#1388 Backpacks - interfacing and drawstring

One more blog about these backpacks. 

Today I'm going to show you what interfacings I put inside them and give you a different way to do the drawstring closure that is under the flap of the backpack above.

These backpacks can be made from heavy fabrics like denim and canvas OR even quilting cotton if you use a good fusible interfacing to give some body to thinner fabrics like that.

Follow the instructions that come with the brand of interfacing you are using.  The one I had told me first to go over it one time to stick it in place.

Then get a wet piece of fabric for a pressing cloth and slowly go over the entire piece until the fabric is dry.

And then ... very important ... let the piece sit, untouched, until cool.

The flap on the messenger bag was wider than the interfacing I was using, so I had to piece it.  I simply over lapped the two pieces a bit so there wouldn't be a weak spot.

Batting fleece is called for some pieces.  Look at the pattern, but I think all the pieces of the zip up backpack use this fleece, but on this bag that has the drawstring top only the back and bottom panel have it, maybe the flaps ... not sure.  I wanted the front and sides to be soft so it would collapse nicely when drawn up.

Here is the drawstring under the flap, opened and closed.  But, I made my personal test pack with a different kind of drawstring.

I think a drawstring through grommets like this closes tighter, but the folks at Simplicity didn't want to require people to go out and buy grommets and a grommet setter.  But, you could still do it this way if you want to.

This is what you need to know.  IF you do the drawstring through a casing as the pattern instructs DON'T put interfacing on the casing piece because it works better if it is soft.  But, if you plan to use grommets then that piece NEEDS interfacing to support the grommets.

And see the pretty lining I put in my backpack. I love pretty linings in things, whether coats or bags.  That makes a hand made item very special.

OH ... one more thing ... If you follow the instructions, these bags will be all machine sewn, except for an opening in the bottom of the lining.  The entire bag gets pulled thought that. (Kind of like giving birth!) ha ha

The seam allowance of the lining is then sewn to the seam allowance of the bag itself to prevent the lining from pulling out when using it. I just did this by hand.

This opening is then slip stitched or whip stitched closed. 


That's it on the backpacks ... I've got to start packing for Costume Con!!!  So much to do!