Welcome! It seems you're ready for a new kind of creative project, and I'm happy to switch gears to help you with it. This pattern is for a super cute and practical mini backpack pouch, just like the one you've shared. This little accessory is perfect for holding coins, lip balm, or earbuds, and it makes a fantastic keychain or bag charm.
This project is great for a confident beginner who wants to practice sewing curves and installing a zipper, or for an intermediate sewer looking for a quick and fun make. I'll walk you through every step in detail, from cutting your fabric to adding the final touches.
Materials
Fabric: Two coordinated cotton or canvas fat quarters (or a piece of fabric at least 9" x 14" for the main body and 6" x 8" for the straps and loop).
Zipper: One 6-inch (or longer) plastic or nylon zipper.
Ribbon or webbing: A small strip of 3/8-inch or 1/2-inch wide ribbon or webbing for the straps and keychain loop (about 20 inches total).
Thread: All-purpose thread that matches your fabric.
Keychain ring: One 1-inch keychain ring.
Basic sewing supplies: Sewing machine, scissors, pins or clips, an iron, and a sewing needle for hand sewing.
Cutting List
Front Body Piece: Cut one piece of fabric measuring 5" wide x 7" tall.
Back Body Piece: Cut one piece of fabric measuring 5" wide x 7" tall.
Side/Bottom Gusset: Cut one piece of fabric measuring 1.5" wide x 14" long.
Strap Pieces: Cut two pieces of ribbon/webbing, each 7" long.
Keychain Loop: Cut one piece of ribbon/webbing 6" long.
Lining Pieces: Repeat the cutting list for all three pieces (front, back, and gusset) using your lining fabric.
Sewing Instructions
Note: Use a 1/4-inch seam allowance throughout the pattern unless otherwise noted.
Step 1: Prepare the Body Pieces
Take your main Front Body Piece (5" x 7"). Fold it in half horizontally to find the center line. Mark a vertical line 2.5 inches down from the top edge. This will be the center of your backpack's front pocket.
Take your Back Body Piece (5" x 7"). At the top center of the piece, fold the Keychain Loop ribbon in half to create a loop. Pin or clip the raw ends of the loop to the right side of the fabric. Stitch it in place with a backstitch for security.
Step 2: Assemble the Front Pocket (Optional)
Place the Front Body Piece right side up.
Take a strip of your ribbon/webbing (about 5" long) and fold it in half to create the bottom of the "pocket" on the front. Pin it in place along the vertical line you marked in the previous step.
Topstitch along both edges of the ribbon to secure it. This gives the look of a backpack pocket without it being functional.
Step 3: Attach the Straps and Zipper
Take your two Strap Pieces. Fold each in half to find the center, then fold the raw edges inward to meet the center line. This hides the raw edges. Topstitch along both sides of each strap.
Pin the finished straps to the top corners of your Back Body Piece, about 1 inch in from each side. Make sure the straps are facing inward. Baste them in place within the seam allowance.
Take your Zipper. Place it right side up on your work surface.
Place the Front Body Piece right side down on top of the zipper. The top edge of the fabric should be aligned with the zipper teeth. Pin it in place.
Place the Front Lining Piece on top, right side down, aligned with the other two pieces.
Using a zipper foot on your sewing machine, sew a straight line along the top edge, securing all three layers (lining, zipper, main fabric).
Fold the fabric pieces away from the zipper and press the seam flat. Topstitch along the seam for a professional finish.
Repeat this process for the back side. Attach the Back Body Piece and the Back Lining Piece to the other side of the zipper in the same way.
Step 4: Prepare the Gusset
Take your Side/Bottom Gusset Piece (1.5" x 14"). Pin the front and back gusset pieces right sides together and sew along the two long sides and one short side, leaving one short side open.
Use the gusset to measure your main body pieces. Pin the gusset to the bottom edge of the Front Body Piece, curving it up the sides. Snip small notches in the gusset fabric to help it curve around the corners smoothly. Repeat for the Back Body Piece.
Step 5: Sew Everything Together
With the zipper open halfway, place the Side/Bottom Gusset on top of the Back Body Piece, right sides together. The short edge of the gusset should align with the zipper stop. Pin the gusset to the body piece, working your way around the curve. This is the trickiest part, so use lots of pins!
Sew along the pinned curve. Go slowly and be careful to not catch any other fabric. Repeat this process to attach the other side of the gusset to the Front Body Piece.
Once the main fabric is fully attached, repeat the process with the lining pieces. Place the lining gusset on top of the lining body pieces, right sides together, and sew around the entire curve, leaving a 2-inch gap on one side of the gusset for turning.
Step 6: Turn and Finish
Reach into the gap you left in the lining, and carefully pull the entire backpack right-side out. Gently push out the corners and smooth the seams.
Hand-sew the opening in the lining closed with a ladder stitch for an invisible finish.
Give your finished pouch a final press with an iron.
Your mini backpack pouch is now complete! You can add embroidery, patches, or other decorative elements to make it truly your own.
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