Kids Leopard Backpack

SUPPLIES & TOOLS:

• Sewing Machine
• Scissors
• Thread
• Ball Head Pins
• Tape
• Artist Brush, #4 Round, 1
• Palette
• Tulip Soft Matte Fabric Paint, 2 oz., Black
• Wrights Cotton Filler Cord, 3/16" x 10 yds, 1
• Dritz Belting, 1" x 2 yds, Yellow, 1
• Dritz 1" Strap Adjusters, 2 pack, 1
• Coats 20" Sport Zipper, White, 1
• Batting, 2" x 6 ½", optional
• Cotton Duck Fabric, Yellow, 3/4 yd

DIRECTIONS:

1. All 1/2" seam allowances unless indicated in instructions.
2. Straight stitch all seams then add an additional zig zag stitch to prevent fraying.
3. To print the patterns, click on the "Download Project PDF" button (above). Enlarge patterns.
4. Cut out front pattern and tape together top and bottom pattern parts.
5. Cut 2 front/back. Mark the center of the top and bottom of the back and front. Mark the locations for straps on the back and ears on the front.
6. Cut 4 ears.
7. Transfer the pattern for the face and the inside of the ears to the fabric. Paint.
8. Cut 2 strips of fabric 2" x 45". Fold fabric over filler cord, matching raw edges. Sew close to the cord. This is the piping. Repeat.
9. Cut 2 strips of fabric 4" x 8". Cut 2 pieces of batting 1" x 6 1/2" (optional padding for shoulder straps).
10. Cut 2 belting 13 1/2" and 2 belting 8".
11. Shoulder straps: Take one 4" x 8" fabric. Fold over end 1/2". Lay one 13 1/2" belting 1" over folded end 1" in from the side of the fabric. Sew 1/4" from the edge to hold fold and belting. Batting may be added under the folded edge (the cut length will be short of the length of fabric this will eliminate thickness from the tab of strap that will be sewn in to the bag seam). Repeat.
12. Fold one side of the fabric over 1". Double fold the other side over the first. This will encase the raw edges of fabric down the length of strap. Sew close to edges and double stitch over belting area. Repeat.
13. Pin the straps on the top of the back panel matching the locations on the pattern. Pin the two 8" belting to the locations at the bottom of the back panel. The straps will lay toward the center of the bag.
14. Sew the piping on the back over the straps. Match the raw edges of the piping with the raw edges of the back panel. Start sewing at the bottom center of the back panel. Leave 1" of piping unsewn. This will be tucked inside of the pack.
15. Add the Strap Adjusters to the belting as per manufacturer's directions.
16. Place 2 ears together and sew leaving the bottom open for turning. Repeat and turn RSO.
17. Sew piping on the front the same as back, start 1" in on piping at the bottom center of the front panel. Pin the ears in the locations indicated on the pattern. Sew.
18. Side panels: Cut 1 fabric strip 5 1/4" x 22" for the lower panel. Cut 2 fabric strips 3" x 22" for the zipper panel.
19. Fold over 1/2" on one side length of each of the zipper panels. Center the zipper and sew. Stitch over the end of the zipper to keep it from separating. RST sew ends of zipper panel to lower panel. This will create a loop of fabric.
20. Place the front and side panels RST centering the top front with the center of the zipper panel. Sew together. Open the zipper and attach the back panel the same as front.
21. Turn RSO.