Easy Backpack Tutorial Free Pattern

Are you looking for a beginner-friendly backpack project that lets you show off your love of quilting and beautiful fabric prints? The Chloe’s Backpack, designed by Heidi Pridemore using the Chloe fabric collection from P&B Textiles, is a charming and functional project you’ll love sewing.

This easy backpack tutorial is perfect for confident beginners to intermediate quilters. With detailed patchwork, quilted panels, and structured sides, this backpack not only looks fantastic but is also durable and spacious. Ideal for day trips, school, or casual outings, this project is a great way to turn your quilting skills into something practical.

At the end of this article, you’ll be able to download the FREE PDF pattern to start sewing today!

Easy Backpack Tutorial Free Pattern

🎒 Backpack Details:

• Finished Size: 15” x 12” x 6”

✂️ Materials Needed:

To complete this project, you will need:

Fabric Requirements:

• Orange Paisley Flowers: ½ yard

• Yellow Tonal Flowers: ½ yard

• Orange Large Floral: ⅓ yard

• Yellow Chloe Stripe: ⅓ yard

• Green Tonal Flowers: 1⅛ yards

Additional Supplies:

• Timtex: Two 3″ x 4½” pieces and two 3″ x 9½” pieces

• Chipboard (⅛” thick): One 6″ x 12″ piece

• Cotton batting: For quilting the panels

• Fusible web: 1 yard

• Thread, scissors, pins, sewing machine, iron

🧵 Construction Highlights:

1. Patchwork Panels

Start by sewing alternating 1½” strips of Orange Paisley and Yellow Tonal fabrics to create the front, back, and side panels. These are then layered with batting and quilted as desired.

2. Top Bands

The decorative top bands are made using Chloe Stripe fabric fused to Timtex for added structure. These bands are attached to gathered upper edges of the quilted panels.

3. Straps

The straps are crafted from Green Tonal Flower fabric layered with batting and folded into strong, topstitched 1″ wide straps.

4. Assembly

The front, back, sides, and bottom are joined together, and the straps are sewn securely into the seams. A matching quilted flap covers the top opening for a polished finish.

5. Lining

A complete inner lining mirrors the outer bag. It’s sewn separately and attached to the outer backpack before turning the project right side out.

6. Finishing Touches

• The bag’s structure is enhanced with a fabric-covered cardboard insert at the base.

• Pleats and topstitching around the top band add to the professional, boxy look.

💡 Tips for Success:

• Use bright, coordinating fabrics for a fun, youthful vibe—or try muted tones for a more sophisticated look.

• Pre-quilt your panels before sewing for added texture and stability.

• Don’t skip the cardboard insert—it gives the backpack a strong foundation!

📥 Download the Free PDF Pattern

Ready to get started? Click below to download the free pattern PDF, which includes full instructions, cutting measurements, and the flap template.

👉 Download Chloe’s Backpack Free Pattern PDF

The Chloe’s Backpack is a delightful quilting project that combines color, creativity, and utility. Whether you’re sewing it for yourself, a friend, or a child, this backpack is a wonderful way to showcase your quilting talent. It’s also a great project to explore strip piecing, quilting, and bag construction techniques.

Be sure to share your finished backpack with us—tag your photos and inspire other quilters in your community!