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Sewing tutorial: How to sew a maritime backpack with faux leather

13.05.2017 by Sabine Schmidt

Näh-Anleitung: Maritimen Rucksack mit Kunstleder nähen

Backpacks are not only super practical - they are also totally trendy. I'll show you how to quickly and easily sew a stylish nautical backpack with faux leather!

The most important things at a glance

  • The backpack is a great project for beginners because I guide you through the instructions step by step and with lots of pictures
  • You can sew the backpack in any size you like
  • The backpack is sewn from cotton and faux leather
  • With this pattern, you have many options and can sew your backpack exactly to your taste
  • The backpack is beautiful, practical, and versatile

Nautical backpacks are ultra cool: Not only extremely trendy - but also ridiculously easy to sew!

And they come at just the right time for festival season: Because the backpacks are a little bigger than average, they hold a lot. This leaves your hands free to embrace the whole world (and the cute guy dancing next to you) . And you'll simply look even more irresistible! :)

Of course, the pretty nautical backpacks are also great for shopping trips - or are you more in the mood for Captain's Dinner? ;)

And because they are sewn with faux leather, they are not only very sturdy, you can also simply set them down on the ground without them immediately taking it badly.

If you then stamp a cool motto on it with textile printing, you'll be the queen of the festival grounds, bet? ;)

One pattern - a thousand possibilities!

You can of course also sew the backpack in a vintage look and with floral fabrics for the summer. The nautical look is a can - not a must. ;)

No idea where to shop for great fabrics?

I'll tell you my best tips for buying fabrics online and at the fabric market!

Sewing a nautical backpack with faux leather

What you need to sew the nautical backpack

Sewing a nautical backpack with faux leather

For the outside

  • Twice: 31 x 43 cm outer fabric (e.g. in a nautical* style with anchors, seagulls or stripes)
  • 32 x 43 cm faux leather* (also available in silver* and gold*)
  • 2 pieces of fabric for the tunnel à 10 x 43 cm

    Sewing a nautical backpack with faux leather

For the inside

You also need these materials at home:

Pictures of the backpack

Sewing a nautical backpack with faux leather

Sewing a nautical backpack with faux leather

Sewing a nautical backpack with faux leather

Sewing a nautical backpack with faux leather

Wow! I just love it!

Do you like my pattern: Sewing a nautical backpack with faux leather?

Then feel free to leave me a comment!

Happy simple sewing,

your SabineSewing a nautical backpack with faux leather

Frequently asked questions at a glance

Can beginners also sew the nautical backpack?

But yes! The pattern is definitely suitable for beginners, as I guide you step by step with lots of pictures through the instructions!

Can the backpack also be sewn in a different style?

Of course! You can of course also sew the backpack in a vintage look or with floral fabrics for the summer. There are no limits to your imagination!

What are the dimensions of the finished backpack?

The finished backpack has the dimensions of approx. 38 x 52 cm.

Links marked with * are affiliate links: If you make a purchase through them, we receive a small commission. The price remains the same for you.

Step-by-step instructions

Tutorial: Sew a maritime backpack with faux leather

A stylish drawstring backpack made of cotton outer fabric and faux leather with a maritime look. A beginner-friendly project with a drawstring casing, eyelets and cord straps. Finished size approx. 38 × 52 cm.

  1. Step

    Sew the outer fabric and faux leather together

    First sew the two 43 cm edges of the outer fabric pieces to the 43 cm edges of the faux leather.

    Sew the outer fabric and faux leather together
  2. Step

    Topstitch the seam allowance

    Fold the seam allowance towards the main fabric and topstitch it in place from the right side with a 3.5 straight stitch.

    Topstitch the seam allowance
  3. Step

    Close the side seams of the outer piece

    Place the outer pieces right sides together. Make sure the seams between the outer fabric and faux leather meet.

    Close the side seams of the outer piece.

    Then trim back the seam allowance of the faux leather piece a little. This isn't necessary for the main fabric – if you like, finish its edges with zigzag or overlock.

    Close the side seams of the outer piece
  4. Step

    Sew the lining with a turning gap

    Place the two lining pieces right sides together and pin them together.

    Mark a turning gap of approx. 12 cm on one side.

    First sew the 52 cm side, then the short edge with the turning gap and then the second long side. You get a bag that is open at the top with a turning gap.

    Turn the lining and push out the corners well.

    Sew the lining with a turning gap
  5. Step

    Prepare the drawstring casing pieces

    Fold the short sides of the first 10 × 43 cm casing piece inwards twice by 1 cm each, press the edge and edgestitch the hem.

    Repeat the step for the second casing piece.

    Fold both pieces lengthwise in the middle and press the fold. Sew the long open edge together with the sewing machine or overlock so nothing shifts later.

    Prepare the drawstring casing pieces
  6. Step

    Put the lining into the outer bag

    Put the lining into the prepared outer bag, right sides together.

    Put the lining into the outer bag
  7. Step

    Insert the casing between outer bag and lining

    Insert the casing between the outer bag and lining so the fold points downwards.

    The edge you just sewed lies flush between the lining and the outer bag.

    Make sure the distance from the casing to the sides is symmetrical.

    Insert the casing between outer bag and lining
  8. Step

    Topstitch the top edge and turn

    Topstitch the top edge all the way round at presser-foot width. This works best if you remove the sewing table and guide the bag over the free arm.

    Turn the backpack right side out through the turning gap in the lining, push out the corners and press the seams and top edge (carefully with the faux leather).

    Press the seam allowance of the turning gap and edgestitch the opening closed.

    Topstitch the top edge and turn
  9. Step

    Attach the eyelets

    Draw a triangle at each lower corner, 5 cm in.

    Punch the eyelets into the centre of the triangle.

    Attach the eyelets
  10. Step

    Thread and knot the cord

    Cut two pieces of rope or cord, each two metres long.

    Treat the cord ends beforehand to stop them fraying: wrap natural cords with sticky tape or washi tape, singe synthetic cords with a lighter and press them together while still warm.

    Guide one cord through the casing and then through the eyelet on the same side. Knot it at the front so the knot doesn't press when you wear the backpack. Repeat the whole thing in the opposite direction for the second cord.

    Done!

    Thread and knot the cord

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About the author

Sabine

I come from Siegen-Wittgenstein, where I spent my childhood breaking in cows, jumping off haystacks and scraping a D- in needlework class.

Today, being creative feels like indescribable happiness to me – and it grows even more when I can share it with others. Since 2016 I have been celebrating my passion for sewing on this blog, and I love that sewing connects so many people.