Planning your Elevenses Backpack

The Elevenses Backpack is a truly special piece. It includes a lot of different skills like quilting, using hardware and webbing, sewing thick fabrics, and a drop-in lining. All of these elements combine to make a truly special backpack we hope you will use for years to come. We’ve broken down our favorite way to split up the work so that it never becomes overwhelming. Good things take time, so it is best to go slowly and give this one the time it needs. 

Cutting and Other Prep

The Elevenses backpack has many different fabrics, as well as interfacing and batting. This means there are a lot of pieces to cut. I’d allow a full day for just this step. You could even split the cutting into two days, by cutting out all of the quilted panels and then a different day cut out the remainder of the bag.

It is tempting to start sewing right after because that is the fun part, but it is good to give yourself a little break. I like to cut my heaviest fabric, the main fabric first. This one is usually the hardest on the hands, especially if you are using waxed canvas, so it is nice to check it off. Then I cut out my batting, backing, and accent fabric. These pieces are mostly square, except for the pocket and pocket lining. 

If you are doing the Sawtooth Star Tutorial or other piecing, I’d recommend cutting those pieces next. I use a pin or wonder clip to keep these small pieces together. You can also keep them in a folding piece of paper. 

Next, I cut out my lining, then my webbing. Make sure to label the webbing pieces as you go. 

Lastly, go ahead and fuse your interfacing to your main fabric and lay your backing, batting, and accent fabric together in the quilt sandwich. Now everything is all set for you after a nice break to begin sewing. 

Piecing and Quilting 

I like to start fresh with any piecing. I really enjoy piecing and don’t like to rush it. It is best to go slowly and get nice sharp points. If you are doing the plain front pocket you will skip this. 

While you don’t have to use a walking foot for quilting, it is very helpful. I did all my quilted pieces in one afternoon so that I didn’t have to change feet as I went. The quilting is fun and relaxing, and made for lovely afternoon sewing. Trim up your pieces and set them aside to be ready for the next day of sewing. 

Front Pocket, Panels, Straps, and Side Pockets

I promise that this zipper is very easy to install, but I always like to get my zippers out of the way as soon as possible. After you get your zipper in your front pockets you can continue with the other accent panel assembly steps. This includes some of the bag hardware. 

I would also prep the side water bottle pockets (if you are making them), the straps, and the strap anchors in this session. 

Lining and Bag Assembly

The last elements are assembling the bag and the lining and then inserting the lining into the bag. These parts of very fun because the bag starts to come together and by the time you drop that lining in you will be amazed at what you have just created and eager to fill it up and start your next adventure.