DIY Backpack: 10 Creative and Original Ideas

A backpack can cost over a hundred euros, and they're not always truly comfortable or original. Why not try making it at home? Perhaps with a simple creative recycling of useful materials, which also reduces waste. Some old jeans, cotton T-shirts you no longer wear, and even a stuffed animal that might otherwise end up in the trash.

Index of topics

Jeans

Photo Credit | Facebook Overfashion

If you want to give life to one DIY jeans backpack For your children, the thing to keep in mind is the size of what's typically used by kids, so you can stick to a certain typology when designing. So...

The first thing to do is cut two rectangles, making sure that the back one is a little higher so that you can then fold the closing flap.
The rectangles can be obtained from the legs of the jeans, which must then be completely opened.
From these rectangles you can also get the strips for the shoulder straps and the handle.
The seams can be zigzagged for a very decorative effect.
You can close the main flap with Velcro. Finally, attach the shoulder straps and handle to the backpack.

Cloth

Photo Credit | Facebook Laboratorio di stile – DIY fashion blog

To create one DIY fabric backpack, follow these simple steps:

Get a piece of sturdy fabric of the desired size. Cut it into two equal rectangles.
Sew the long sides of both rectangles, leaving the short sides open. Overlap the sewn rectangles with the open sides facing inward and sew a zipper along the top edge.
Sew the open ends together to form a pocket. Attach two adjustable shoulder straps to the sides and add a handle to the top.
Finally, decorate the backpack as you like with any fabric appliques and enjoy your new homemade backpack!

T-shirts

You can make a school backpack using two cotton t-shirtsLet's use a yellow one and a white one, to differentiate them, which will be used for the outside and inside, respectively. You'll also need some string, scissors, thread, and a sewing machine. The T-shirts, of course, must be aesthetically appealing.

Cut the neck and sleeves of the two shirts to obtain two roughly equal rectangles. Then, zigzag the edges and sew each rectangle on three sides, leaving the side where the future backpack will open.
Leave two small spaces in the bottom corners open to accommodate the belt loops. These are made with scraps of T-shirt fabric, from which you cut small, long, narrow rectangles. The belt loop is then folded in half and inserted into the opening left open on the side of the outer rectangle, and sewn shut.
Repeat the process on the other side for the second loop. Then, turn the outer bag right side out and insert the inner bag into it, wrong sides together.
At this point you can tie the drawstring to the loops, passing it around the opening and you can cover it by turning over the edge of the grey T-shirt.
To make the drawstring closure, sew the edge of the gray T-shirt to the yellow bag, ensuring the drawstring stays inside. Slide the drawstring out, creating side slits on the edge of the bag. Pull the drawstring up to test it, and you're done!

Waterproof

Another useful tip for creating a backpack that resists rain is to make it from a waterproof that you no longer use. A few cuts and a few stitches are all it takes to create a simple one, perhaps opting for a bag or pocket style, which are easier to reproduce.

Plaid

Photo Credit | Facebook Sabò di Noi Due

If you have an old plaid, perhaps one of those with two different sides, you can use it to create a soft and unique backpack like the one above. Make sure the contrasting part stands out from the edges for an extra touch.

Teddy

Photo Credit | Facebook EMANÙ

Well yes, with a little good will, even the old one Plush Your children's backpack can be transformed into a spacious backpack. Perhaps for preschool. You'll first need to unstitch it, remove the padding, line it with a lining, and attach the zipper and straps.

Duvet

Photo Credit | Facebook Lascucita

The old ones Douvets, perhaps the patterned ones that we no longer feel like wearing, can be cut to size to make a backpack (also in this case water-repellent) that is excellent to wear even when it pours.

Fur

Photo Credit | Facebook Gra Dera

Le synthetic fur That lie in our closets, once they've gone out of style (though, remember, they come back sooner or later), can enhance original DIY backpacks like this one. Simply sew a piece onto an old backpack or even an old bag, attaching straps and a clasp.

The “monstrous” backpack

A nice idea for the little ones is the “monstrous” backpack, almost a game: it is obtained by transforming the old backpack in order to give it a disturbing look.

First the teeth are made Using white fabric, cut small rectangles of various sizes to simulate the teeth. These can then be sewn under the backpack's zipper.
Then we move on to the language. Make it by drawing the outline on a sheet of paper, then place the paper on a piece of red fabric and cut it out. Finally, attach it to the underside of your backpack's zipper.
The eyes are created by overlapping three circles of cloth of different colors, for example black, white, and light blue. The black circle should be glued to the white one and the white one to the light blue one.
The celestial circle must be fixed, Finally, along the top of the zipper. The eyebrows are made with black hair purchased from art supply stores. These are then glued over the eyes with glue.
By the horns, Use two plastic cones or make them out of cardboard sheets. Secure the ends, cover them with a fabric of your choice, and then secure the cones along the top of the backpack.

Crochet

Photo Credit | Facebook Creativo

To create one crochet backpack, you will need strong cotton thread and a crochet hook suitable for its thickness.

Start by working a rectangular base, making chains and working rows of single crochet.
Once you have reached the desired size, create two side parts by joining the high points on the sides.
Then, work on the front pockets and details like the straps and the button or lace closure. (You can skip these steps if you prefer a simple design.)
Be sure to reinforce the seams to make it sturdy and customize it with additional decorations of your choice.

How to make a backpack with creative recycling