ZoZo's birthday bag

by Linda Theil

I wanted to make Zoe a little backpack for her second birthday, but I didn't have a pattern, so I looked up "toddler backpack pattern" on Google and came up with quite a few video options. The one I liked best was "DIY Toddler Backpack" by ForeSee Love on YouTube.

The little backpack at 9x11-inches was just the right size; and the presenter did a superb job of organizing her instructions, filming beautifully, and delivering in an engaging and articulate manner.

I followed the video instructions in general, but made a few changes in fabrication. I made two hand-holds instead of attaching adjustable straps.

I installed the zipper by inserting the zipper between two pieces of outer fabric and two pieces of lining fabric and installing the entire assembly as part of the gusset, instead of inserting the zipper in a slit in the gusset as described in the video. I thought my installation would be a little more sturdy.

I made the outer pocked a slit pocket with interfacing between two layers of fabric instead of the pouch pocket in the video (which was, also, really cute). And I increased the size of the side pockets and interfaced them, also.

I added a little key keeper with a D-ring and a carabiner clip.

I bound the interior seams with custom seam binding as the video suggested.

I really liked the size and shape of the bag, and loved the quilted back . . .

. . . and bottom. It is a sturdy little bag, but lightweight; and just right for a toddler.

The gorgeous fabric is Sakura Park by Sentimental Studios for Moda, design pattern # 32694. This is an old version of the Sakura Park line that I had in my stash, and could only find now in the white-background version at Hingeley Road Quilt Shop online.

Here is the video "DIY Toddler Backpack" by ForeSee Love on YouTube.

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