15 DIY Backpacks for Back-to-School

By
Lauren Murphy
Lauren Murphy
Lauren Murphy
Lauren Murphy is a crafting expert and writer with experience creating unusual but highly useful DIY projects. She shares her love of crafting projects ranging from DIY heating pads and cupcake stands to Ouija boards, cat scratching posts, stress balls, and more.
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Updated on 05/07/20
Retro Rucksack DIY

Sew DIY 

The back-to-school season doesn’t have to be a bummer. Summer may be over, but these DIY backpack tutorials will add plenty of spunk and flair to your kid’s autumn wardrobe while showing off your crafting skills.

  • 01 of 15

    Painted backpack

    DIY Painted Bag
    Jader Bomb

    Make back-to-school season more fun by adding color and whimsy to a plain white bag. The bold polka dot patterns used in this DIY backpack tutorial are guaranteed to brighten everyone’s day.

    DIY Painted Bag from Jader Bomb

  • 02 of 15

    DIY Backpack Patch

    Backpack flair patch
    Lovely Indeed

    There’s no better way to customize your backpack than with a DIY patch. Patches add flair and a personal touch to your accessories, so don’t hold back. Use simple supplies to design your patch and cut it out with scissors, then add your creation onto your bag.

    How to Make a Backpack Flair Patch from The Spruce

  • 03 of 15

    DIY Mini Backpack

    DIY Mini Backpack
    Sewing Rabbit

    This video tutorial will show you how to sew a backpack perfect for your little ones. You can even tailor the backpacks to fit any size and shape, with customizable patterns and colors.

    DIY Mini Backpack Video from Sewing Rabbit

  • 04 of 15

    Retro Denim Rucksack

    Retro Rucksack
    Sew DIY

    Go back in time with this stylish denim DIY. With its long adjustable straps, this backpack can be worn multiple ways to complement any outfit.

    Retro Rucksack Blog Tour from Sew DIY

    Continue to 5 of 15 below.
  • 05 of 15

    DIY Honeycomb Pack

    Embroidered Hexagon Backpack
    Mollie Johanson

    Use the free hexagon embroidery pattern included in this tutorial to make a trendy honeycomb backpack—bees not included. The tasteful pattern and warm colors make this pack an ideal fall accessory.

    DIY Embroidered Honeycomb Backpack from The Spruce

  • 06 of 15

    DIY Pineapple Pack

    Pineapple Drawstring Backpack
    Make It & Love It

    Why not incorporate your favorite fruit into your on-the-go wardrobe? Use your sewing skills to create this adorable pineapple project.

    Pineapple Drawstring Backpack from Make It & Love It

  • 07 of 15

    Colorful Crystal Backpack

    DIY Crystal Backpack
    DIYs.com

    The best part about this DIY backpack tutorial is how customizable it is. Experiment with colors and designs until you find one that suits your fancy and embellish away!

    DIY Crystal Backpack from DIYs.com

  • 08 of 15

    Crafty Crochet Detailed Backpack

    DIY Crochet Backpack Flair
    DMC

    Fun-shaped yarn pins are an easy way to update a boring pack. This handy tutorial walks you through every stitch needed to crochet these unique decorations.

    DIY Crochet Backpack Flair from DMC

    Continue to 9 of 15 below.
  • 09 of 15

    DIY Drawstring Backpack

    DIY Drawstring Backpack
    Alice & Lois

    Access to a sewing machine is necessary for this cute project, but don’t fret if you’re not a sewing expert—it's easy enough for beginners. The end result is an adorable drawstring pack with a handy outer pocket.

    DIY Drawstring Backpack from Alice & Lois

  • 10 of 15

    Woodland Creatures Backpack

    School Backpack Sewing Tutorial & Pattern
    You Made My Day

    This tutorial shows you how to make a backpack complete with zippers and pockets galore. You can use your favorite fabric patterns to create a one-of-the-kind accessory.

    School Backpack Sewing Tutorial & Pattern from You Made My Day

  • 11 of 15

    Basket Backpack

    Basket Backpack filled with flowers
    Delia Creates

    Basket backpacks make it easy to fit your items while giving you major style points. This project updates a straw tote to create a fashionable and practical accessory.

    Basket Backpack Tutorial (Video) from Delia Creates

  • 12 of 15

    Kids' Drawstring Backpack

    Back-To-School Kids Drawstring Backpack
    Sweet Red Poppy

    Florals never go out of season, and this backpack won’t either. All of the supplies can be found at your local craft or fabric store. Sewing is required!

    Drawstring Backpack Tutorial from Sweet Red Poppy

    Continue to 13 of 15 below.
  • 13 of 15

    Upcycled Plaid Shirt Pack

    Kinsey's Easy Restyled Fall Backpack
    A Beautiful Mess

    Stylish, low-cost, and easy—what more could you want in a DIY project? An old shirt can be made new again by using this tutorial to transform it into the perfect fall accessory.

    Easy Restyled Fall Backpack from A Beautiful Mess

  • 14 of 15

    Toddler Backpack Sewing DIY

    Free Sewing Tutorial: Toddler Backpack Pattern
    Polkadot Chair

    DIY backpack projects allow you to customize size, color, and pattern. With multiple pockets and fabric flaps, this project has plenty of opportunities to flex your creative muscles and experiment with design.

    Free Sewing Toddler Backpack Pattern from Polkadot Chair

  • 15 of 15

    Monogrammed Backpack

    Monogram Stencil Backpack Makeover
    Lolly Jane

    Making over a boring backpack is made simple by adding a classy monogram with stencils and fabric paint. Not only will this make your backpack more fashionable, but it will also make finding it much easier too.

    Monogram Stencil Backpack Makeover from Lolly Jane