Backpack

[Pandabear]

Has anyone made a backpack before? A friend has a son going off to college and she would like to make one in the school colors.

If anyone knows of a good pattern they can steer me towards I'd be grateful.

[bubba]

I have not, but some of the bags I've made lately have parts like a backpack would, so I think you should have no problem. I will say, if you are going to do piping, get a piping foot! The last bag I made was so much easier than the first one I did where I used a zipper foot to put it on with.

[bakermom]

I've made Lazy Girl's Chelsea pattern. It goes together easy but may not be sturdy enough for what you need.

[Ahamblin]

I made a backpack last year using "Backpacks" by Cindy Taylor Oates. There are templates and instructions for three sizes. It was relatively easy to construct and very sturdy. I used Soft and Stable which gave it good structure without being too stiff or bulky. This one would easily handle books and/or a laptop.