Make Your Own Autograph Backpack!

Want a cool new way to carry your swag at home or when traveling abroad? Transform a pair of old jeans into an awesome new autograph backpack! Then, make it your own and ask friends to autograph it with permanent markers! You'll be ready to tote your gear with style and substance—wherever you go!

This project requires quite a bit of sewing—stick with it, and don't be afraid to ask an adult for help on the tricky parts!

What you'll need:

• Full-length denim jeans or skirt
• Thread
• Trim, bleach pen, buttons, etc.
• Medium-weight fusible interfacing
• 4 yards of 1/4" nylon cord
• 2 grommets (3/4")
• An iron
• Scissors
• Glue
• A sewing machine

Difficulty:

Time:

Instructions:

1. Cut a 16" x 21" rectangle paper pattern. Draw a line 1-1/4" from the top edge. This line is the casing fold line.
2. Cut jean legs off. Cut along the inner leg seam to open and lay flat each jean leg.

3. Pin pattern and cut jean rectangle for front of the backpack. Cut another jean rectangle for back of the backpack.
4. Zigzag or serge top edge of front and back fabric rectangles.
5. With right sides together, begin stitching 2-1/4" down from top edge using 1/2" seam allowance. Sew around side, bottom, and other side stopping 2-1/4" from top edge then backstitch.
6. Stitch down side seam allowances using 1/4" seam allowance from top edge down 2-1/4." Triple stitch across both side seams 2-1/4" down from top edge to reinforce opening for the casing. Turn backpack right side out.

7. Turn both front and back top edges down along casing fold line toward inside of backpack. Pin. Stitch 1" from folded edge. Backstitch.
8. Turn backpack inside out. Cut 4" square of fusible interfacing on the diagonal. Using a press cloth, press fusible interfacing triangles at bottom left and right corners to reinforce fabric where grommets will be placed.
9. Turn backpack right side out. Install grommets in bottom left and right corners 5/8" from the bottom and sides following manufacturer instructions.
10. Top stitch corners diagonally starting 2-1/4" from corner through all layers.

11. Insert cord into left casing around right side and back through to the left. Insert both ends of cord through grommet. Tie overhand knot and glue. Repeat for right side casing.
12. Decorate your backpack with buttons, trim, bleach pen, or other embellishments.