Pattern

This kit is now archived, we have left it here for your reference and inspiration.

Kits

Making Backpack Kit

A classic and roomy backpack with customisable pockets and all the notions and hardware you need, this Sewing Society Kit features the lovely Noodlehead Making Backpack.

The Making Backpack from Noodlehead promises to be one of the most used items you'll make! A classic backpack with adjustable shoulder straps, useful top handles and plenty of room inside to fit everything you could need on a day out.

Store valuable items securely inside the bag in the interior zip pocket and use the front slip pocket for quick access items like gloves (or sunglasses in warmer weather!). You can alter the internal and external pocket configuration to your own needs.

The backpack is lined for a flawless finish both inside and out, and all internal seams are finished with coordinating binding. We've sourced all the hard-to-find hardware bits for you, along with perfectly matching YKK zips and cotton webbing.

This is a great base pattern for customising and in the top tips videos Lauren shows you how to make the backpack your own by adding: side pockets, a rear pocket, a strap reinforcer and handy additional internal pockets.

An incredibly satisfying sew, this is a backpack that you'll love for many years to come.

For this kit we've chosen three classic colours of this gorgeous Bedford cord fabric: navy, olive and tan.

This Bedford cord is a medium weight fabric that resembles corduroy. The weave has faint lengthwise ridges though less pronounced than on a classic corduroy. Unlike a corduroy, it also doesn't have a directional nap to it, making it easier to work with.

This fabric is both soft to touch and durable, and works brilliantly paired with our coordinating cotton webbings.

The instructions for the Making Backpack contain directions for making both the Regular and Mini sizes. However, the zips included in this kit are designed for the Regular size with the front slip pocket.

  • The PDF digital file for the Noodlehead Making Backpack pattern. The link to the PDF instruction booklet will be contained in your order confirmation email and is available to access when logged into the g&g website.
  • 0.6m Cotton Bedford Cord fabric for exterior (as described above)
  • 0.65m Navy 100% Cotton Poplin fabric for the lining
  • 0.2m Sevenberry Mottled Stripes fabric to make contrast binding
  • 0.9m Medium weight woven iron on interfacing
  • 1 reel of matching Gutermann sew all thread, shade 537 (navy), 399 (olive) or 288 (tan)*
  • 3.3m Coordinating cotton webbing
  • 55cm YKK zip with co-ordinating tape colour to the main fabric
  • 20cm YKK zip with co-ordinating tape colour to the main fabric
  • Prym Sewing Machine Needles
  • 2 Bronze rectangular rings
  • 2 Bronze sliders
  • Dots and cross pattern paper for making templates (if desired)
  • 'Me Made' Sew in woven label

A physical print out of the instruction booklet will NOT be included. You can view the instruction booklet on your device at home, print it out at home, or add the 'printed pattern instructions' product (see link below) to your order and we will print it for you.

*The instructions for the backpack require sections to be machine basted, which means the construction uses just over one reel of thread. As these basting stitches are not visible on the finished bag, we'd recommend using leftover thread from another project for this. If you'd like your basting stitches to be the same colour though, you can order additional thread using the links below.

Alongside the purchase of this kit you will receive access to Lauren's exclusive YouTube video to be used alongside the pattern instructions.

She shares her hints and tips getting a really lovely finish on your bag including: how to sew zips, how to handle bulky seams, customising your backpack with extra pockets and features, how to install the rings and sliders and how to add apply neat binding.

The video has over 46 minutes of footage, sectioned out with time stamps/chapters for easy reference and navigation.

The link to the video will be contained in your order confirmation email along with the pdf files, please file this safely for future reference. You can also access the video links and PDF files when logged into the website.

This pattern is aimed at advanced beginners.

The construction itself is fairly simple and there is, of course, no fitting to do. The main challenges of this make would be handling bulky seams and sewing the zips, which are covered in more detail in Lauren's top tips videos.

To complete this project successfully you'll need a regular sewing machine along with Lauren's essential recommended sewing tools.

A rotary cutter and mat can be helpful when cutting out the bag to get the pieces as accurate as possible, though they can also be cut with normal fabric shears. Fabric clips can also be used to hold thicker layers together when sewing.

If you would like a printed copy of the instructions sent out with your kit, in addition to the PDF copy that you will receive, please see the related products below and add it to your cart as a separate product.

Your kit will be wrapped in tissue and beautifully presented in recyclable packaging.

We will aim to dispatch all kits as soon as possible after orders are placed, and we aim to have all kits shipped out by Friday 23rd December at the very latest. Please note there may be Royal Mail strikes during this window, so allow extra time for it to arrive once you receive your dispatch email. Please click here for more information.

If you are ordering this kit alongside the Hovea Jacket Kit, please note that there has been an unforeseen supply delay with the Hovea kit. This means that Hovea Jacket Kits are likely to be dispatched towards the end of the shipping window. All items on an order will be shipped together.

So, if you would like your Making Backpack kit to arrive sooner then please place a separate order for this and we will be able to ship it before Royal Mails 'last post date' on Friday 16th December.

As Sewing Society kits are processed and shipped from a different location to the shop, we are unable to group together kit orders with past or subsequent orders or combine orders retrospectively. Please click here for the full g&g Sewing Society shipping terms.

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