This isn’t a recipe for eating—it’s a recipe for creating a stylish and functional accessory: a light blue and ivory doughnut backpack. The “doughnut” refers to the classic round, soft-sided backpack shape, and the color combination of light blue and ivory creates a fresh, versatile look that pairs well with many outfits. This guide walks you through selecting the right materials, constructing the bag, and adding the finishing touches, so you can make a durable, custom backpack that’s perfect for everyday use.
Ingredients
- 1 yard (0.9 m) of light blue canvas or denim fabric (for the main body and straps)
- 1/2 yard (0.45 m) of ivory cotton or canvas fabric (for the lining and accent panels)
- 1/2 yard (0.45 m) of medium-weight fusible interfacing (e.g., Pellon 931TD)
- 1/2 yard (0.45 m) of quilted batting or foam backing (for softness and structure)
- 1 zipper, 14 inches (35 cm) long (for the top closure)
- 1 zipper, 8 inches (20 cm) long (for the front pocket)
- 2 D-rings, 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide (for strap attachment)
- 2 sliders and 2 cord stops (for adjustable drawstrings)
- 2 yards (1.8 m) of cotton webbing or cord, 1/2 inch (1.3 cm) wide (for drawstrings)
- 1 yard (0.9 m) of nylon webbing, 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide (for straps, optional)
- Thread to match light blue and ivory fabrics
- Fabric scissors, rotary cutter, cutting mat, ruler, pins, sewing machine
Instructions
- Prepare the pattern and cut fabric: Draw a circle with a diameter of 14 inches (35 cm) on paper for the main body pieces. Cut two circles from the light blue fabric, two from the batting, and two from the interfacing. For the front pocket, cut a rectangle 9 inches by 7 inches (23 cm x 18 cm) from light blue and the same from ivory for the lining. For the straps, cut two strips of light blue fabric, each 4 inches wide by 30 inches long (10 cm x 76 cm), or use nylon webbing.
- Fuse interfacing: Following the manufacturer’s instructions, fuse the interfacing to the wrong side of the two light blue circles. This will give the backpack structure.
- Attach batting: Layer the batting on the wrong side of each interfaced circle and baste around the edges to hold it in place. This will make the backpack soft and puffy.
- Create the front pocket: Place the light blue pocket rectangle and the ivory lining rectangle right sides together. Sew around three sides, leaving one short end open. Turn right side out, press, and topstitch the open end. Insert the 8-inch zipper into the opening, pin, and sew. Now you have a zippered pocket.
- Attach the pocket to the front circle: Position the pocket on one of the light blue circles, about 3 inches (7.5 cm) down from the top edge. Pin and sew around the sides and bottom of the pocket, leaving the top (zipper) free. This creates a patch pocket with a zipper closure.
- Add D-rings for straps: Cut two small rectangles of light blue fabric, fold each over a D-ring, and sew to the top edge of the same front circle, on either side of where the zipper will be. These will hold the backpack straps.
- Prepare the lining: Cut two circles from the ivory fabric, same size as the main body. Cut a strip of ivory fabric for the zipper casing: 3 inches wide by the circumference of the circle plus 1 inch (about 45 inches long, 8 cm x 114 cm). Fold the strip in half lengthwise, press, and sew the raw edges to the top edge of one ivory circle, right sides together, creating a tube.
- Insert the main zipper: Place the 14-inch zipper between the light blue circle (with pocket) and the ivory lining circle, right sides together, with the zipper facing down. Sew along the top edge. Repeat with the other light blue and ivory circles to attach the other side of the zipper. You now have a “sandwich” with the zipper in the middle.
- Sew the sides: With the zipper partially open, place the two light blue circles right sides together, and the two ivory circles right sides together (so the lining is inside out). Pin around the entire circumference, leaving a 6-inch (15 cm) opening in the lining for turning. Sew all around with a 1/2-inch (1.3 cm) seam allowance.
- Turn and close: Turn the backpack right side out through the opening in the lining. Hand-stitch the opening closed. Push the lining inside the backpack.
- Create the drawstrings: Cut the cotton webbing into two equal lengths. Attach a cord stop to one end of each. Thread each through the zipper casing, starting from the front center, going around the back, and exiting at the front. Attach the other cord stop. Pull to cinch the backpack closed.
- Make the straps: If using fabric, fold each strap strip in half lengthwise, right sides together, sew along the long edge, turn right side out, and press. Attach the straps to the D-rings using a sturdy stitch or by folding the strap over the ring and sewing. Adjust length as desired.
Tips
- Fabric choice: Canvas or denim is ideal for durability. If you use a lighter fabric like quilting cotton, add extra interfacing or batting to give it body. For the ivory, a cotton twill works well.
- Zipper installation: Use a zipper foot on your sewing machine for easier installation. If you’re new to zippers, practice on scraps first. You can also use a glue stick to temporarily hold the zipper in place before sewing.
- Seam finishing: Use a zigzag stitch or pinking shears on the raw edges of the seam allowance to prevent fraying, especially if your fabric is loosely woven.
- Adjusting strap length: If you want adjustable straps, use slider buckles instead of sewing the straps directly to the D-rings. This allows you to customize the fit.
Serving Suggestions
This backpack is perfect for everyday use—carry it to work, school, or a casual outing. Pair it with a simple outfit to let the bag stand out, or coordinate with other light blue or ivory accessories. It’s also a great diaper bag or a stylish carry-on for short trips.
Variations
- Color swap: Reverse the colors—use ivory for the main body and light blue for the pocket and lining.
- Add a laptop sleeve: Sew a padded sleeve into the lining to protect a laptop or tablet.
- Change the closure: Instead of a zipper and drawstring, use a flap with magnetic snaps or a buckle for a different look.
- Embellish: Add embroidery, patches, or fabric paint to personalize the backpack.
Storage and Reheating
Store the finished backpack in a cool, dry place. If it gets dirty, spot clean with a mild detergent and a damp cloth. For deeper cleaning, you can hand-wash in cold water and hang to dry. Do not machine wash or dry, as this may damage the interfacing and batting. To refresh the shape, stuff with tissue paper and let it air out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different zipper length? Yes, you can adjust the zipper length to fit your circle. The zipper should be slightly shorter than the top opening you create. If it’s too long, you can sew the ends closed and cut off the excess.
What if I don’t have a sewing machine? You can sew this by hand, but it will take much longer. Use a strong backstitch and be patient. For the zippers, hand-sewing is possible but requires careful alignment.
How do I make the backpack more structured? Use a heavier interfacing or add a layer of plastic canvas between the fabric and lining. You can also add a flat bottom by sewing a separate oval piece to the bottom of the circles.
Can I make this backpack larger or smaller? Yes, simply scale the circle diameter up or down. Remember to adjust the zipper length and strap lengths proportionally. A 12-inch circle makes a cute mini backpack, while a 16-inch circle makes a roomy travel bag.
Is it necessary to use batting? Batting gives the backpack its soft, puffy “doughnut” look and provides some cushioning. If you prefer a firmer bag, you can skip it and use a stiff interfacing instead.
How do I clean the backpack if it gets stained? Spot clean immediately with a gentle soap and water. Avoid rubbing too hard. For stubborn stains, use a soft brush. If the lining is removable, you can wash it separately.
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