Buckthorn Backpack and Tote

This backpack and tote pattern is a great way to show off your favorite fabrics (and perhaps cute webbing) while making a very functional piece. They both feature a handy outer pocket and then interior pockets for organization. The backpack is a great size for notebooks, a small laptop, or tablet, while the tote can be used as a project bag or fit a smaller tablet or planner. Both have zips so things don't fall out if it it tips over!

Skill Level: Intermediate

Fabric Requirements: based on 44”/1.1 m-wide fabric.

*****Tote requirements in brackets [ ]*****

• ¾ yard/.7 m [2/3 yard/ .6 m] Exterior Fabric
• 1 yard/.91 m [1 yard/.91 m] Lining Fabric
• 1 ½ yards/1.3 m [1 1/3 yards/1.21 m] Fusible Woven Interfacing (Pellon SF101-20”/51 cm-wide)
• ½ yard/.45 m [½ yard/.45 m] Fusible Fleece Interfacing or foam (Pellon 987-F - 44”/1.1 m -wide or byAnnie’s Soft & Stable 58”/1.5 m -wide)
• (1) 16”/40.6 cm [14”/35.6 cm] handbag zipper for top closure (must be 1 ¼”/3.18 cm wide)

FOR BACKPACK:

• 4 yards/3.7 m of 1 ½”/3.8 cm wide cotton webbing

FOR TOTE:

• [2 yards/1.9 m of 1”/2.5 cm wide cotton webbing] OR substitute ¾ yard/.7 m [¼ yard/ .25 m] accent fabric (quilting cotton weight) and additional 1 ½ yards/1.3 m [1/3 yards/.3 m] of fusible woven interfacing for making your own straps/handles (instructions included)

For BACKPACK only:

• (2) 1 ½”/3.8 cm-wide Triangle Rings (can substitute two 1 ½”/3.8 cm-wide d-rings), (2) 1 ½”/3.8 cm-wide Swivel Snaps, and (2) 1 ½”/3.8 cm-wide Strap Sliders

Recommended Fabrics: Canvas or waxed canvas* (7-10 oz.) for exterior fabric, quilting cotton for lining**. 

* if using waxed canvas (7-10 oz.) for exterior, OMIT fusible fleece/foam and do not interface the exterior fabric pieces. The heavier the waxed canvas, the more difficult it makes this particular project to sew.

**if using canvas (8-10 oz.) for lining, reduce fusible woven interfacing requirement to ½ yard/.45 m total for backpack (Strap Reinforcement Strip & Front Pocket pieces), OMIT for tote.

Additional supplies + tools: Polyester thread, water-soluble pen/tailor’s chalk, cutting mat, gridded ruler, rotary cutter, size 14 or 16 denim or Microtex needle, pinking shears

For inspiration, visit: @noodlehead531, #buckthornbackpack, or #buckthorntote! Check out Noodlehead's video sewalong and video for setting in an oval base.

Please note all patterns are physical paper patterns. Opened/used patterns are final sale.