Abbey Convertible Backpack DIY Sewing Pattern

I’ve been on a long pattern writing break and look at me….I have two out in less than a month!  It might be all the inspiration I’m feeling or maybe it’s the fact that I’ve learned quite a bit more about designing now 🙂  It really is a combination of all the above along with clearing my plate of other sewing commitments so I can focus!  You can check out the FREE Kelly Waist Bag pattern  just released a few weeks ago here and keep on reading for the long awaited Abbey Convertible Backpack…

Abbey Backpack by Love You Sew

At the end of 2017,  I was looking for a fun bag idea for my toddler niece.  But since she’s a little fashionista, I wanted to make her a “non-kid bag” and more of an “adult-bag”….just in a miniature size. With boho style hot at that minute, I remember seeing so many hiker style backpacks around with southwestern prints.  I had this great canvas fabric in my stash from April Rhodes and knew it would be perfect for my niece.

I made this little backpack just thinking it would be a one-off project — that was until I posted it on my Instagram.  That’s when all the comments and inquiries flooded in.  I had at least half a dozen people wanting to buy it.  But no, it was only for my niece. <3  Although I didn’t want to sell the actual bag, I knew I had a great design…especially as a kid-size bag that’s modern and something an adult might like….

Fast forward a year after learning to use some proper drafting software and I was set to tackle the longest and most involved bag I’ve written to date.  From the first design, much has changed.  The body is slightly larger and more pockets have been added inside and on the back. The most significant change is the additional hardware to make the Abbey a completely convertible adult bag too!

Abbey Crossbody by Love You Sew

With a quick switch of the swivel clasps from the lower connectors up to the top ones, the backpack changes to a cross-body!  This allows the Abbey to be such a versatile bag and can change with you depending on the situation.  ‘Sometimes you just want your bag out of the way and sometimes you need all the access to it — I get it!  Additionally, the Abbey also has these features:

  • Convenient front zipper pocket for keys, chapstick or change
  • Magnetic snap tab closure for easy access to the main compartment
  • Back slip pocket – perfect for your phone, boarding passes or concert tickets
  • Interior zipper pocket to keep valuables safe
  • A generously sized adjustable strap which can be used for the backpack or crossbody

As a bag-maker, you will love having this unique design which you can (of course) keep, but also gift to friends and family, both young and mature.  I’m thinking some mommy and me versions would be so cute!  You will also learn some great techniques such as:

  • Installing magnetic snaps (with my tips to prevent the prongs from wearing through your fabric!)
  • Using three different types of interfacing for a structured, yet pliable bag
  • Creating zipper welt pockets
  • Making an adjustable strap
  • Construction style which leaves a clean and seamless base.
  • And I’m already working on some hacks to leave you with more options and ways to customize each bag you make 😉

Sonata Abbey Backpack

For some inspiration, you can check out my Sonata Fabric Showcase Tour here.  These were both prototypes as I was testing out interfacing combinations and still checking out which features to keep in the pattern.

  • The blue bag used foam interfacing which I thought was just too much.  The bag was not able to fold very well.  However, it uses leather accents which I do include in the cutting table.  (I will write a blog post for the zipper frame soon!)
  • For the pink bag, this was a test to see how quilt cotton would hold versus the recommended canvas.  It still had great shape and pliability, but some structure is lost.  Once the bag is filled up, it’s not that noticeable though.  This version is the lightest weight and great for using all of those cute quilt cotton prints for little ones.

If you need even more inspiration, you have to check out all of these amazing creations from my tester group.  These ladies are absolutely amazing and I could not make this pattern without all of their help!  You can click through each image below to direct you to the maker.

Pattern Summary:

I hope you enjoy this pattern as much I do!  Happy Sewing!

 

Cristy

 

 

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17 thoughts on “Abbey Convertible Backpack DIY Sewing Pattern”

  2. Lindsay says:

    Such a cute bag! It would be perfect for me to haul around all of my mommy supplies. We can never be without a snack or water! And I’ve been looking for an excuse to pick up some more Rifle Paper co. canvas. 🙂

  4. Tennille Mereniuk says:

    I really like this bag! It is such a good every-day bag. I especially love the hedgehog tester bag! I would love to make my own pattern on Spoonflower to use while making this pattern!

  6. Heather Vo says:

    Love the versatility of the pattern to make it work for adults- and convert to a cross body bag! So fun!!

  7. Shelley Dawson says:

    I’ve been wanting to make a backpack for a while and I believe I’ve now found the right pattern! Looks styley but also very functional. Thanks, especially for showing your experiments in interfacing and materials.

  8. June Jacobs says:

    I like your new pattern, Cristy. The style can be feminine and functional or sporty and functional depending on the fabric choices. I also liked your use of leather for the tabs, etc. Thanks for sharing this project with us, and best wishes on a successful release of your new patterns. :0}

  9. Linda S says:

    I have been looking for a cross body bag pattern for awhile. I don’t have a lot of bag sewing experience but I may just give this one a try. Love the peony version.

  10. Rosalind Gutierrez says:

    The backpack pattern is perfect and my fav is the Soho grey canvas version made for your neice.

  11. Veronika Bush says:

    Ok I love this bag! I love the original one you made for your niece and then the big polka dot one from one of your testers. My daughter would love this! I love that it converts too! Ahhhh it’s the cutest!

  12. Cassie Barry says:

    Such a clever design! <3 I'm really loving the one you made with the strawberry print Sonata fabric – it would be so cute for my daughter. 🙂

  13. Diane says:

    I love this bag in the Arril Rhodes fabric that you made for your niece. Can you tell me what weight leather you used for the handle and the patch at the top /back? I’m looking at some that is 2mm but I’m wondering if that is heavy enough or should I go heavier? I’ll be using my domestic sewing machine and she does very well sewing thick things but I don’t want to go crazy (-;

    • Cristy says:

      Most of the leather I use has been thrifted or passed on to me second-hand, so I don’t know the exact weights. It was a stiffer (probably 3 oz) leather though. I have a hard time giving advice on leather because a 2mm hide with lots of loft is much easier to sew than a 2mm veg tan hide which is very stiff. I wish I could be more help to you!

  14. Katherine Finch says:

    I think for girls it’s an amazing bag and also so comfortable. Personally I really like this. If possible keep posting about backpack. Thanks for your information

  15. Deb Hunt says:

    Hi there, I have been looking for a back pack for a trip to Europe. One that thieves cannot open from the back. Do you think this could be modifed to have the openings where the straps are so the zippers are near the person’s back? I hope this makes sense!

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