Drawstring Backpack Pattern

Rated 4.86 out of 5 based on 44 customer ratings
(44 customer reviews)

The drawstring backpack is a great casual backpack for trips to the gym, pool, park, and any other occasion that requires light baggage.

It features a large front zipper pocket, perfect for quick access to your belongings on the go. An accent bottom panel with boxed corners creates depth and a flat base. The main compartment is fully lined and is easily customizable if you prefer additional pockets.

It is an open-top backpack that closes by pulling the cord running along the top and sides. Aside from securely closing the backpack, the drawstring closure also functions as a handle or as shoulder slings and can be shortened if preferred. The drawstring backpack is a perfect companion for men, women, and children alike!

Donations are optional but hugely appreciated, as they help me create more free patterns like this one.

**You may sell the finished products that you make.**

 

THIS IS A PDF PATTERN, NOT A FINISHED PRODUCT.

When the payment is received, an automatic email with a download link to your pattern will be sent. You will receive a PDF pattern and easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions with colour photos to help you through each step.

Please note that there are no refunds on digital products.

Redistribution and sharing of any parts of this document is strictly prohibited © 2026 Allsewpetite, All Rights Reserved.

 

You will need the following supplies:

Height / Width

  • 50 cm / 110 cm (20” / 43”) External fabric: quilting cotton, waterproof canvas, wax cotton
  • 16 cm / 42 cm (6 1/4” / 16 1/2”) Accent fabric: cork, faux leather, vinyl
  • 70 cm / 120 cm (28” / 47”) Lining fabric: quilting cotton, waterproof canvas
  • 100 cm / 90 cm (32” / 57”) Woven fusible interfacing: Stayflex, SF101, Wovenfuse etc.
  • #5 Zipper – 32 cm (13”) x 1
  • 6 mm (1/4”) Cord – 4 meters (4.4 yards)
  • Double-sided tape (optional)

Finished measurements

Height / Width / Depth

39 cm / 28 cm / 10 cm (15 1/2” / 11” / 4”)

 

Skill level

Advanced beginner

 

Click here to read more about this sewing pattern.

 

Video tutorial

44 reviews for Drawstring Backpack Pattern

  1. Rated 5 out of 5

    Tonni Thomas (verified owner)

    When someone requested a drawstring backpack to hold their bike helmet I knew right where to get one. And this pattern does not disappoint. The pattern is well written and contains plenty of pictures for reference. It is a very easy sew. The bag turns out so nicely and is a very good size. I have made 9 so far for gifts, and as bike helmet holders. Do not hesitate to sew this bag. You will not be disappointed.

  2. Rated 5 out of 5

    Kasia (verified owner)

    This is such a great pattern! I can’t believe it’s free.

  3. Rated 5 out of 5

    Audrey (verified owner)

    Love the pattern. Easy to make.

  4. Rated 4 out of 5

    Nancy Cunningham (verified owner)

    Had questions and answered email immediately.🤗

  5. Rated 5 out of 5

    Anne Fournier (verified owner)

    Like the pattern easy to read

  6. Rated 5 out of 5

    kathleen s. (verified owner)

    Very happy with the pattern. Good details on the instructions and the video is a bonus. Used a laminated cotton for the external and nylon for the lining. Will be used as a shoe bag for cycling and soccer cleats.

  7. Rated 5 out of 5

    Heather T. (verified owner)

    So easy to make! I made three of them so far and will continue to make more.

  8. Rated 5 out of 5

    Yanna Michaelides (verified owner)

    This is an absolute pleasure bag to make. Enjoy!!!

  9. Rated 5 out of 5

    Martina Harper (verified owner)

  10. Rated 5 out of 5

    Erin Tuohy (verified owner)

    Best pattern ever

  11. Rated 5 out of 5

    Nancy (verified owner)

    It made a very nice bag. The directions were clear.

  12. Rated 5 out of 5

    Diane (verified owner)

    Your video and instructions were great. The bag turned out beautifully. Thanks, Diane

  13. Rated 5 out of 5

    Amber (verified owner)

  14. Rated 5 out of 5

    els p. (verified owner)

    Thank you for the free patern. I ve not sticking it yet. But it seems me no problem!!

  15. Rated 5 out of 5

    Tina Smith (verified owner)

  16. Rated 4 out of 5

    Marlene Julius (verified owner)

    Simple Project . Easy Instructions and directions. Suitable even for beginner level

  17. Rated 5 out of 5

    Sandy W. (verified owner)

    Great instructions, easy to follow. Would have liked an option for no zipper, but easy to adjust the pattern to accommodate what I wanted. Thank you for making this available for free!

  18. Rated 5 out of 5

    Stacy Hankins (verified owner)

    So cute and easy

  19. Rated 5 out of 5

    Sherie Hudson (verified owner)

    Lovely pattern, going to make for a gift.

  20. Rated 5 out of 5

    Joy Bissen (verified owner)

    Nice pattern, easy to assemble. I look forward to making another one.

  21. Rated 5 out of 5

    Barbora Urbanová (verified owner)

    Krásný jednoduchý návod 🙂

  22. Rated 5 out of 5

    Teresa C. (verified owner)

    This is on my to sew list. Looks like another great pattern. thank you.

  23. Rated 5 out of 5

    Helen (verified owner)

    This pattern is super clear and easy to follow. I’ve read it through, cut out the paper pieces and am organising my fabric so I don’t know exactly what it will look like made up yet but it is exactly the type of swimming bag I was looking for – thank you!

  24. Rated 5 out of 5

    June T. (verified owner)

  25. Rated 5 out of 5

    Diane H. (verified owner)

    Excellent pattern! Very easy to follow

  26. Rated 3 out of 5

    Anonymous (verified owner)

    was ok to make. Would have made more sturdy if I had thought about it prior to making as ripped very easily in use

  27. Rated 5 out of 5

    Anonymous (verified owner)

    Very nice petern

  28. Rated 5 out of 5

    Tracey Schuette (verified owner)

    Very easy to follow your instructions. Your viedo was very easy to follow along and so helpful and to the point.The only part I had a little trouble with was figuring out the measurements for the bottom panel and the front and back lining. Thank you for sharing your pattern!

  29. Rated 5 out of 5

    Anonymous (verified owner)

    I made a beautiful bag, thanks you!

  30. Rated 5 out of 5

    raimbault aurélie (verified owner)

    I love it!! Very practical and nice!!

  31. Rated 5 out of 5

    Judith (verified owner)

    So happy I purchased the drawstring backpack pattern from you
    With your video instructions it was a very enjoyable project to make
    Loved it

  32. Rated 5 out of 5

    Jo I. (verified owner)

    Very detailed and easy to follow pattern. I have made two of these. They are a great size and very comfortable on the back and shoulders. Thank you very much for making this available.

  33. Rated 5 out of 5

    Lisa M. (verified owner)

    My bag is cut! It’s for our little ballerina to use at dance class. Your tutorial is absolutely clear and detailed. The printed instructions are easy to read with excellent pictures. I am so excited to sew this up.

  34. Rated 5 out of 5

    Sara Stoltman (verified owner)

    A perfect bag for beginners and beyond.

  35. Rated 5 out of 5

    Beckie (verified owner)

    Easy to follow, turned out cute. Thanks.

  36. Rated 5 out of 5

    Shannon (verified owner)

  37. Rated 5 out of 5

    Anonymous (verified owner)

    Have just finished it, looks amazing. Did have trouble at one point with the pattern couldn’t understand what I needed to do. Then the penny dropped a couple of days later. Thank you

  38. Rated 5 out of 5

    Kathie M. (verified owner)

    Easy pattern to follow and excellent professional result. I’m very pleased with my drawstring backpack!

  39. Rated 5 out of 5

    Yvonne (verified owner)

    A little tricky in places but I got there. My Granddaughter loved my drawstring backpack. She now has hers and loving the designs. I made hers in Wolves Canvas.
    Thank you for sharing your great ideas

  40. Rated 5 out of 5

    SHALLEE (verified owner)

  41. Rated 5 out of 5

    Charlotte (verified owner)

    This is an excellent pattern— I’ve already recommended to friends! I used a basic quilting cotton, so I interfaced it to give it some structure/longevity per the directions. The only thing I might do differently next time is not interface every piece of the outer and pocket fabrics (example: I’d probably still interface the inner pocket flap, but I’d leave the front part of the pocket flap without to reduce bulk when the bag cinches closed). I’ve never done a bag before but I’m at least an “advanced beginner” sewist, overall. The instructions and video are excellent and I enjoyed making this bag.

  42. Rated 4 out of 5

    Debra bushee (verified owner)

  43. Rated 5 out of 5

    Anonymous (verified owner)

    I am so happy with the results of my backpack! I also followed along with the video tutorial which was helpful. I used it on a trip I just took and was just what I wanted. The outside pocket was so useful and I liked that it had a zipper. I would recommend downloading the pattern from a computer and not your phone. The directions came okay but I did not see the pattern file. No problem when downloaded from a computer as both files were there. Could have been user error as well!

  44. Rated 4 out of 5

    Karen (verified owner)

    ‘Made this as a “trial run” for a summer sewing camp project for kids, ages 12 and up, with at least two years of sewing experience. The directions are clear, and the video tutorial will help tremendously for kids who don’t complete the project during the camp. A great “skill-builder” project. Thank you for sharing!!

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