everything else you can read on a screen.

Letter or A4: what if I pick the wrong one?

Reply to the download email and we send the other one. The patterns are identical; only the template tiling differs. The email also has the other size as a second link.

Inches or centimetres?

Both, on every measurement, every page.

How long does the first pack take?

The FLAP Pack is an afternoon. The other two are a long afternoon each: the body is the same, only the closure is new.

What happens after I sign up?

You get the PDF with all three patterns immediately, and from then on one pattern mail a week from MakeDesignerBags. Unsubscribe with one click at any time.

3 complete backpack patterns. Free.

Free PDF · 3 Patterns · US Letter or A4 · instant download