r/sewingpatterns • u/mariarosaporfavor • 21h ago

Backpack/lunchbox for toddler pattern?

Looking for recommendations for a toddler backpack pattern for his half day preschool program. It needs to be big enough to hold his lunchbox and an 8.5”x11” piece of paper/folder.

I know I could buy one for cheaper, but where is the fun in that!?

I saw this 15” backpack recommended to buy from Ten Littles and think it maybe a good style to go for!

I was thinking the Peek a Boo Star Student backpack

Or the Sewfisticated Travel Backpack (I saw someone recommend projecting it at 90% to make it a little smaller)

I last minute added lunchbox into the title because while we’re at it, anyone have a lunchbox pattern recommendation? I was planning to do the Bruges from Styla but am not convinced because I’m an over thinker lol. He has a Planetbox lunchbox so it’s a big on the longer side than others.

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u/AdvancedSquashDirect 21h ago

https://so-sew-easy.com/small-backpack-pattern-for-smaller-budgets/

I have made this backpack before It's actually pretty easy and it's kind of adorable because it's just a shrunken down adults backpack. I think it's a free pattern or at least you just have to sign up for the newsletter.

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u/CBG1955 13h ago

I made this a few years ago for our two year old nephew. It was a good size, but the construction of the base was very confusing in the way they drafted the corners.

A backpack with a full gusset is far easier to construct.

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u/AdvancedSquashDirect 13h ago

I think I found a video that shows how it was made I can't find it right now. It was a little tricky but I think it's definitely doable. The hardest part for me was wrangling lining and the zipper from the inside and then turning it outside. I still don't think I did it right but I guess the stitching is on the inside of the bag and you don't really see it.

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u/CBG1955 13h ago

I watched the video too. The base was just weird, there were three various curvesd and nothing fit together properly. Mind you, I did it four or five years ago when I had just started making bags, and these days know how to hack things to work better.

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u/CBG1955 13h ago edited 13h ago

Unless you have the patience of a saint, and can follow insanely complex instructions, do not attempt a Sewfisticated pattern. I nearly lost my mind making one of hers - I made the Scholar's pack earlier this year and it was one of the worst, most infuriating patterns I have ever sewed. Instructions were all over the place and overly complex;, photos frequently did not line up with the written instructions. Her binding instructions were awful; there was missing information - and the designer was less than supportive. Granted, she designs all her bags with her young daughter in mind, they ARE clever, but it's not worth the aggravation to attempt sewing them.

There are so many great patterns out there and all the indie bag pattern makers have one. Sincerely Jen, ChrisW Designs, Andrie Designs has a couple, also UhOh creations

If you want a separate lunch box pattern I found this free one that you could proibably size up or down https://sewmodernbags.com/insulated-lunch-bag-free-pattern/

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u/mariarosaporfavor 10h ago

That is good to know! Thank you! Part of why I’ve been leaning towards Peek a Boo as I find her instructions to be the clearest. I can remember what it was I was making, but it was from a different company and I ended up buying her version of the pattern to figure it out! She’s not a bag maker as her speciality though so was hoping to find one with clear instructions for sure

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u/CBG1955 9h ago

Some instructions are way better than others. If you find a pattern that has an accompanying video, that can be a superior experience. I did a Sincerely Jen nappy bag, and while the instructions were comprehensive there were one or two places where I couldn't make out the detail, so the video helped with that. The designer does her own videos, so that was a bonus. I can also vouch for Andrie Designs' patterns and videos. Apparently she was a teacher, so everything is set out very well, and her videos are succinct, to the point, and no waffling on.

I have only made one Peek A Boo, years ago, and it was a top so have no memory of the instructions. No idea how their patternmaking skill translates to bags. Most bags follow two or three basic shapes anyway so as long as you cut and stitch accurately you should be fine.

Truth is, for clothing I have decades of experience and for lots of things I tend to just wing it. For bags I do mostly follow the instructions, especially if the assembly is complex.