When you don’t want to carry a purse that is too small or will be a nuisance, or a backpack that is just too big, or a tote bag that is outrageously oversized, this knapsack project may be just right for you. You can customize the size of this knapsack to fit the smallest child or largest adult. Just remember, the bigger you make it the more stuff you can put in it, and that generally means more weight – which is likely why you don’t want to be hauling around that tote or backpack with which you already have had some interesting experiences.

Supplies:
– 15” x 36” fabric (The hand of the fabric will determine how tightly the knapsack will close. I chose an upholstery weight vinyl, but a light weight cotton or nylon fabric would allow the drawstrings to close the opening completely.)
– 3 3/4 yards of cording for drawstring

Instructions:

1. Fold fabric in half right-sides together to form a 15” x 18” rectangle.
2. Make three marks near the top (opposite edge to the fold) on each of the longer sides – specific dimensions to follow.

3. First mark 1 1/4” from the top edge.

4. Make another mark 2 1/4” from the top edge. This will form the casing for the drawstring.

5. Make a third mark 6” from top edge.

6. Sew with ½ inch seam allowance from the top edge to the first mark, leave the one inch space between the marks unsewn, then sew from the second mark down to the mark at 6”.

7. Press open the seam allowance. (Note: If you are using a vinyl type fabric you will need to use double sided tape to hold the seams open because you cannot press this type of fabric.)

8. On the raw edge of the top,  fold over slightly less than 1/2” and press (or  tape).

9. Take the step 8 fold and bring it down so it is just past the 1” opening you left for the drawstring.

10. Sew completely around to close the fold.
11. Cut cording into two equal pieces. If your cording tends to unwind or ravel, tie a knot or tape each end.

12. Push one end of one piece of cording through one of the openings and all the way around so it comes out the same place where you started.

13. Do the same with the other piece of cording, beginning at the opening on the other side.

14. Mark 1 inch above first folded edge (bottom of the bag).
15. With your knapsack wrong-side out, take both ends of one drawstring and pull enough slack so the ends will stick out between the bottom one inch mark and the bottom fold on the same side where the drawstring exits the casing.
16. Keep the rest of the drawstring on the inside of the sack.

17. Sew from the bottom edge up the side to meet up with your other stitching (or the opposite direction).

18. Secure the cord ends by sewing over the cord, reverse sew and then forward sew over it again. If your knapsack is made of strong material and you intend to carry heavy items, add extra passes over the cord ends. Repeat this process on the other side with the other drawstring ends.
19. Turn bag right-side out.
20. Try on the knapsack. If it fits, celebrate. If too small, find a child.