How to Make a Small Backpack: Tutorial & Free PDF Pattern

*Updated August 2025 

Small backpacks are having their moment, and rightfully so. Looking for one that’s unique and suits your personality? Use this free mini backpack sewing pattern and the following small backpack tutorial to create your own. With Spoonflower’s Design Library, find fabric designs that showcase your personal style. Spoonflower is here to help you bring your creativity to life! 

You’ll need a couple of yards of fabric (it should be durable to ensure your backpack is sturdy and can carry heavier items) and an intermediate level of sewing experience.  

Stitching a mini backpack for your mini-me? This small backpack tutorial and the above pattern doubles as a kids backpack sewing pattern. Be sure to stick around through the end for a bonus DIY you can slip in the inside pocket: surprise love notes! 

Print, tape together and cut out the free PDF pattern – you should have seven pieces total to work with (A-G). Transfer these to your outer fabric, lining and preferred interfacing and cut according to the instructions labeled on each piece. Fuse the interfacing to the fabric pieces that require it. 

If you’re making a mini backpack for a child, pay attention to the strap (G) measurement. Cut at the “child size” mark instead of using the whole length for adults. 

The two backpacks here are unique in their own way. Animal Cookies by spookishdelight has a playful pastel palette great for any child or child at heart. These Don’t Bug Me by selmacardoso is great for the bug lovers in your life. We used these designs for the outer fabric layer and paired them with lilac and wine Petal Solids for the lining (Petal Solids is no longer available at Spoonflower, but Petal Signature Cotton® is a great alternative!). 

This finished backpack measures about 11″ (height) x 9″ (width across) x 4″ (depth). 

Full layout of the Mini Backpack pattern

Take a strap piece (G) and fold one of the shorter edges in by 1/4” (1/2 cm) to form a small hem. Then iron in place and repeat on the other short side. Grab one longer edge of the fabric and fold it in once towards the middle and iron. Repeat on the other side to where the two long edges meet in the center. Fold the fabric in half with the raw edges tucked inside, iron, then clip or pin together all the way down the whole strap. 

Repeat all of the above for the other strap. 

Sew a straight stitch down each side of both straps about 1/4” (1/2 cm) from the edges. Then set these aside for a quick moment. 

Just like we did in step 1 for the straps, take your D-ring tab pieces (E) and fold the long edges in to meet the middle, then iron. Fold this in half and iron one more time. 

Now feed these pieces into each of your 1” (2.5 cm) D-rings. Once in, fold the fabric tab over the flat edge of the ring to where the raw edges meet and clip to hold. 

Get your straps and tabs ready. Take one of the main body pieces (A) and lay it flat right side up (design side up). Along the bottom edge, measure 2” from the sides and clip a D-Ring tab to that mark. As can be seen, the curve of the “D” should be facing upwards, and all the raw edges of both the tab and main pieces should be aligned. 

Repeat the above process, but this time along the top edge of the same main piece. Instead of measuring out 2” from the side, measure 1” from the middle point towards the left and right. Place one strap on each mark and clip down. 

Sew down the straps and the tabs to the main body piece. For an extra hold, consider stitching over these parts multiple times. You can roll the straps up and clip them, so they stay put during the rest of the sewing process. 

Remember making the straps and tabs? Let’s repeat that process. Take the top handle piece (C) and iron the short edges in 1/4″ (1/2 cm). Fold the long edges towards the middle, fold in half and iron. After sewing down each edge, bring this finished handle piece to your top gusset piece. 

Lay the top gusset piece (D) flat right side up. Find the center of the top gusset using the clipping method in the highlighted tip in the previous step. Then take both ends of the handle piece and push them inwards so the whole thing curves upwards like a handle. You can choose how much to push depending on preference, but mine was pushed about 1” (2.5 cm) from each side. Pin each side down, still keeping that curved shape, and sew in place only on the ends connecting the gusset and handle together. 

To ensure your zipper is the perfect length for this next step, you can sew a new stopping point by adding a layer of stitches at the beginning or end. I had a 24” (61 cm) zipper laying around, so I cut 6″ (15 cm) off the end and stitched the top closed. 

With the top gusset piece facing right side up, place your zipper on top of the gusset zipper-side-down with the bottom edges aligned and clip in place. Then take your top gusset (D) lining piece and place it on top of that, lining up the bottom raw edges, and move the clips to where they hold all the layers together with the zipper sandwiched in the middle. 

Sew along where you clipped 1/4″ (1/2 cm) from the edge, being aware of your zipper, then flip inside out and press flat. Finish this seam by topstitching 1/4” (1/2 cm) from the zipper’s edge. 

Now take your bottom gusset piece (F) and place it right sides together on top of the finished top gusset piece. Match together the shorter ends and clip in place. The bottom gusset should be a lot bigger than the top gusset, so you’ll have some space between. 

Flip this piece over where the inside of the top gusset is facing up and the bottom gusset you just attached is on the very bottom. Take the bottom gusset lining piece and place it on top, with short edges lined up, and clip in place. You can lift the clips that are already holding the bottom gusset outer piece up and slide the edges of the lining underneath. 

Now you should have your lining, top gusset and bottom gusset sandwiched together in that order. Notice the layering of the gussets and the lining in the third photo under this step. Sew these short edges so it results in one piece. 

Next, flip this piece inside out until the lining is on the inside and the outer fabric is on the outside. This will be the side of your backpack. 

To secure the sides, topstitch along the seam where the top and bottom gussets meet on both ends. 

Grab the lining pocket piece (B) and fold in half shortways. Clip the sides shut and sew around the edges (minus the top) with a 1/4” (1/2 cm) seam allowance, then flip it inside out. Iron the edges, then fold the top edge inside itself about 1/2” (1 cm). Iron this straight, clip in place and sew shut with a 1/4″ (1/2 cm) seam allowance until you have a clean fabric rectangle. 

Place the finished pocket piece on top of one of the main body (A) lining pieces. Center it where you would like and pin in place. Sew around the edges (minus the top), and now you have a pocket. 

Now it’s time to sew the main body pieces (A) to the finished gusset piece: 

You might notice the bottom edges where you pulled the bag through are still raw. Take a hand sewing needle, tuck the raw edges in and close everything up with the stitch of your choice. 

For the last step of this small backpack tutorial, everything should be structured together (minus the two straps dangling from the top). Take your two strap adjusters and feed one strap through each one, using the photo below for reference: 

You’re done! You’ve accomplished this small backpack tutorial and deserve a round of applause. More than just a new place to store essentials on the go, you’ve created a one-of-a-kind make with Spoonflower’s Design Library. Whether you’re keeping your creation or gifting it to a friend and found the perfect design that speaks to their style, be proud of the fact that it’s handmade and heart-made. 

Thanks to former Spoonflower team member Anna for showing us how to DIY this mini backpack!

Share your creation with your world and ours by tagging #Spoonflower on your social media channels.  

Love this small backpack tutorial? Get started with quality fabrics from Spoonflower.