Tiny Explorer Backpack Review

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Its’s back-to-school season and that was enough motivation to [finally] get me to blog about the Tiny Explorer Backpack I made all the way back in June for my niece.  I wanted to make something special for her first birthday which she could grow into and use for awhile.

This toddler-size pattern by the fabulous Erin Morris of  Diedel*Bug Handmade, was exactly what I wanted.  If you’ve been sleeping under a rock and don’t know her work, you’ll have to check out her Facebook and Instagram pages.  She makes the most amazing bags and because of this, I knew her own pattern was going to be well written with lots of pictures.  There was no disappointment here!

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From the get-go, I decided to use Soft & Stable instead of the recommended fusible fleece.  I was inspired by some store bought backpacks to quilt the back for a nice feature but to also cushion the back.  Plus, how can I ever pass up the opportunity to do a little quilting, right?!?

TIP: Cut the back pattern pieces a little larger and quilt.  Then use the pattern template to cut to size since you’ll lose some area depending on how much quilting you do.

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Red pandas are my niece’s favorite animal and I could not resist snatching up this MinShan fabric by Lewis & Irene.  The woodgrain is Gentle Forest by Tea and Sympathy for Studio E Fabrics.

TIP: To keep the fabric nice and tight on the Soft & Stable, baste with 1/4″ seam allowance.  Gently tug on the fabric as you sew to keep it smooth.

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Aren’t these little guys, the cutest?  All hardware was from Emmaline Bags and the webbing was from Joann’s Fabrics.

TIP: Heat seal the ends of the webbing with a lighter before sewing.  My webbing had unraveled at the edges and pulled out after being sewn.  Sealing will prevent this from happening.

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I also used Soft and Stable for the side panels of the bag to keep it’s shape.  As a little toddler, I figure it would be easier to find toys that way.  I added this key fob to the interior in case mom and dad ever need it 😉

TIP:  Add zipper pulls to help little fingers open and close pockets.  I use some leftover suede to complement the fabrics.

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As I assembled the exterior, it was difficult to stitch close enough to the piping through all the layers.  I had to hand-stitch these bottoms corners a little bit to clean them up and make them match.  It might have been a little OCD, but since this was a gift, I just had too!

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With this directional print, you do have to account for a little extra fabric, especially fussy-cutting the shoulder straps and side panels like I did.

TIP: The entire lining is drop-in.  I used lots of clips to keep it centered and secure before top-stitching it into place.

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With kids, there are always spills, so I used some vegan leather on the bottom to help with easy clean up and for better wear and tear.

TIP: Pull the lining up to just barely cover the zipper stitches.  This way you’re guaranteed to catch it as you top-stitch.

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There were three additions made to the front of the bag —  Two D-rings were sewn on with leftover webbing so toys could be clipped on.  I also added a snap to the main exterior pockets to keep little treasures safe.  The most noticeable are my niece’s initials.  I used my Silhouette  Cameo machine to cut the gold heat transfer vinyl.

TIP:  If you would like to add a snap, place it centered 1″ down from the top of the pocket and secure into place before sewing in the lining

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Since I used a long-pull double zipper, I decided to to exclude the zipper tabs.  I also omitted the side pocket binding just to streamline the look a little bit.  Don’t leave the pockets off entirely though…they are great for holding drinks and snacks!

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Voila!  A fun toddler backpack for my little niece!

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Here is my little munchkin with her bag.  Look at her rolls on rolls! <3  Doesn’t she look like she’s ready to catch some Pokemon 😀

 

Happy Sewing,

Cristy

 

This was not a sponsored post.  I purchased the pattern and all opinions are my own.

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