Back to School Sewing
It’s that time of year. In Scotland school began again this week, in the rest of the UK we have a few weeks of summer holidays left.
If you’re thinking about sewing for ‘Back to School’ I’ve got some ideas to get you started.
Backpacks
This is the obvious place to start, and something most school age children need.
For younger children, look out for patterns which are designed with shorter straps. E.g. The Violet Backpack by Knot + Thread Designs. It’s big brother, Archie is great for teens, or young adults heading off to uni - and includes a laptop pocket too.
If an angular shaped backpack is more your style, the Making Backpack and Bracklesham Backpack are both great options. The Making Backpack offers a more streamlined design, where the Bracklesham has gusseted pockets externally to create more space.
If you’re looking for a more involved make, the Francli Daypack has lots of technical features and is a great project to really get stuck into.
The Violet Backpack pattern by Knot + Thread Design is a small quilted backpack, great for adults or toddlers depending on the strap length you choose.
The pattern features a zip pocket on the front, a slip pocket internally, and a zip closure across the top.
Size: 11 inches x 9 inches x 4 inches (~27.5cm x 22.5cm x 10cm)
The Archie Backpack pattern by Knot + Thread Design is a quilted backpack, with both zipper and slip pockets, giving you ample storage and organisation on the go.
Size: 14 ½ inches x 12 ½ inches x 4 ½ inches (~37cm x 31cm x 12cm)
This versatile pattern has been a hit across the sewing community.
The Making Backpack comes in two sizes, and with front pocket options too. It’s perfect for every day use or for travel alike. There is plenty of space in the larger backpack for a laptop and college supplies, and the smaller one makes a perfectly roomy and usable every day bag.
The Making Backpack is perfect for an advanced beginner, with plenty of options to stretch a more advanced sewer too.
The Bracklesham Backpack sewing pattern by Two Stitches Patterns is a functional, structured backpack designed for everyday use, commuting, or travel. It combines practical storage with a clean, modern shape, making it suitable for sewists looking to create a durable and organised backpack.
Key Features
Structured backpack design
Secure zipped main compartment
Front zip pocket for easy access
Internal pocket for organisation
Adjustable shoulder straps
Explanding side pockets, perfect for your water bottle
Pattern includes two sizes
Finished Size
Small: 24cm (W) x 33cm (H) x 12cm (D)
Large: 33cm (W) x 44cm (H) x 14cm (D)
Skill Level
Intermediate – suitable for sewists with some prior bag-making experience
Suggested Fabrics
Canvas
Waxed Cotton
Pattern Format
This is a pritned paper pattern, ready for you to make your own beautiful bag.
A practical day pack designed by Francli Craftwear.
Play with hardy fabrics and unique hardware to create a bespoke pack for everyday life and adventures further afield.
With water bottle pockets and internal laptop pocket.
Skill level - intermediate.
Pouches
Perhaps you have a teenage girl who’s looking for a discreet personal pouch in her bag. Why not make one that matches the backpack or satchel?
Great options for this are the Cove Clutch or Yarrow Wristlet. Both are a nice size to hold sanitary products and with a bit of clever forethought could include a clip to attach inside the bag for ease of finding. Isn’t this one of the joys of making your own bags? You can make subtle style change to suit needs.
Pouches also make great pencil cases. The Hello Pouches is a fun design with a vinyl top, meaning you can peek inside without undoing the pouch. With lots of fun vinyl designs available in store currently, there’s bound to be an option that works for you!
The Cove Clutches pattern by Knot + Thread Design comes in three sizes. The quilted clutch bag pattern has a variety of uses including as a wallet/purse, pencil case, handbag organiser,…
Sizes:
Small - 5 ½ inches x 4 ½ inches (~15cm x 11cm)
Medium - 6 inches x 10 inches (~15cm x 25cm)
Large - 10 inches x 12 inches (~25cm x 30cm)
The Yarrow Wristlet & Pouch pattern by Noodlehead, is a lovely quick make. Maybe you’ll make a wristlet to match your outfit for a party, or perhaps you’ll make the pouch as a gift for a friend.
This versatile pattern is ideal for intermediate bag makers, with experience putting in zips on a curved edge! The pattern includes internal pocket/card holder to keep everything you need together in one place.
This is a fun pouch design featuring a quilted base and vinyl top. This pattern by Knot + Thread Design comes in 4 sizes to suit various requirements.
Sizes:
Small - 5 inches x 4 inches x 2 ¾ inches (~13cm x 10cm x 7cm)
Medium - 6 ½ inches x 5 ¾ inches x 3 ¼ inches (~16.5cm x 14.5cm x 8cm)
Large - 7 ½ inches x 6 ¾ inches x 4 ¼ inches (~19cm x 17cm x 11cm )
Extra Large - 9 ½ inches x 7 ¾ inches x 5 ¾ inches (~24cm x 20cm x 14.5 cm)
This clear vinyl from Sassafras Lane Designs is decorated with cute crocodile motifs..
This TPU vinyl comes as a precut roll, measuring 11 ¾” x 53” (30cm x 135cm) and is 0.5mm thick.
Clear vinyl is perfect for project bags, for see through pouches, for pockets,…
If you’re new to sewing vinyl, our top tips are to not overthink it, use a Teflon foot, a 90/14 microtex needle and a longer stitch length!
This clear vinyl from Sassafras Lane Designs is decorated withblack and white stamps from different countries around the world.
This TPU vinyl comes as a precut roll, measuring 11 ¾” x 53” (30cm x 135cm) and is 0.5mm thick.
Clear vinyl is perfect for project bags, for see through pouches, for pockets,…
If you’re new to sewing vinyl, our top tips are to not overthink it, use a Teflon foot, a 90/14 microtex needle and a longer stitch length!
This clear vinyl from Sassafras Lane Designs is decorated with a bright and colourful monkeys.
This TPU vinyl comes as a precut roll, measuring 11 ¾” x 53” (30cm x 135cm) and is 0.5mm thick.
Clear vinyl is perfect for project bags, for see through pouches, for pockets,…
If you’re new to sewing vinyl, our top tips are to not overthink it, use a Teflon foot, a 90/14 microtex needle and a longer stitch length!
Satchels
Some children and young people prefer to carry a satchel style bag, over a backpack. It’s going back a few years now, but I preferred a crossbody bag generally too.
Options for crossbodies/satchels large enough for school. Immediately I’m thinking of the Factotum by Merchant and Mills. With those gorgeous big pockets on the front
Another interesting option is the Guardian pattern by Linds Handmade. This can be a backpack or a crossbody, so has options for the carrier.
The design is made considering security, and the only way into the bag is via the big zip which when being worn is placed against the body.
A slightly smaller bag, but you may have seen my vinyl Janet Mae Purse recently. It’s a fun bag to make, and easily held a water bottle and other essentials for a day.
Create a timeless everyday bag with the Factotum pattern by Merchant & Mills.
Simple, practical and effortlessly stylish, the Factotum is a versatile shoulder bag designed for everyday use. With a clean, minimalist design and plenty of room for your daily essentials, it's an enjoyable project that lets beautiful fabrics take centre stage.
With Merchant & Mills' clear, easy-to-follow instructions and illustrations, you'll create a durable bag that's equally at home running errands, heading to work or accompanying you on a weekend away.
Features:
Printed sewing pattern by Merchant & Mills
Create a stylish everyday shoulder bag
Simple, minimalist design
Spacious interior for everyday essentials
Comfortable shoulder straps
Clear, step-by-step instructions with illustrations
Suitable for confident beginners and experienced home sewers
A great project for showcasing your favourite fabrics
Finished size:
Bag: Approx. 20 × 30 × 12 cm
A great project for home sewers who enjoy creating practical bags with a timeless, handmade finish.
Please note: This listing is for a printed sewing pattern only. Fabric, interfacing, hardware and the finished bag are not included.
This stylish and practical backpack not only looks good, but also protects your belongings.
The zip to get into the bag lies against your back when worn, taking away the vulnerability of wearing a bag on your back.
The pattern comes with options for regular backpack straps, as well as an optional crossbody strap.
The pattern also includes several external and internal pocket options, making this bag customisable to your needs.
The finished dimensions are approximately 11” tall x 11” wide x 5” deep (28cm x 28cm x 13cm).
Materials & Supplies:
• ½ yard (46cm) main fabric
• ½ yard (46cm) accent fabric
• ½ yard (46cm) waterproof canvas (WPC)
• 1 yard (92cm) of 17” (44cm) Decovil light (more if not using WPC for lining)
• 1 yard (92cm) of 45” (115cm) woven interfacing (*fabric dependent)
• 20” (50cm) of #5 zipper tape and 1 zipper pull
• (2-4) 1” (25mm) D rings (4 if doing optional shoulder strap)
• (2) 1½” (40mm) strap adjusters (with rounded corners for comfort)
• (2) 1½” (40mm) swivel clasps
• (2) 1” (25mm) swivel clasps (*optional for shoulder strap)
• small rivets (*optional)
• 3¼ yards (345cm) of 1½” (40mm) webbing for straps/grab handle
Create a stylish quilted handbag with the Janet Mae pattern by Knot + Thread Design.
Combining timeless style with practical features, Janet Mae is a roomy quilted handbag that's perfect for everyday use. Thoughtfully designed with multiple pockets to help keep your essentials organised, this pattern creates a bag that's as functional as it is beautiful.
With Knot + Thread's clear, easy-to-follow instructions, you'll create a polished bag featuring professional details and plenty of opportunities to showcase your favourite fabrics and quilting.
Features:
Printed sewing pattern by Knot + Thread Design
Create a stylish quilted handbag
Spacious interior with multiple pockets for organisation
Secure zip-top closure
Comfortable shoulder straps
Clear, step-by-step instructions with illustrations
Suitable for confident beginners and experienced home sewers
A great project for showcasing your favourite fabric combinations and quilting
Finished size:
Handbag: 10” x 12” x 3 ½” (Approx. 25cm x 30cm x 8cm)
A great project for home sewers who enjoy creating practical bags with a polished, professional finish.
Please note: This listing is for a printed Knot + Thread sewing pattern only. Fabric, interfacing, hardware and the finished bag are not included.
Patches
All this talk of bags, but what about adorning your newly crafted beauty, or indeed a bag you already have, with fun patches. This is a great way to personalise a bag, and make it easily identifiable for younger children.
We stock iron on/sew on patches from a variety of indie designers, many of them are British, so supporting our local designers.
Here are a few of my faves:
This strawberry shaped iron-on patch is the perfect way to add a little sweetness to your handmade bag.
The patch is in a vibrant strawberry pink, with metalic threads for the strawberry seeds.
The patch measures approximately 3.6cm x 4.4cm
This fun iron-on patch is the perfect combination of cute, retro and sparkly.
Attach this patch to your next handmade bag, for the ultimate unique finishing touch.
Dimensions: 45mm x 47mm.
Made in the UK by Petra Boase.
This fun iron-on patch is the perfect combination of cute, retro and sparkly.
Attach this patch to your next handmade bag, for the ultimate unique finishing touch.
Dimensions: 45mm x 47mm.
Made in the UK by Petra Boase.
This iron-on patch from Punky Pins is in the shape of a Frenchie, wearing a party hat and sunglasses.
The patch measures 70mm x 80mm (2 ¾” x 3 ¼”) , and would make the perfect addition to any handmade bag.
This circular iron-on patch from Kylie and the Maching features blue background, and a large yellow sun wearing sunglasses.
The patch measures 45mm across, and would make the perfect addition to any handmade bag.
This iron-on motif is in the shape of a dinosaur. The background is rainbow coloured with a black stitched border, and the dinosaur is holding a red heart in it’s hands.
The motif can be ironed (we recommend the use of a pressing cloth) or sewn onto your item.
The motif is approximately 5cm at it’s tallest point.
I can’t finish this post without thinking about a few fabric considerations. Most of these patterns work well with canvas, which is also great for school wear as it’s more resilient and harder wearing than a simple cotton.
You might be thinking about plains for those who like to keep things simple. We have some gorgeous plains colours:
This is a Cloud9 solid cotton canvas.
It is a medium weight cotton canvas, ideal for bag making.
The solid colour works well alongside many other solids or patterned canvas.
Part of our core range, this mid weight cotton canvas is perfect for all types of bag making.
Plain colours leave you to add the creative flourish to make your bag truly unique.
This is a Cloud9 solid cotton canvas.
It is a medium weight cotton canvas, ideal for bag making.
The solid colour works well alongside many other solids or patterned canvas.
Or perhaps you have someone in mind who just loves a patterned fabric?
This Cloud9 Fabrics cotton canvas is from the Easy Weekend range.
This is a medium weight cotton canvas, ideal for bag making.
The pale green/blue background and black and white geometric accents combine beautifully with other fabrics from the range.
This is a medium weight cotton canvas, ideal for bag making.
The light background, along with various hues of pink and yellow irregular lines creating angular shapes make this a fun fabric which is both interesting and simple at the same time.
A conversation between the art-covered streets visited daily by hundreds of people, and the imagination of an innocent and colorful mind. Chalk & Paint depicts theartists thoughts & observations of her surroundings, with a brush soaked in warm soothing colors in one palette and calming dusty marks in the other.
Add a modern touch to your next bag making project with Print Patch Dark Brown Canvas from the Imprint collection by Cloud9 Fabrics.
Featuring a hand-block print-inspired geometric design in warm dark brown tones, this durable canvas is perfect for creating stylish bags and accessories with a professional finish.
Key Features:
Imprint collection
Print: Print Patch Dark Brown
Manufacturer: Cloud9 Fabrics
100% GOTS Certified Organic Cotton Canvas
Approx. 237 g/m² (7 oz canvas)
Approx. 112cm (44") wide
Durable canvas with a soft natural handle
Ideal for bag making and accessories
Perfect For:
Tote bags
Handbags
Crossbody bags
Project bags
Purses and pouches
Fabric baskets
Bag panels
Bag pockets
Ordering Information:
Fabric is sold by the quarter metre.
Quantity 1 = 25cm (metric fat quarter)
Quantity 2 = 50cm
Quantity 3 = 75cm
Quantity 4 = 1 metre
Multiple quantities will be supplied as one continuous length wherever possible. If you would prefer a long quarter rather than a metric fat quarter, simply leave a note at checkout.
Please note that while every effort is made to photograph fabrics accurately, colours may vary slightly between screens.
Or, and I think I’m saving the best till last…, what about one of the 12 Ruby Star Society Speckled Canvas colourways we are stocking? The perfect somewhere in between:
Add timeless style and subtle metallic detail to your next sewing project with Speckled Canvas in Black from Ruby Star Society. This premium cotton-linen canvas features the signature Speckled design, with delicate metallic gold flecks scattered across a classic black background, making it a striking choice for stylish bags, home décor and modern sewing projects.
Made from a premium 70% cotton / 30% linen canvas, this fabric combines the durability needed for structured projects with a beautifully soft handle and natural texture. The signature metallic gold speckles add a touch of sparkle, making it ideal for bags, home décor and statement accessories.
Key Features:
Ruby Star Society Speckled Canvas collection
Colour: Black
Metallic gold speckle design
70% Cotton / 30% Linen Canvas
Approx. 110cm (44") wide
Medium weight
Durable with a beautifully textured finish
Softens with washing and use
Ideal for bag making, home décor and accessories
Perfect For:
Tote bags
Project bags
Purses and pouches
Cushions
Storage baskets
Aprons
Home décor projects
Bag panels and accents
Ordering Information:
Fabric is sold by the quarter metre.
Quantity 1 = 25cm (metric fat quarter)
Quantity 2 = 50cm
Quantity 3 = 75cm
Quantity 4 = 1 metre
Multiple quantities will be supplied as one continuous length wherever possible. If you would prefer a long quarter rather than a metric fat quarter, simply leave a note at checkout.
Please note that while every effort is made to photograph fabrics accurately, colours may vary slightly between screens. Metallic printing may show slight natural variations, which are part of the manufacturing process.
Add warmth and subtle metallic detail to your next sewing project with Speckled Canvas in Earth from Ruby Star Society. This beautiful cotton canvas features the signature Speckled design, with delicate metallic gold flecks scattered across a warm earthy brown background, making it a perfect choice for stylish bags, home décor and modern sewing projects.
Made from 100% cotton canvas, this fabric has the durability needed for structured projects while remaining easy to sew on a domestic machine. It works beautifully on its own or paired with coordinating Ruby Star Society quilting cottons.
Key Features:
Ruby Star Society Speckled Canvas collection
Colour: Earth
Metallic gold speckle design
70% cotton / 30% linen canvas
Approx. 112cm (44") wide
Medium to heavy weight
Durable with a soft handle
Ideal for bag making, home décor and accessories
Perfect For:
Tote bags
Project bags
Purses and pouches
Cushions
Storage baskets
Aprons
Home décor projects
Bag panels and accents
Ordering Information:
Fabric is sold by the quarter metre.
Quantity 1 = 25cm (metric fat quarter)
Quantity 2 = 50cm
Quantity 3 = 75cm
Quantity 4 = 1 metre
Multiple quantities will be supplied as one continuous length wherever possible. If you would prefer a long quarter rather than a metric fat quarter, simply leave a note at checkout.
Please note that while every effort is made to photograph fabrics accurately, colours may vary slightly between screens. Metallic printing may show slight natural variations, which are part of the manufacturing process.
Bring fresh, vibrant colour and subtle metallic detail to your next sewing project with Speckled Canvas in Sarah Green from Ruby Star Society. This premium cotton-linen canvas features the signature Speckled design, with delicate metallic gold flecks scattered across a vibrant green background, making it a striking choice for stylish bags, home décor and modern sewing projects.
Made from a premium 70% cotton / 30% linen canvas, this fabric combines the durability needed for structured projects with a beautifully soft handle and natural texture. The signature metallic gold speckles add a touch of sparkle, making it ideal for bags, home décor and statement accessories.
Key Features:
Ruby Star Society Speckled Canvas collection
Colour: Sarah Green
Metallic gold speckle design
70% Cotton / 30% Linen Canvas
Approx. 110cm (44") wide
Medium weight
Durable with a beautifully textured finish
Softens with washing and use
Ideal for bag making, home décor and accessories
Perfect For:
Tote bags
Project bags
Purses and pouches
Cushions
Storage baskets
Aprons
Home décor projects
Bag panels and accents
Ordering Information:
Fabric is sold by the quarter metre.
Quantity 1 = 25cm (metric fat quarter)
Quantity 2 = 50cm
Quantity 3 = 75cm
Quantity 4 = 1 metre
Multiple quantities will be supplied as one continuous length wherever possible. If you would prefer a long quarter rather than a metric fat quarter, simply leave a note at checkout.
Please note that while every effort is made to photograph fabrics accurately, colours may vary slightly between screens. Metallic printing may show slight natural variations, which are part of the manufacturing process.
I always love to see what you make with the patterns, fabric and haberdashery you purchase from Tuesday’s Child Fabrics, so don’t be shy to show me your back to school makes too.
Happy sewing!
