Thursday, May 3, 2012

20 Minute Toddler Backpack



When this project came to me it was one of those 'duh! why hadn't I thought of this before!' moments.  My preschooler needed an extra set of sheets. I bought a really cute set at Target (one of my favorite stores!).  It matches all the colors in his quilt that I bought there a couple years ago!  
This 20 Minute Toddler Backpack starts with the bag that the sheet set comes in.  I've always hated throwing these out! 
You will also need (2) 16" pieces of nylon webbing for the straps and a 6" piece for the loop at the top, and a 9" piece of 1/4" elastic.

Take the bag and using a disappearing ink pen mark a line across the bottom (between the 2 corners- there isn't a seam otherwise I'd use that) and then mark one inch in from the outer corner.  This is where we'll place the straps


Then, again, mark a line across the top where the flap starts.  Make a mark in the center then 2 marks, each a half inch out from the center.  These will be where the tops of the straps end up.  Next, cut Nylon Webbing {2 pieces 16" long and 1 piece 6" long). Use a lighter or match to melt the ends of the webbing so they don't fray.  Hold the flame close but do not touch the end of the webbing or it will burn. 
Pin the shorter piece under the longer straps making sure to line them up with the marks you made.  They will end up being 1" apart.  


Then pin the bottom of the straps inline with the marks at the bottom.  


I used a heavy duty needle (after my 'universal' needle was bent trying to get through the layers of webbing)  if you go slow you may be able to avoid buying the extra needles- I happen to have them already.  The second picture shows how I stitched the straps on- doing the box with an X through it.  Make sure to cut the tag off the side!

Last, grab your piece of elastic and thread it through the casing already made.  Then secure each end in place with plenty of stitches- I went back and forth a few times.
Voila!  In 20 minutes (maybe less) you will have the cutest little backpack ready to go.  
Load it up with 'treasures' :


and stick it on a little one's back!  



This backpack, when done for a girl, would be perfect for a dance outfit or tapshoes but in my house backpacks are referred to as 'rescue packs' yeah, we're into Diego right now!  
Enjoy- and look you still have plenty of time left if your kids are napping to make a cup of something and relax!  

It would make my day if you left a comment :)

post signature

22 comments:

  1. great idea! I bought the same sheet for my son and kept the bag for a rainy day. thanks for the inspiration to use it!!

    ReplyDelete
  2. This is a fantastic idea! I hate throwing those bags out, too. So clever!

    ReplyDelete
  3. super cute idea! too bad i don't have any of those lying around.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I had one that I too hung onto not sure what to do with it. What a super cute idea.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Those are the same set of sheets that I want for my little boy! I like what you did with the sheet bag. I hate throwing them out, too.

    ReplyDelete
  6. So smart! Great idea. Too bad I don't need sheets...

    ReplyDelete
  7. You have some genuine written work ability. Much obliged to you.
    backpack diaper bags

    ReplyDelete
  8. I really like your writing style. great information. thankyou for posting.
    My toddler

    ReplyDelete
  9. Good post but I was wondering if you could write a litte more on this subject? I’d be very thankful if you could elaborate a little bit further. Appreciate it!
    My Preschooler

    ReplyDelete
  10. bisforboycreations.blogspot.com is a great blog site. I do always follow your post. I was bought a backpack from suggesting and read a kids backpack review website. Please check & suggest me can I follow that?

    ReplyDelete
  11. Fantastic idea! Timeless!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Hi,
    I just wanted to say thank you for your post. I came across it while searching for a design for my own blog. Here is a link:
    https://annadawes11.wixsite.com/faithcomes/post/prodigal-mom
    Have a great day!

    ReplyDelete

bisforboy@yahoo.com

LinkWithin

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...