28 Modern Backpack Sewing Patterns (+ 12 Free PDFs!)

Here are the best sewing patterns I’ve found for backpacks! I’ve covered different styles, sizes, and formats (printed and PDF). I’ve also rated them based on how beginner-friendly they are.

Free patterns
PDF patterns
Paper patterns
Small / mini bags
Large bags
Drawstring bags
Sling backpacks
Diaper backpacks
Roll-top backpacks
Tote bag backpacks

Heads up: This post includes affiliate links like Amazon ones, so I earn from qualifying purchases (at no cost to you). Thanks for using them 🙂

Free backpack sewing patterns:

Unicorn backpack for kids

A child showcasing the front and side view of a pink unicorn backpack with 3D horn and ear details.

Download now from Sew Much Ado – FREE

Sizes: Small backpack suitable for a child.
Design: Rectangle shape. Zipper closure to the top of the bag. 3D unicorn ear and horn details. Unicorn face décor on the back of the bag. Straps made from the main fabric.
Fabric needed: Medium to heavy weight woven fabric such as quilting cotton or home furnishing fabric. The heavier weight the fabric, the sturdier the bag will be.
Format: PDF digital download.
Instructions included: Yes, instructions are included in the blog post here.
Suitable for beginners? The pattern advises it’s “intermediate level”. I don’t think this pattern would suit a complete beginner; making 3d shapes and inserting zippers may be tricky.

Small backpack with front, back & inner pockets (with video tutorial)

A model showcasing a white backpack with golden yellow patterns, also with two actual photos of the bag

Download now from So Sew Easy – FREE

Sizes: Small.
Design: Rectangle shape. Zipper closure at the top. Front pocket with zipper closure. Hidden back pocket with zipper. 2 inside pockets; 1 has a zipper closure. Fabric straps with D rings.
Fabric needed: Heavy weight woven fabric. For example, canvas, oilcloth, thick nylon fabric.
Format: PDF digital download.
Instructions included: Yes, instructions are included in the blog post here. There’s also an additional YouTube tutorial here.
Suitable for beginners? No. The pattern says this is an advanced project. There are many advanced techniques such as inserting multiple zippers, making 3d pockets, and lining the bag.

Laptop backpack with carry handle (+ video tutorial)

A grey colored laptop backpack with pink straps, zipper, and carry handle, in front and back view.

Download now from Magazine Snaply. Read the sewing instructions here – FREE

Note: the written instructions are in German, so you’ll need to translate them to English in your web browser (Google Chrome has this ability).

Sizes: 17” x 12.5” x 4.3” / 44 x 32 x 11 cm.
Design: Rectangle shaped rucksack. Padded inner compartment made for a laptop or A4 notebook. Inner pocket with zip closure. Large, concealed zip compartment in the back. Adjustable straps. Carry handle.
Fabric needed: Heavy weight woven fabric. The pattern suggests oilskin, but alternatives could be canvas, cotton canvas, cotton twill, or denim.
Format: PDF digital download for A4 paper.
Instructions included: Yes, instructions are included in the blog post here. You’ll need to translate the page from German to English in your web browser. There’s also a video tutorial on Youtube (in German).
Suitable for beginners? No. This pattern is quite involved with a lot of zipper closures to navigate and bag-making techniques. The instructions are also in German, and while your internet browser can automatically translate them into English, the translation isn’t perfect. For these reasons, I think it would best suit an intermediate sewist.

“Talvi Backpack” with large front pocket (+ video tutorial)

A color block rectangular backpack. View A, in front view, showcasing its optional shoulder strap and View B, showcasing its back detail with its small carry handle.

Download now from Magazine Snaply. Read the sewing instructions – FREE

Note: the written instructions are in German, so you’ll need to translate them to English in your web browser (Google Chrome has this ability).

Sizes: Finished measurements are not provided, but it looks like a small to medium sized backpack.
Design: Rectangle shaped rucksack. Zipper closure at the top. Large front pocket with snap closure. Small carry handle, adjustable backpack straps, and optional shoulder strap. Option for color blocking.
Fabric needed: Heavy weight woven fabric. For example, oilskin, faux leather, cotton canvas, cotton drill, or denim.
Format: PDF digital download for A4 paper.
Instructions included: Yes. Instructions are included in the blog post here. You’ll need to translate the page from German to English in your web browser. There’s also a video tutorial on Youtube (in German).
Suitable for beginners? This pattern has been rated two stars for difficulty. I think this could suit an adventurous or advanced beginner who has some experience sewing zippers. It would be a good introduction to backpack making.

“Isah Laptop Backpack” with top flap (+ video tutorial)

A rectangular backpack featuring a tall color-block design and a flap closure. View A displays the closed front of the bag, while View B showcases the open version, revealing its interior and highlighting the drawstring detail.

Download now from Magazine Snaply. Read the sewing instructions – FREE

Note: the written instructions are in German, so you’ll need to translate them to English in your web browser (Google Chrome has this ability).

Sizes: Finished measurements are not provided, but it looks like a medium to large size backpack. The height is about foot-to-knee length.
Design: Tall rectangle shape with flap closure. Drawstring closure for the main compartment. Laptop compartment. 2 straps and metal clasp closures at the front. Well padded. Wide shoulder straps.
Fabric needed: Heavy weight woven fabric. For example, oilskin, faux leather, cotton canvas, cotton drill, or denim.
Format: PDF digital download to print at home.
Instructions included: Yes, instructions are included in the blog post here. You’ll need to translate the page from German to English in your web browser. There’s also a video tutorial on Youtube (in German).
Suitable for beginners? I think this could be a good pattern for an adventurous beginner. The closures include drawstrings and clasps, so no tricky zippers to insert. I think this could be a good introduction to more technical bag-making if you already have a few easier projects under your belt.

Backpack with Fold-Over Top – “Walkabout Day Pack”

A rectangular backpack with a fold-over dark blue top, adorned with charming dog patterns and accented by rainbow-colored zippers.

Sizes: 22” x 14” x 3” / 56 x 35.5 x 7.6 cm.
Design: Rectangle shaped rucksack. Fold-over top design that can be unfolded for more space. Zipper closure at the top. Front pocket with zipper closure. Strap in the middle with ring closure. Backpack straps and small carry handle.
Fabric needed: Heavy weight woven fabric. For example, cotton duck or twill.
Format: PDF digital download to print at home.
Instructions included: Yes, there’s a series of video tutorials on Youtube. No written instructions are provided though.
Suitable for beginners? No. I think this pattern would suit an intermediate to advanced sewist since there are some advanced techniques in here like inserting zippers and rings and working with heavy weight fabric. There are also no written instructions to quickly refer to.

Drawstring backpack with 4 options

A green drawstring backpack featuring a mermaid and fish scales design, complemented by pink straps and a carry handle.

Read now from Applegreen Cottage – FREE

Sizes: Can be made in either child or adult sizes. Small size: 15” x 15” / 25 x 38 cm. Large size: 13” x 17” / 33 x 43 cm.
Design: Rectangle-shaped drawstring rucksack. There are multiple variations. Flat or 3d version that stands on its own with a flat bottom. Optional front zipper pocket. Optional inside pocket. Small carry handle at the top.
Fabric needed: Medium weight woven fabric. For example, cotton, linen, or twill. Fusible fleece is used to stabilize the fabric.
Format: There are no printable pattern pieces. Cutting measurements and instructions are provided in a free blog post. You can get a printable PDF version of this for a few dollars.
Instructions included: Yes. Instructions are included in the blog post.
Suitable for beginners? Yes. A beginner could start with the basic drawstring option and work up to the zipper version when they feel more confident.

Simple drawstring backpack (+ video tutorial)

A white drawstring backpack with leaves pattern.

Download now from Spoonflower. Read the sewing instructions – FREE

Sizes: Finished measurements aren’t given, but it looks like a small to medium sized bag.
Design: Flat, rectangle shaped drawstring rucksack. Drawstring casing. Cord straps to wear on your shoulders.
Fabric needed: Light to medium weight woven fabrics. The pattern suggests a lightweight cotton twill.
Format: PDF digital download to print at home.
Instructions included: Yes, instructions are included in the blog post here. There’s also a video tutorial here.
Suitable for beginners? Yes, I think this would be a great pattern for a beginner. The design is very simple, only straight seams are needed, and the instructions and video tutorial are clear.

Mini backpack with curved top

Two rectangle-shaped backpacks with slightly opened tops and curved edges. One features a pink and purple design, while the other is white with bug prints.

Download now from Spoonflower. Read the sewing instructions – FREE

Sizes: Finished measurements are not given, but it’s a small bag on adults. A child could also wear it, but it doesn’t look small on them.
Design: Rectangle shaped backpack with a curved top. Zipper closure at the top. Small carry handle at the top. Adjustable shoulder straps with D rings.
Fabric needed: Medium to heavy weight fabrics. For example, denim, cotton twill, or canvas. Fusible fleece is needed for structure. Medium weight fabrics like quilting cotton are recommended for the lining.
Format: PDF digital download to print at home.
Instructions included: Yes, instructions are included in the blog post here. There are also some moving pictures (gif’s) within the instructions to make the process clearer.
Suitable for beginners? No. I think this pattern would better suit an intermediate sewist. Inserting a zipper along a curve and sewing multiple layers of thick fabric could prove tricky for a complete beginner.

Large backpack with buckle and front pocket

A large rectangle-shaped backpack in navy green, presented in both front and back views. It includes a spacious front pocket without any closure.

Download now from Sustain My Craft Habit. Read the sewing instructions – FREE

Sizes: 20” x 12” x 8” / 51 x 30 x 20 cm.
Design: Rectangle shaped backpack. Flat bottom. Large front pocket with no closure. Plastic buckle and strap closure on the front. Wide self-fabric straps. Zip closure at the top. Hanging loop to hang the bag on hooks when not in use.
Fabric needed: Medium to heavy weight fabrics. For example, canvas, denim, or twill.
Format: PDF digital download for US letter paper.
Instructions included: Yes, instructions with photos are included in the blog post here.
Suitable for beginners? No. I think this pattern would better suit an intermediate sewist. There are a few techniques in here that could be difficult for a complete beginner; working with heavy weight fabrics, and inserting zips and plastic buckles.

Sling Backpack with buckle fastening

A model showcasing a small sling backpack made from mix-and-match fabrics. The backpack includes an outer pocket with a buckle closure, and highlights the full front details of the bag.

Download now from Life Sew Savoury. Read the sewing instructions – FREE

Sizes: 17” x 9” / 43 x 23 cm.
Design: Small sling style backpack. 3 pockets: 1 inner pocket, 1 main compartment with a zipper closure, and 1 outer pocket with a buckle closure. Piping decoration detail. Options to color-block and mix-and-match fabric for different parts of the bag.
Fabric needed: Medium to heavy weight fabrics. For example, PVC, faux leather, denim.
Format: PDF digital download to print at home.
Instructions included: Yes, instructions with photos are included in the blog post here.
Suitable for beginners? No. I think this pattern would suit an intermediate to advanced sewist. This bag has lots of different parts to it, multiple closure types, and details like piping. The fabrics suggested can be difficult to work with too.

PDF Sewing Patterns:

These are paid PDF patterns that you can print at home.

Small backpack with many pockets and a front flap (+ video tutorial)

Two vibrant rectangle-shaped backpacks with rounded corners. In View A, the front details are highlighted, including a front pocket with a flap. In View B, the focus is on the back details, showcasing the straps and a back zipper pocket.

Download now from Craftsy (video course included) – Price: a Craftsy subscription is needed ($8.99/month)

Sizes: 12” x 10” x 4” / 30 x 25 x 10 cm. It looks like a small backpack on adults.
Design: Oblong-shaped backpack (rectangle with rounded corners). Zipper closure at the top. Front pocket with magnetic flap. Pocket at the back with a zipper closure. 3 inside pockets, including a mesh pocket with a zipper. Carry handle. Adjustable straps.
Fabric needed: Medium to heavy weight fabrics. For example, cotton twill, cotton canvas, PVC, faux leather, denim.
Instructions included: Yes, instructions are included in the PDF download, and there’s an in-depth video class.
Suitable for beginners? No, I don’t think this pattern would suit a complete beginner due to the many zippered compartments, lining, bias bound seams, and the need for a walking foot.

Shaped backpack with many pockets (+ video tutorial) – “McFly”

A rectangular backpack with rounded corners featuring a geometric pattern and vibrant red accents for pockets and straps. View A provides a front view, while View B presents the back of the backpack.

Buy now from Etsy

Sizes: Regular – 12” x 14” x 6” / 31 x 36 x 15 cm (laptop/A4 file size). Mini – 10” x 12” x 5” / 25 x 31 x 13 cm (everyday items bag).
Design: Oblong shape (rectangle with round corners) backpack. The front is shaped using darts. Zipper at the top. Front zipper pocket. 2 side pockets. Adjustable straps. Small carry handle. Oval base.
Fabric needed: Medium to heavy weight fabrics. For example, cotton canvas, faux leather, or cork. The designer recommends a waterproof fabric for the lining.
Format: PDF digital download to print at home.
Instructions included: Yes. Printable instructions and 7 YouTube video tutorials are provided.
Suitable for beginners? No. The designer recommends it to intermediate sewists. I think this is fair since there are many pockets and zipper fastenings to sew. Thick fabrics can also be difficult to handle.

Paper sewing patterns:

These are physical patterns that are already printed and get shipped to you.

Bundle of 5 bags – Simplicity S1388

Buy now from Simplicity – $12.57

Sizes: 14” x 11” x 4” / 35.5 x 28 x 10 cm. Sizes vary slightly depending on which bag you choose to sew.
Design: 2 backpacks with 2 variations, and 1 messenger cross-body bag. 1 backpack is a small oblong-shape with a zipper at the top and a front zipper pocket. It has an optional elastic casing for extra storage. The other backpack style is a large rucksack with a drawstring closure and flap ontop, a front buckle, and 3 front pockets.
Fabric needed: Medium to heavy weight fabrics. For example, cotton canvas, faux leather, cotton twill, or denim.
Format: Paper pattern.
Instructions included: Yes, instructions are provided within the paper pattern.
Suitable for beginners? No, I think this pattern would prove difficult to a complete beginner. All the zippers, buckles, and external pockets could be overwhelming as a first project.

Small / Mini Backpacks:

Here are paid patterns for mini bags. There are also some mini bags in the “free patterns” section above.

Mini backpack with curved top and 3d front pocket (+ video tutorial)

A small, oblong-shaped backpack in white adorned with adorable patterns, presented in both front and back views.

Buy now from Etsy

Sizes: 10.2” x 8.6” x 4” / 26 x 22 x 10 cm.
Design: Small, oblong shaped rucksack (rectangle with curved edges). Top zipper closure. Front zipper pocket. Inside phone pocket. Straps can be changed for use as a shoulder bag. D rings at the side to hold additional items.
Fabric needed: Medium to heavy weight fabrics. For example, cotton canvas, faux leather, oilcloth, pvc, cotton twill, or denim.
Format: PDF digital download to print at home.
Instructions included? Yes. Instructions are provided within the PDF download and the designer also has a video tutorial on her YouTube channel.
Suitable for beginners? No. The designer recommends it for “advanced” sewists. I think “intermediate to advanced level” would be more appropriate. Sewing thick fabrics, zips along curved seams, and 3d pockets could be overwhelming for a complete beginner.

Mini backpack with front curved zipper – “Mona”

A boxy-designed rucksack with a pattern and brown straps, presented in both front and back views.

Buy now from Etsy

Sizes: 9” x 10” x 4” / 23 x 25 x 10 cm.
Design: Uniquely shaped rucksack with a boxy design. Curved front zipper opening. Inside zipper pocket. Leather tie detail. Inside phone pocket. Straps with D rings. Small carry handle.
Fabric needed: Medium to heavy weight fabrics. For example, cotton canvas, faux leather, suede, oilcloth, pvc, cotton twill, or denim.
Format: PDF digital download to print at home (A4 and US letter sizes)
Instructions included: Yes. Instructions are provided within the PDF download with lots of photographs included.
Suitable for beginners? No. I think this pattern would better suit an intermediate to advanced sewist. There’s some tricky sewing involved such as inserting pockets into the lining, zipper closures along curved seams, and making the leather and D ring straps.

Mini backpack with curved zippers – “Kalani”

On mannequins, there are two oval-ish shaped rucksacks. Bag A is a plain cream color, while Bag B features a red pattern.

Buy now from Etsy

Sizes: 12” x 13” x 3” / 30.5 x 33 x 7.5 cm.
Design: Oval-ish shaped rucksack. Long top zipper opening. Front pocket with curved zipper closure. Adjustable buckle straps. Small carry handle.
Fabric needed: Medium to heavy weight fabrics. For example, cotton canvas, faux leather, suede, oilcloth, pvc, cotton twill, or denim.
Format: PDF digital download to print at home (A4 and US letter sizes).
Instructions included: Yes. Instructions are provided within the PDF download. There are also YouTube video tutorials from a customer.
Suitable for beginners? No. I think this pattern would better suit an intermediate sewist due to the difficulty of inserting curved zippers and working with heavy fabrics such as leather or suede. Using cotton canvas could make the process easier.

Large backpack:

If you want to make a big bag, here are patterns for that. There are also a few above in the “free patterns” section.

Large backpack with many pockets – “Demi”

Presented in both front and back views, a large rectangular backpack with rounded corners in a brown color scheme. The design includes dark brown contrasts on the straps.

Buy now from Etsy

Sizes: 13” x 18” x 5 1/4 ” / 33 x 36 x 13 cm.
Design: Large oblong-shaped rucksack (rectangle with rounded corners). Spacious interior. Top zipper closure along a curved seam. Multiple inner and outer pockets: 2 front zipper pockets, 2 side pockets, 3 inner pockets. Wide adjustable straps with webbing to reinforce them. Small carry handle. Zipper pull tabs.
Fabric needed: Medium to heavy weight fabrics. For example, cotton canvas, cotton twill, or denim.
Format: PDF digital download to print at home (A4 and US letter sizes).
Instructions included: Yes. Instructions are provided within the PDF download.
Suitable for beginners? No, I think this pattern would better suit an advanced sewist. It could be challenging to insert curved zippers, lots of pockets, and make a large bag that’s strong and structured enough to carry a lot.

Drawstring backpack:

These bags have a drawstring closure at the top, covered by a top flap. There are also further options in the “free patterns” section above.

Drawstring backpack with top flap – “London”

A drawstring backpack in a dark blue hue with swan prints and a flap closure. The design also showcases the sewing pattern drawing lines.

Buy now from Etsy

Sizes: 12.5” x 13” x 5 1/4 ” / 32 x 33 x 13 cm. It’s a medium sized bag for adults and older kids.
Design: Drawstring backpack with flap closure. Magnetic fastening. Back pocket with hidden zipper closure. Small inner pocket. Lining. Adjustable straps. Small carry handle.
Fabric needed: Medium to heavy weight fabrics. For example, cotton canvas, cotton twill, faux leather, or denim.
Format: PDF digital download to print at home (A4 and US letter sizes), and copy shop files (A0 and 36″ wide).
Instructions included: Yes. Instructions are provided within the PDF download with step-by-step illustrations.
Suitable for beginners? The designer describes the skill level as “advanced beginner / intermediate”. I think an advanced beginner could have a go at this pattern, but it would be helpful to have some experience sewing curves, zips, and multiple layers of fabric.

Sling backpacks:

These are small bags that are worn across the body on 1 shoulder. Great for day trips. There’s also 1 sling bag in the “free patterns” section above.

Rectangle Cross-Body Sling Backpack – “Kenzie”

On mannequins, there are two rectangular-shaped sling bags with rounded corners. One features a green base with orange contrasts, while the other is in orange with a text design.

Buy now from Etsy

Sizes: 7” x 10 1/2” x 1 1/2 ” / 18 x 26 x 3 cm.
Design: Oblong-shaped, sling style bag. Cross body straps. Large zipper opening along a curved seam. Front pocket with zipper closure. Small side pocket. Adjustable D ring straps.
Fabric needed: Medium to heavy weight fabrics. For example, cotton canvas, cotton twill, faux leather, or denim.
Format: PDF digital download to print at home (A4 and US letter sizes).
Instructions included: Yes. Instructions with pictures are provided within the PDF download.
Suitable for beginners? I think an intermediate sewist would better suit this pattern since zips can be difficult to sew along curved seams, and the 3d front pocket sticks out.

Sling backpack with 2 front pocket options – “Sandhill”

A model is wearing a dark blue oblong crossbody sling bag with a patch pocket secured by a metal snap. The presentation also features the same bag in orange, demonstrating the option with a front zipper pocket.

Buy now from Noodle Head – $9

Sizes: 11” x 7” x 3” / 28 x 18 x 7.5 cm.
Design: Oblong-shaped, cross-body sling backpack. 2 front pocket options: zipper or patch pocket with metal snap. Adjustable strap. Lined. Interior pocket with elastic.
Fabric needed: Medium to heavy weight fabrics. For example, cotton canvas (8-10 oz. weight), cotton twill, cotton drill, faux leather, or denim. Quilting cotton or lightweight canvas for lining.
Format: PDF digital download to print at home, or a paper version that gets shipped to you.
Instructions included: Yes. Illustrated instructions are provided within the PDF download, and there are video tutorials on Youtube.
Suitable for beginners? I think an advanced beginner could have a go at this one, preferably if they already have some knowledge about sewing zips. The patch pocket option may also be easier to make than the zipper pocket. This is also a small bag, so it’s less daunting than making a big bag, and the excellent video tutorials on Youtube will really help.

Diaper backpacks:

These are bags with lots of storage space for baby gear.

Spacious backpack with metal frame – “Chickadee”

A large rectangle-shaped backpack, rich in colors, presented in both front and back views. The bag features a front zipper closure, two side pockets, and is equipped with both straps and carry handles.

Buy now from Etsy, or from the designer’s website – $9 to $15

Sizes: 15” x 12” x 5” / 38 x 30 x 7.5 x 13 cm.
Design: Large, rectangle-shaped backpack. Zipper closure at the top. Wide opening with hidden metal frames. Front pocket with curved zip closure, with 3 pockets inside. 2 inside zipper pockets in the main compartment. 2 side pockets for bottles. Wide adjustable straps. Carry handles.
Fabric needed: Medium to heavy weight fabrics. For example, cotton canvas, cotton twill, cotton drill, faux leather, or denim. Wipeable fabric would be good to use if the bag will be a diaper bag.
Format: PDF digital download to print at home, A0 copy shop files, projector files, and SVG files for cutting machines.
Instructions included? Yes. Instructions with pictures are provided within the PDF download, and there’s also an instructional video available for an extra fee.
Suitable for beginners? No, I think this pattern would better suit an advanced sewist. There are many pockets and zippers to sew, and installing the metal frame could be tricky.

Rectangle diaper backpack – Simplicity S1177

A model is showcasing a large rectangle-shaped backpack adorned with dark patterns, designed specifically for carrying baby accessories. The backpack is spacious and suitable for storing a variety of baby-related items. Also features the sewing pattern line drawing.

Buy now from Simplicity – $13.27

Sizes: Finished measurements of the bag are not given, but it looks like a large bag on adults.
Design: Large, rectangle-shaped backpack. Wide opening. Deep bag which can include all of your baby accessories. Velcro and zipper closures. Elasticated side pockets. Other baby accessory patterns are available within the same pattern.
Fabric needed: Medium to heavy weight fabrics. For example, cotton canvas, cotton twill, oilcloth, pvc, cotton drill, faux leather, or denim. Wipeable fabric would be good for a diaper bag.
Format: Printed pattern.
Instructions included? Yes. Instructions are provided within the printed pattern.
Suitable for beginners? I think an adventurous or advanced beginner could definitely give this pattern a go. There are only 2 zippers to sew along straight seams, and a simple velcro closure. And most of the seams are straight which is easier to sew.

Roll top backpacks:

These are bags where the top can be rolled up or down depending on how much storage space you need.

Roll-top backpack with front pocket – “Desmond”

A roll-top backpack in grey with dark blue contrast on the straps, featuring a front pocket. Both front and back views are presented to showcase the details of the design.

Buy now from Taylor Tailor – $10

Sizes: 16.5” x 11.5” x 5” / 42 x 29 x 13 cm.
Design: Roll top closure with 2 clip straps ontop. Front zipper pocket. 2 slip side pockets. Open-top pockets on the inside. Fully lined. Small carry handle. This is an unstructured bag (no frame or padding), so it doesn’t suit heavy loads.
Fabric needed: Medium to heavy weight fabrics. For example, cotton canvas, cotton twill, cotton drill, faux leather, or denim.
Format: PDF digital download to print at home (A4 and US letter sizes).
Instructions included: Yes. Instructions are provided within the PDF download.
Suitable for beginners? I think an adventurous or advanced beginner could give this pattern a go. The design of the bag is fairly simple and there aren’t too many zippers to insert. Using a stable cotton twill fabric that’s not too heavy would make the process easier.

Tote bag backpacks:

These backpacks double as tote bags with carry handles.

Simple Backpack and Tote with zip closure – “Buckthorne”

A rectangle-shaped backpack in a dark orange hue with cream-colored straps, a front pocket, carry handle, and optional backpack straps. Front and back views are provided to highlight the details of the design.

Buy now from Noodle Head – $10

Sizes: 14” x 13” x 5.5” / 35.5 x 33 x 14 cm. It looks like a medium-large bag on adults.
Design: Rectangle-shaped backpack. Carry handle to use this as a tote bag. Optional backpack straps (they’re adjustable). Front pocket for smaller items. Interior pocket. Zip closure at the top of the bag. Flat base.
Fabric needed: Medium to heavy weight fabrics. For example, cotton canvas, cotton twill, cotton drill, faux leather, or denim. Quilting cotton for the lining.
Format: PDF digital download to print at home, or a printed pattern that gets shipped to you.
Instructions included: Yes. Instructions are provided within the PDF download or as an instruction booklet with the printed version. The instructions are illustrated.
Suitable for beginners? Yes. I think an adventurous or advanced beginner wanting to try bag-making could give this pattern a go. The design of the bag is fairly straightforward with only one zipper. Cotton canvas or twill would be an easier fabric to work with.

Minimal Tote Style Backpack with zipper – Burda 6400

In the photo, Model A is showcasing a glossy orange carry tote, while Model B is presenting a navy green rectangle-shaped backpack with a carry handle. Additionally, sewing pattern line drawings of both bags are included in the image.

Buy now from Simplicity – $11.87

Sizes: 17 ¾ ” x 15 ¾ ” / 40 x 45 cm. It looks like a medium-large size on adults.
Design: Rectangle-shaped backpack with a minimal design. Carry handles. Adjustable shoulder straps with buckles. The straps can be concealed to use this as a carry tote. Back pocket with a snap closure. Zipper closure at the top. Trim detail at the top.
Fabric needed: Medium to heavy weight fabrics. For example, cotton canvas, cotton twill, cotton drill, faux leather, nylon, or denim.
Format: Printed pattern.
Instructions included: Yes. Instructions are provided within the printed pattern.
Suitable for beginners? Yes. I think an adventurous or advanced beginner wanting to try bag-making could give this a go. The design of the bag is fairly straightforward with only one zipper inserted. Use a stable fabric like cotton canvas or twill to make the sewing process easier.

What to read next:

Tote Bag Sewing Patterns
Makeup bag & zipper pouch patterns

This article was written by Sally Gauntlett and edited by Sara Maker. It was originally published on 24 May 2022 and it has since been updated.

Sally Gauntlett (author)
Sally started sewing as a child. In 2008, she started a handmade business selling personalized gifts and homeware. She then became a sewing content creator, sharing her makes on Youtube and Instagram. Read more…