Simple Drawstring Backpack Using a Fabric Shower Curtain – Upcycle Sewing Tutorial
Turn a fabric shower curtain into a cute drawstring backpack using this simple sewing tutorial.
This cute DIY drawstring backpack is made out of a shower curtain I found at a local thrift shop! I thought the curtain was adorable and knew I could use it to make something fun and useful. I love upcycling thrift finds or items already on hand into something new. If you have a pair of jeans you don’t wear anymore, try this sewing tutorial to upcycle them into a denim jeans handbag!
The nice thing about using a shower curtain to make a backpack is the drawstring holes are already made for you. Even better if it has grommets! The drawstring backpack sewing tutorial shows you how to create an outer bag, a lining bag, and a tube for the straps using the pre-existing holes.
If you like to make handbags, here are some of my favorite handbag sewing tutorials.
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***You can find the AD-FREE, printable PDF version of this sewing tutorial available for purchase in my Etsy shop HERE. Includes 16 pages of step-by-step instructions with pictures. Print a copy to keep next to your sewing machine for easy reference.***
Drawstring backpack supplies needed:
- Fabric shower curtain – check your local thrift store or find one here
- Cutting mat
- Rotary cutter
- Clear ruler
- Fusible interfacing – Pellon P44F Fusible Interfacing
- Matching thread
- Sewing scissors
- Sewing machine
Measure and cut the shower curtain
Before cutting the outer backpack pieces 15″ W, line up the holes at the top of the shower curtain so that the outer holes are 1.5″ from each edge and one hold in the middle. That way you’ll have three holes on each side of the backpack.
NOTE: I found it easier to cut larger pieces with my sewing scissors then cut them down to the measurements below instead of cutting from one large shower curtain.
Using your cutting mat, clear ruler, and rotary cutter, cut two outer fabric pieces measuring 15″W x 16.5″H and two lining fabric pieces measuring 15″W x 17″H.
For the inside slip pockets, cut two fabric pieces measuring 15″W x 7″H. Cut two fabric pieces measuring 2″W x 44″H for the two straps.
Attach the interfacing
My go to interfacing is Pellon P44f Fusible Interfacing but any lightweight fusible interfacing will work. The interfacing provides more durability.
Cut two pieces of fusible interfacing measuring 15″W x 15″H for the outer pieces, two pieces measuring 15″W x 17″H for the lining pieces, two pieces measuring 15″W x 7″ H for the slip pockets, and two pieces measuring 2″W x 44″H for the straps (see note below).
NOTE: Cut the interfacing for the two straps about 1/2 inch shorter in length for hemming (you will be hemming one end of each strap in a later step).
Attach the fusible interfacing to the wrong side of the fabric pieces following the package instructions. Be sure not to cover the holes in the top of the two outer fabric pieces.
Make the drawstring backpack straps
The finished straps will be 1/2-inch wide.
RULE OF THUMB: Decide how wide you would like your finished strap to be, then multiply by 4 and that will be how wide you will need to cut your fabric. For this backpack, 1/2-inch wide means I need to cut the fabric 2 inches wide before folding.
Place one of the straps right side down on your ironing board. Fold the strap in half lengthwise, wrong sides together, and press.
Open the strap back up and fold the outside edge to the center fold you just made and press.
Turn the strap around and repeat with the other outside edge and press.
Fold the strap in half again and press.
You are going to fold over the end of the strap with the interfacing 1/2″ from the end to hem. Fold over the end and press. You do not need to hem the other end of the strap.
Sew along each side lengthwise using about 1/8″ – 1/4″ seam allowance. Repeat these steps with the other strap.
The above picture shows the finished drawstring backpack straps.
Make the slip pockets
Place the inside slip pocket fabric pieces right sides together.
Pin along the top and bottom to hold in place. Sew along the top and bottom using a 3/8″ seam allowance. Turn the pocket piece right side out and press the seams.
Topstitch along the top.
Add the slip pockets to the backpack
Place the pocket piece on top of one of the lining pieces 3-inches from the bottom. Pin to hold in place.
Use a marking pencil to mark the center at the top and bottom of the pocket piece. The center is 7.5-inches.
Sew a straight line from the top center mark to the bottom center mark. Then sew along the bottom to create the two pockets. The sides will be sewn in a later step when sewing the drawstring backpack together.
***You can find the AD-FREE, printable PDF version of this sewing tutorial available for purchase in my Etsy shop HERE. Includes 16 pages of step-by-step instructions with pictures. Print a copy to keep next to your sewing machine for easy reference.***
Hem the lining fabric
You are going to hem the top only of the lining fabric pieces.
Place one of the lining fabric pieces right side down on your ironing board. Fold the top over 1/2-inch and press.
Fold over again and press.
Sew along the bottom edge of the fold to secure the hem.
Repeat with the top of the other lining fabric piece.
Baste the straps to the backpack
You are going to baste the unfinished (unhemmed) ends of both straps to the backpack.
Place the raw edge of each strap on each side of one of the outer fabric pieces 2-2.5-inches from the bottom. The straps should be facing towards the inside.
Baste the straps to hold in place.
Sew the bags
Starting with the outer fabric pieces, place the fabric right sides together with the shower curtain holes at the top.
Pin along the sides and bottom, leaving the top open. Be sure the straps are on the inside.
Sew along the sides and bottom using a 3/8″ seam allowance. Sew over the straps a couple of times for extra durability.
Clip the corners. Repeat with the lining fabric pieces.
At this point, you should have one lining bag and one outer bag.
Sew it all together
Turn the outer bag right side out and keep the lining bag wrong side out.
Place the lining bag inside the outer bag. The wrong side of the fabrics should be facing each other and the straps should be on the outside of the outer bag.
Line up the seams and pin around the top.
Sew around the top above the holes using 1/8″ – 1/4″ seam allowance, careful not to sew over the holes.
Now sew around the bag 1-inch from the top, under the holes. If there is stitching from the shower curtain, sew directly over that stitching.
Place straps through holes
You are going to start from the back of the backpack and weave the straps through the holes until you reach the middle hole in the front.
I used a safety pin to help push the straps through.
Take the end of the strap on the left and push it through the hole in the middle of the back of the backpack.
Push it through until you reach the next hole and push out the strap through that hole.
Keep it going until you reach the middle hole in the front of the backpack.
Repeat with the strap on the right, starting with the same hole in the back.
Tie the ends of the straps together in a knot. Pull the straps from the back to close the backpack, adjusting if needed.
***You can find the AD-FREE, printable PDF version of this sewing tutorial available for purchase in my Etsy shop HERE. Includes 16 pages of step-by-step instructions with pictures. Print a copy to keep next to your sewing machine for easy reference.***
Pin for later!
You are finished!
I hope you enjoyed this upcycle sewing tutorial on how to sew a shower curtain drawstring backpack! Happy sewing!
Other handbags to sew:
- Simple Faux Leather Crossbody Bag
- DIY Crossbody Cell Phone Purse
- Tote Bag with Recessed Zipper Sewing Tutorial
- Quilted Patchwork Crossbody Messenger Bag