Back Packs or Book Bags?

This year, before school started, I saw a pattern for a back pack (or book bag if you prefer, I will probably interchange the terms throughout). I had longed to make book bags for my children for many a year, and Joann Fabrics helped me to fulfill that dream with their wonderful pattern. 

The pattern I went with (seeing as the pattern has three different styles to choose from...) was the Hey Arnold Bag. I feel as though this was not as thorough a tutorial as some of the others I have followed. If you have never worked with bags and zippers or never interfaced with foam before, maybe make a little something smaller first. 

This is a fun pattern, don't get me wrong. And I did learn a bit of things that I had never done before. I have never worked with webbing before these back packs. I didn't buy any new webbing, I just used some webbing that came with one of my youngest son's toys.

I feel as though this pattern would have been better with a more concise tutorial. It does have one, but it could be more informative. I had to improvise on the straps. Though it is entirely possible that I had to improvise because I didn't have enough foam interfacing at the right size. The strap sides are covered using bias tape (well... it isn't on the bias actually, seeing as there aren't any curves on the straps.) that I made myself using fabric left from my cuttings, as you can see.

Once again this is a pattern that can be changed up. I wanted to add a divider to the Star Wars bag. But with the way that the inside is constructed (which I also had to improvise) I couldn't make it work. I do want to try this again sometime, but I, at the current moment, don't have the know how to make that portion work. 

I tried to construct the inside lining as a birthable bag, rather than a drop in lining. If I would have made the lining the way they suggested it would have been very hard to keep from hand stitching the zipper panel to the inside lining. Of course, this is because I also improvised on the way I made the zipper panel. 

I constructed the zipper panels the same way I would make an inserted zipper pocket. In this way I didn't have to hand sew the lining to the zipper, but it did cause the problem that made it so I couldn't make the divider as previously mentioned. The next time I make this bag, I think I will be doing the zipper differently. You could also add pockets to the inside, though this is something I didn't do either.

As I said before, I do plan on making this back pack again, though it may be a few years. There is of course the possibility that I will make new bags for my oldest two children next year. Zack was super excited about The Child being on his bag and squealed at delight from seeing it! Kara was likewise excited to see Frozen fabric for hers.

I would recommend that if you make this pattern yourself, that you cut the sides slightly larger. You might make it a little longer for an older child. The pattern as is was perfect for my seven year old, but it may be a little small for my twelve year old son. Junior high school does constitute needing more space for books.

Thank you once again for reading through my ramblings. They aren't always helpful, I am sure, but perhaps I am at least fun to read. Lol Enjoy your stay here at Crafts By Adrie and remember to leave your comments here, or message me on Face Book. See you again next Friday!