Friday, February 14, 2014

FlapHappy Backpack Tutorial AND Modern Yardage Fabric Giveaway!


Friends, have I got a fabulous Friday duo for you!  Since it's Valentine's Day, and I love my readers, here's a special treat: a new, free bag tutorial AND an awesome fabric giveaway, featuring one of my new favorite fabric manufacturers, Modern Yardage.


Earlier this week I shared my experience trying fabric from Modern Yardage and what makes it a totally revolutionary way to choose fabric (if you haven't read it yet, and you love fabric, you'll want to check it out here) .  I also showed a teaser pic of the backpack I made with the fabric I tried.  Now I've got a full tutorial to share so you can make my Flaphappy Backpack too!



This backpack is sized to be perfect as a handbag alternative or as a child's backpack.  It's padded and has adjustable straps to fit just right.



It's also fully lined inside and has pleated sides, so it's nice and wide at the bottom, but the top easily stays closed.



The name comes from the fold-over flap at the top, which makes it easy to open & close and has its own built-in pocket.


Now how to make your own FlapHappy Backpack...

Materials Needed:
- (3) 1/2 yds of cotton. Mine are the Amelia Harper Collection (Skye colorway) by Cindy Lindgren
- 1/2 yd fusible fleece 
- Package of double fold bias tape
- Two adjustable sliders
- Notions (coordinating thread, pins, iron, ruler/yardstick, rotary cutters/shears, hand sewing needle)

Cut the following pieces from both the Butterfly in Turquoise Large and fusible fleece:

(2) 10in wide by 13in high backpack main pieces
(2) 4in wide by 13in high backpack side pieces
(1) 10in wide by 4in high backpack bottom
(1) 9in wide by 11in high backpack flap (round lower corners)

Adhere fusible fleece to wrong sides of fabric with iron.



Cut the same pieces from the Flower in Turquoise Medium, except also cut an additional Flower piece just 3 inches shorter than the flap piece (this will make the outer pocket):


From the Dragonfly in Lime Medium cut:
(1) 3in wide by 11in high flap stripe
(1) 3in wide by 13in high backpack stripe
(1) 10in wide by 3 1/2in high handle
(2) 4in wide by 16in high upper straps
(2) 2 1/4in wide by 10in high lower straps

This will make the outer details & straps.  Narrow the upper strap pieces slightly on one end starting 11in down from top, so the bottom width is tapered down to 3 inches.  Iron on fusible fleece to wrong side of handle and upper straps (except tapered half of upper straps so it will make turning easier later):


Take stripe pieces and fold in half lengthwise and stitch 1/4in from raw edge.  Turn right side out and press flat with the seam in center as shown.


Do same with handle and lower strap pieces, stitching one short end closed as well on lower straps. Topstitch along side seams of lower straps:


Do same with upper straps, except topstitch down the center of the padded area:


Center stripe on outer main piece and flap and stitch along stripe sides:


Double fold top edge of pocket 1/2in on the wrong side and press into place.  Note: Since I was using a bright white fabric and didn't want the pocket to look transparent when layering, I also cut a piece from the Dragonfly to line it and basted them together.  Stitch down the upper fold:



Layer the flap lining, outer and pocket pieces as shown (flap wrong sides facing, pocket right side out on top of outer flap) and baste together:


Encase edge of flap in bias tape:


Take bottom and side pieces of outer and stitch together on short sides as shown, using a 1/4in seam allowance, with right sides facing, starting and stopping 1/4in inward from each end.  Baste lower straps to long side of bottom as shown 1 1/2in inward from either side:


Attach front and back pieces to bottom in same manner as sides.  Starting with one side at a time, pin and stitch together the side panels to the front and back pieces.



Repeat the previous two steps with the lining pieces, but leave a 3 in gap on one of the longer sides of the bottom piece for turning later.  The ending result will look like this:


Turn outer backpack right side out and pin then baste the upper straps 2in inward from either side on top edge.  Add handle over them as shown, 2 1/2in inward from sides, basting into place.


Now take flap and with outer right sides facing, pin and baste flap onto back side of backpack.



Insert outer backpack into lining, matching up side seams and pinning together along top edge.  Stitch all the way around.  


Pull backpack right side out through gap in bottom of lining.  Hand stitch gap closed and topstitch around top of backpack, about 1.4in from edge.  Thread sliders around open ends of upper straps, folding strap under and stitching closed with a double stitched "X".  Thread lower straps and size as desired. 



Open backpack and pinch sides inward about 1 1/2in and stitch into place, over topstitching, to create side pleats:


And the backpack is ready to fill!


And if you want to make a cute little matching mouse to go with it, you can go to my FREE My Little Mouse Stuffed Toy PDF pattern & tutorial:


Now how about a chance to win some of this fabric, or any other prints you fancy, from Modern Yardage?  


One lucky Sew Can Do reader will get a choice of
8 Fat Quarters from Modern Yardage!

That's right - any designs you want.  Choose your favorite coordinating-collection prints like the Amelia Harper Collection I used:



or go for a diverse mix.  YOU get to pick!  



And all printed in an awesome, super wide fabric panel like this:



As I'd mentioned in my review post, there are free fabric goodies printed in the selvage of all Modern Yardage fabrics as a wonderful bonus. You can even select Sew Can Do's own original My Little Mouse cut & sew stuffie by using the code MYLITTLEMOUSE during checkout:



Then you could make this matching pair!



Good luck and Happy Valentine's Day Everyone!! XOXO

a Rafflecopter giveaway



I'm also sharing this project with my FAVE LINK PARTIES.
Click HERE to check them out!

103 comments:

  1. I really love the colors in the Autumn Equinox collection.

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  2. Love all the fabric and this adorable little bag...and mouse :)

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  3. I love the Autumn Equinox collection. I love the colors and patterns. Great bag by the way!

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  4. I love Willow Wisp! Such great backpack and the little mouse is adorable.

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  5. I love the Cirque De Millefiori By Mary Tanana colours

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  6. What a super cute backpack. There are a number of choices I would love. I think any of them would make really cute backpacks my oldest granddaughter would just love.
    I'm not sure how I would choose from these three however as I love them all.
    Autumn Equinox by Nicole Ketchum
    SnOwls by Cindy Lindgren
    Indigofera by Katie Schrader

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  7. I love the Seed Pods in Festive Whites collection...now I'm thinking of all the things I could make with this!

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  8. I'd get some of the Millie in Apple fabrics - thanks for the tutorial & the chance to win.

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  9. I like that the ink is non-toxic and eco friendly- perfect for babies. I would get Rondo in Folly Green, Floral Ogee in Sunshine Orange, or Buttons in Earth. Everything is so cute!

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  10. I really love the Everglades collection by Liz Ablashi. And, while I don't usually gravitate towards pink, it's my favorite of the group! I also really like Deep Sea in Tide by Liz Ablashi (it has an anglerfish on it!).

    Note: I thought I submitted this already, but don't see it, so if it's a duplicate, I apologize!

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  11. Earth to Sky collection by Katie Schrader and Under The Boardwalk by Heather Dutton are my choices.
    24Tangent@gmail.com

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  12. Coffee Break in Mocha is a fun collection, I would get that.

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  13. I love the Amelia Harper in the reds that they offer. I LOVE Modern Yardage and think what they are doing is brilliant! I love that you can order the fabrics in different scales. Again, I must say Brilliant!!! LOL

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  14. I think I would choose the fabrics you have - it looks great!

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  15. Dots in blue and windy leaves in teal

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  16. So hard to choose....but I love three collections, Bohemian by Nicole Ketchum, Poppy Hop by Cindy Lindgren, and Willow Wisp by Julie Hamilton.

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  17. I really love Leighton Gardens! Thanks for a great giveaway!!

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  18. Replies
    1. It's in the Rafflecopter widget above the Comments section. Or if you can't see it, you can access it here: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/share-code/NzY3YzM4YzIyZDQ1NDU3YmFjODlhYjk5NmE1YmRlOjM3/

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  19. I could get lost looking through all the great selections! But...the Swamp Friends is really fun! Thanks for a great tutorial and giveaway!

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  20. Breezin 2 in Midnight, Code of Elegance in Navy, Dexterity in Cinnamon Stick and in Parsley

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  21. Love the Garden Delight in Spring! I want some of that...Oma's kitchen in Persimmon is another goodie! Love Neighborhoods in Multi.. I gotta order some of this awesome stuff!!!! Thanks for the giveaway!

    :0)

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  22. Love the Cirque and Willow Wisp both ..Very nice ..
    Thanks for the chance to win

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  23. I love the Leighton Gardens collection - it has an Art Deco feel that I really like. Thanks for the great tutorial!
    emyerly(at)wideopenwest(dot)com

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  24. Love the Equinox but would really have a hard time choosing they are all so vivid and fun!

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  25. I've actually never seen the fabrics you used until today, but I love them! Thanks for the awesome giveaway!

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  26. Zoo
    Willow Wisp
    poetry in motion
    Jazz
    Love the fabric label designs too :)

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  27. I love Garden Party Festive and Vintage Romance.

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  28. I like the custom quilt labels and the Bold Basics line, I can see using that in a lot of quilts!
    missysaprons@gmail.com

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  29. I collect black and white fabric so Bold Basics was perfect.

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  30. I love those fabrics, so bright and cheerful.

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  31. I'd pick the Folky Dokey collection for this backpack. My granddaughter would love it!

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  32. Been perusing so long...loved so many!! lol Choose the Vintage Romance ones, Paper Daisy & the Sunshine Pillow Kit in Yellow!! Whew.....

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  33. really like the Happy Camper Yard. :) love the colors, everything. :)

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  34. Love it! I'm totally making it, thanks ;)

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  35. Sno Owls, Autumn Equinox and Amelia Harper are great. Love your tutorial project, too!

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  36. Super cute back pack - I'd like to give that a try!

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  37. I love the Bohemian collection by Nicole Ketchum

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  38. I love them all, Coffee Break and Wildwood are the 2 with patterns I'd like the most in my stash!

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  39. Cute backpack! Thanks for the tutorial. I never heard of Modern Yardage before. That have some gorgeous patterns of fabric. Thanks for the chance to win some.
    Melissa

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  40. I LOVE Happy Critters fabric!
    lenelson(at)mail(dot)com

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  41. I really love the "A Slice of Citrus Collection" it's so cheerful! I also like the "Modern by Nature in Summer" collection. I think some accents with these fabrics in my kitchen would be awesome!

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  42. I like the fun Happy Camper collection.

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  43. I like the Bloem In Nordic By Heather Dutton collection.

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  44. autumn equinox collection is so pretty!

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  45. What a cute little backpack :) Thank you for sharing :)

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  46. Autumn Equinox, Snow Owls and Amelia Harper are beautiful, actually, I don't mind any....thanks for sharing.

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  47. I'd pick ManLove in Blue and Ombre Stripe in Navy

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  48. I like Daisy blush, lemonaide, citron, dewberry, taupe and there were a few other colors too.

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  49. I love Boho and Burst in the tomato and lilac. Thanks

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  50. J'Adore Paris In Multi

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  51. My boy needs one! Thank you for sharing this tutorial.

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  52. Ohh! I love the Bohemian and the Zoo collections!! Well, I actually like all the designs!! :-D

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  53. O M G these are beautiful ... a couple that I'd start with are Adrift in Coral, Willow Wisp, and Summersdown. Wow -- thanks for introducing me to Modern Yardage!

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  54. There are so many beautiful designs and colors, it is so hard to pick. I really like the Doily in Coral and the Genie in two tone red!

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  55. I love the Circle of Life pattern and Festibloom.

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  56. lovely fan fair in blue

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  57. What a gorgeous backpack... Love the fabric choices and the tutorial.... Thank you....!!
    :)
    hugs x, Crystelle
    Crystelle Boutique

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  58. This is so dang cute! and the little mouse! Great job on the tutorial!

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  59. I'm liking the Autumn Equinox collection at Modern Yardage. Thanks for the tutorial and the chance to win!

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  60. I like the willow wisp collection.

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    Replies
    1. I also like the animal prints like the dragonfly in sage.

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  61. I like J'Adore Paris in Multi, Small, Broken Fences in Sky, and and Windy Leaves in Teal, small

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  62. I love this! Thanks for sharing! You are one of the features today at the Anything Blue Friday party at The Dedicated House. Here is the link for this week's party. http://thededicatedhouse.blogspot.com/2014/02/anything-blue-friday-week-47.html Hope to see you again at the little blue soiree! Toodles, Kathryn @TheDedicatedHouse

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  63. Because I have an embroidery business (hobby), I would've leaned toward some of the collections with tiny prints, etc. However, after delving into the selections, and utilizing the color match chart, oh my gosh I know I would buy the Genie 2 Emerald in Large to make drapes for my den! It's exactly what I've been looking for!

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  64. I really like the festibloom collection, simple but effective, what a lovely giveaway x

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  65. I love the Bold Basics (b&w). I would pair it w/ teal or red to make a quilt. Lots to choose from there!

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  66. I really like the Cirque de Millefiori collection.

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  67. I would love to get Coffee Break By Allison Beilke. Thanks for hosting this great giveaway!

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  68. I particularly like the Whimsy in Spring (medium) Personality Collection by Emilie Daly, Dana Morgan's Geometric Collection - Carbonate in Green, and Gato y Pescado in Pink, Medium, Gato Collection by Liz Ablashi (not necessarily to use together in the same project but they just appeal to me ;)

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  69. Such a cute backpack. My kiddos would LOVE if I made one (or two) for them. You've been featured today at Gingerly Made!

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  70. I adore this backpack! It's being featured at this week's link party. Thanks for linking up last week. http://www.thelifeofjenniferdawn.com/2014/02/a-little-bird-told-me-link-party-80.html

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  71. The colors are so fun on this bag! I absolutely love it darlin' :) Thanks for linking up with me! You are amazing as always.

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    Replies
    1. Thanks so much Krista. And the colors are just what's needed with this dreary perma-winter outside!

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  72. Just made this and turned out wonderful, but I have to add velcro for the flap to keep it in place, and put something firm for the bottom to make it sturdy :) Thank you so much for the tutorial!

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    1. That's great to hear Meilina & I'd love to see your backpack. Those are great additions to make it super strong to hold anything:)

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    2. Here's the picture of the backpack:
      http://i596.photobucket.com/albums/tt50/si_wida_nih/Mobile%20Uploads/image.jpg

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    3. It looks terrific Meilina! Would love to share your pic on the Sew Can DO FB page if that would be ok.

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  73. What a super cute backpack! Love this tutorial - thanks for sharing! -Deanna {sewmccool}

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  74. What are the finished dimensions? I must be missing it :)

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    Replies
    1. The finished bag is 9.5in w x 12.5in h x 3.5in d

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  76. Everything is so so pretty and cute. Simply love the colours and the print. The free pattern for mouse is super.

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  77. Making this bag now and loving the modern look of it! Great turturial, thank you for sharing it!

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    Replies
    1. Fantastic to hear that. Would love to see it:)

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  78. I just came to your blog for the first time when looking for waterproof fabric and found this project too - LOVE it!! Do you think it would work with the waterproof oxford fabric? Would love a waterproof backpack. I am just getting into sewing but think I can handle this. It's awesome! Thanks.

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    1. Hi Heather - I'm glad you found me & my backpack! Yes, I think the waterproof oxford would be great with this. I'd recommend either still doing the lining in woven or just forgoing a lining all together and folding the raw edges of the top inward. Then the backpack will stay lightweight.

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  79. Thank you! I'm so excited to give this a try. Might be a *bit* ambitious for one of my first projects - but looks like I'd definitely get introduced to several techniques all at once :-). Thanks again.

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    Replies
    1. Sometimes that's the best way to learn. I know when I was getting started I tackled some challenging fabrics & techniques right away, but it got me confident at trying new things.

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