The Minions backpack features zippered front flap pocket, two side pockets closed with a magnetic snap, and two mini zipper pockets with piping for the eyes.
Pattern: Down to Dusk Pattern from Chris W Designs.
Fabric: Duck Canvas and Jean fabric
Stabilizer: Fusible Fleece
I also made a Creeper and Panda backpacks with the same pattern. The pdf pattern has 63 pages of instructions which include 145 step by step color photos.
Minions Backpack
To sew the backpack, I followed the step by step instructions from the pattern. This time I skipped the pen pocket and both of the interior pockets (interior slip pocket and the interior zipper pocket). I also skipped the pocket straps and buckles.
I used gold/orange jean thread for the topstiching. This time I used cotton webbing (instead of the polyester one that melts with heat)
All the pockets and interior are lined with a lovely minion fabric that I bought at my local Joann’s Fabrics Store.
For the Minions Backpack I used my enlarged version of the pattern pieces. (I enlarged the pattern when I sew my Creeper version of the backpack). It is 2 inches longer, 1 inch wider, and 1 inch deeper. In Chris W Design facebook page, someone posted a Down to Dusk made with the pattern at 120% which is an easier way to enlarge it. With the extra inches, the backpack is a good size for school.
I used Purse zippers for the backpack and also for the front pocket. Purse zippers are commonly used in backpacks because thet are wider and have two pulls. For the eyes, I used 7″ zippers in opposite directions.
I cut two circles of white duck fabric for the eyes and sew them to the back the same way as the front pocket.
Materials & Supplies
- Yellow duck fabric for the body of the backpack
- White duck fabric for the eye pockets
- 6oz jean fabric for the front and side pockets
- Black faux leather for the back straps and eye balls.
- black piping (gray might be a better option)
- Minions fabric for the lining (there are many different options)
- 2 regular 7″ zippers for the eyes
- Purse zippers (22″ – 24″ for the body, 14-18″ for the front pocket)
- Cotton webbing
- Jean thread
My son is very happy with his new backpack and I enjoyed sewing it. He replaced his creeper backpack that he has been using since the beginning of the school year and was very happy to showcase it at school 🙂
Happy Sewing,
Anabelle
