Drawstring Backpack Sewing Pattern — Unlined, Cord Shoulder Straps | BERTIE (PDF)
Sew a simple drawstring backpack — one of the quickest bags in the range
BERTIE is the classic pull-cord backpack: two panels, a drawstring channel across the top, and two cords threaded through from opposite sides so that pulling them closes the bag and forms the shoulder straps at the same time.
It's unlined, which is exactly what makes it so quick — half a metre of fabric and a length of cord is all it takes. A great first bag if you've never made one before.
What you'll learn
- Folding and topstitching a drawstring channel across the top of each panel
- Making the folded fabric tabs that the cords anchor into
- Setting the tabs into the bottom corners before the side seams go in
- Sewing around the bag without stitching across the channel
- Threading two cords from opposite sides so they draw the bag closed and become the straps
Finished size
Approximately 31cm wide x 42cm top to bottom
What you'll need
½m (50cm) of light or medium weight cotton for the bag and the tabs, plus 3m of cord — we use 5mm nylon cord, cut into two 1.5m lengths. Seam allowance is ¼" throughout. Optionally, zig-zag the inside raw edges for a tidier finish.
Skill level
Beginner. Full-colour step-by-step photographs, our trademark 'Easy to Follow Instructions', and full-size reusable A4 templates — no enlarging required. A free video tutorial is available on our YouTube channel.