DIY Quilted Drawstring Backpack

By Janome Maker: Casey Michelle

This DIY quilted drawstring backpack is the perfect project for beginner and intermediate sewists. It’s stylish, functional, and makes a great personalized gift! Whether you are heading to the gym, school, or just need a cute everyday bag, this tutorial has you covered. The best part — it’s super fast to make! I made bags for all 4 of my kids in one afternoon, and they’ve been using them nonstop. 

🪡 What You’ll Need 

Group, Grouped object

  • Fabric for the backpack: 2 FQs of fabric and 1 FQ of batting. 
  • (2) 4” x 161/2” strips coordinating fabric for casing 
  • 4 yards cotton cord or drawstring rope 
  • (Optional) 2 grommets or eyelets for professional finish 
  • (2) 3” sections of 1/2” bias tape if not using grommets (I made my own).  
  • Safety pin for threading cord 
  • Sewing basics: scissors or rotary cutter, pins or clips, hera marker, adhesive spray, ruler 
  • Sewing machine – I’m using my Janome 6700p (it’s THE BEST!!) 
 Kid Adult 
Quilted Sections (2)14”×15” (2) 15”×17” 
Straps 31/2” yds of rope 4 yds of rope 
Grommets 2 2 

✂️ Step 1: Quilt your fabric   

Layer your fabric: outer fabric, batting, then lining fabric. Use adhesive spray to secure layers, then quilt as desired using a walking foot — straight lines, crosshatch, or free-motion quilting all work well. Repeat for the second section. 

Once quilted, trim to preferred size, according to the chart above. 

🧵 Step 2: Prepare the drawstring casings 

Step 3: Prepare the Drawstring Casings 

Group, Grouped object

First – take your casing fabric and hem the ends by folding over 1/4″ and stitching. Repeat on the other end. Press casing in half, wrong sides together. Stitch 1 folded casing section to the upper edge of one quilted section. Stitch down the raw edge or use a serger to finish. Repeat for with the other casing and quilted section. 

📍 Step 3: Assemble the backpack 

Group, Grouped object

Place the quilted sections right sides together. If using bias tape instead of grommets (as shown here), take your 3” bias tape loop and clip in between the right sides of the quilted sections (as shown below). Use ruler to mark a 11/2” square in each lower corner of the quilted sections, then cut out each square according to markings. Stitch along the sides and bottom edge of the backpack, leaving the corners open.  

Group, Grouped object

Take the cut out corners, and fold together so the seams align. Clip and sew together to create the corners of the backpack. Turn right side out and check to make sure the loop is secured and the corner correct.  

🪡 Step 4: Add the drawstring