Toddler Backpack Sewing Pattern PDF
(NOTE: this is the new updated version of the pattern, if you purchased the pattern between March 2009 – October 2011 and are looking JUST the add-on, click here)
Cost: $8
Read Item Description
Purchase this version if you will use the pattern for yourself or for gifts for others (i.e. no profit, for personal use only).
License to Sell Toddler Backpacks (pattern not included)
Cost: $10
Read Item Description
Purchase this license in addition to the pattern if you would like to sell backpacks from the pattern. Small-scale handmade sales only; one license for each person who makes/sells the bags. Design credit must be given wherever the bags are sold (“Pattern designed by Rae Hoekstra of made-by-rae.com” on tags or listings) Please register your shop with me once you have backpacks ready to sell.
Included in the PDF:
Step-by-step instructions
Full-color photographs to augment the instructions
Clear directions on how to easily enlarge the pattern for a larger child
Complete set of pattern pieces (including rectangular pieces)
Materials:
The pattern uses about a 1/2 yard of medium- to heavy-weight canvas for the outside. As mentioned before, I purchased the Japanese fabric used in the photos on Superbuzzy (see links at left). The backpack holds its shape pretty well due to the piping and the quilted bottom, but if you wanted a more rigid backpack you could also interface it with something thick, like another layer of canvas. In addition to the outer fabric, you’ll need about 1/4 yard of medium-weight fabric (I used some bottom-weight twill from JoAnn) for the straps and bottom and a small amount of fleece or quilt batting for the bottom panel and strap padding.
Notions: two 1″ plastic strap adjusters (or four 1″ D-rings), 3/4″ yards of 1″ nylon strap, one 14″ zipper, and one package of pre-made 1/2″ bias tape piping (2 1/2 yards total if you are a Crazy Person and think you’d like to make your own).
: a few of the notions needed :I actually bought all of my supplies at JoAnn. The piping comes in all kinds of colors and I was pleasantly surprised at the selection of colors in nylon strap.
I also think it would be totally great to do an applique on the outside like one of these. A little lion? Monkey? So cute!
Finished Dimensions
Height: 11 3/8″, Width: 10″, Depth: 4 1/4″
See more Toddler Backpacks
The toddler backpack was featured on my blog in the following posts:
Toddler Backpack
Little Truck Backpack
Backpack Madness
Jackpack Giveaway (I gave away this cute white version over at Grosgrain)
Here’s my little guy (almost 2 years old!) modeling his very own backpack:
I offer licenses for handmade sellers who would like to sell items made with my patterns on a small scale. To see all of the available licenses, visit the 
What a handsome model!
Looking forward to the Spring Tops…actually, looking forward to Spring as well!
I bought mine! I am very impressed how fast you cranked this thing out – and the pricing on the already made backpack is amazing. Someone is going to get a steal there.
This is wonderful !!
Thank you.
Just found you on here while blog jogging! You’re amazing and inspirational! Thanks for all the fun projects.
These backpacks are so cute. I really need to bone up on my sewing skills so I can make one!
The backpack and your model are just too cute!
I know a certain toddler who would love one of these backpacks.
awesome can’t wait to purchase and try it out! thanks
Rae- Just wondering if you think this pattern would work for a new seamstress. I don’t have a lot of experience, but I’m ambitious!
Also, any thoughts on how long it takes to complete this project, beginning to end?
Thanks and keep up the great work. I love your blog!
Mary Jo
Your stuff is AMAZING! Thanks for the free patterns! I am going to be stalking you… er. following.
it’s so freakin’ cute! great job!
Love it! Would also love to carry a printed version in my brick-and-mortar shop after May 1–is that an option? Email me and we’ll discuss:
deborah (!at) whipstitchfabrics (dot!) com
I was coming after your Buttercup Bag pattern when I stumbled on this post about the backpack pattern. I wish Superbuzzy had more of this fabric, do you know the name they had it under. It totally makes the bag, will have to make one for my 3 year old. It’s fabulous!!! Have fun in Italy!
I just tried to purchase your pattern and it says sold out.
Beautiful! I made a backpack for my son using Butterick 4147 and wasn't thrilled with the results. It just isn't that cute. =)
Now this is a cute backpack! Thanks so much for sharing your creativity with the rest of us!!
I am SOOOOO in love with this pattern. Just made my first one and it turned out as beautifully as yours did, so there will definitely be more. Just wanted to say THANKYOU for designing THE perfect toddler backpack! Fits all his kindy stuff in with room to spare and won't be huge on his almost 4yo back.
I love this pattern. I took my daughter's choice of flannel, interfaced it with double-sided stiff interfacing and covered it with vinyl. Made it hard on myself, but my daughter LOVES it! Thanks for the pattern.
Once question, where do you get your fabric? I can't find it where I am. . .
Thanks!
I like how you're selling the pattern together with the sellers' license now. Have you thought about making that change to the backpack pattern offering?
Hello,
I would be interested in this awesome Toddler Backpack Sewing Pattern.
Are there instructions to make it in adult size?
Thanks a lot.
I’m pretty new to sewing and am still learning. Is this something that is for a more advanced seamstress, or can a novice accomplish this project as well?
Hi Bre: It’s not a “beginner” pattern, however if you’ve sewn a few things (especially something with a curved seam, for example, like the Buttercup Bag) the instructions are clear enough that you should be able to tackle it. But if you feel a little tentative about it, find some other projects that are more basic (Lickety Split is another great beginner project) first, ok? Don’t want you to feel frustrated!!!
You rock Rae!!! I just finished a backpack for my little Gianna and it is awesome. G is only one, but hangs on her perfectly. I made the bias tape (we are stationed in England and I have yet to find good fabric selection) and I added a couple of pockets — one on the front and a pencil pocket inside. Thank you sooooo much for the pattern.
do you cut the panels as they are or do you add seam allowances?
[...] used the Toddler Backpack Pattern from Made by Rae – it’s a great pattern and kids look so cute and grown-up wearing [...]
you’re little boy sure is cute.
[...] I made them last year before they started ‘school’. I used Rae’s pattern for the Toddler Backpack and added 2 inches at the bottom. They’re a great size. I used quilting cottons I had [...]
[...] Toddler Backpack by Made by Rae ($6.00 personal, $10 license to sell) Perfect for little backs! Link [...]
[...] Toddler Backpack was the very first pattern I digitized and began to sell back in 2009 at the prodding of readers, [...]
[...] BACKPACK PATTERN! The new version of the toddler backpack pattern is now available in the pattern shop. You can see the changes I’ve made and learn what to do [...]
I made this for my little guy’s school bag, and everyone who sees it absolutely loves it!
I haven’t made my backpack yet, but I’ve gotten my supplies. I had a bit of trouble finding the nylon strapping in the color I wanted so I ended up purchasing a nylon dog leash to cut up and use… the pet shop had tons to choose from!
[...] backpack was made with the adorable “Toddler Backpack Sewing Pattern” from Made By Rae HERE. I consider myself to be a novice sewer and it still turned out adorable. I absolutely love the [...]
[...] grotere rugzak voor de kleuter des huises: de toddler backpack van Made by Rae. Al ooit gemaakt maar nu heb ik de werkwijze om ze te voeren, wat mooier gaat [...]
[...] great patterns she sells some and others are FREE! Great stuff. This is the toddler Backpack pattern. This is probably the most complex thing I have ever sewn and it is going really well. I have [...]
[...] sole purpose of making this backpack for Sprout’s first day of school. I believe I purchased Made by Rae’s Toddler backpack sewing pattern even before that. But you know, I still had soooo much time. So why not just leave it for exactly [...]
[...] recently purchased the Toddler Backpack pattern from Made by Rae so that Owen would have a place to keep his books and toys while on [...]