Book Bag Free Pattern & Tutorial

We start every school morning with a book over breakfast. I read a book to the boys while they scarf down some cereal before the insanely early school bus arrives. This is our morning routine and reading helps calm my boys and prepare them for the day ahead. When I heard that Kelloggs brand cereal was giving away free books with a purchase we were so excited as these two things are an important part of us starting every school day like champion. You know I also love sewing, so today we are combining breakfast, books and sewing with this fun book bag free pattern & tutorial. 

This book bag free pattern is perfect for library day at school because you can take it in the little stuff sack {included in the tutorial} then bring it home with your books at the end of the day. This helps keep my sons backpack from being overloaded! AND you {or your kids} can decorate this bag to personalize it!

Before we get to the book bag pattern & tutorial lets talk about how you can get two free books. Head to Sam’s Club for your back to school shopping and while are there pick up specially marked cereals and snacks to earn the books. I bought my Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes there.

OK! Let’s get to the book bag pattern & tutorial. You can go download the free pattern for this library book bag here. You can cut from any sturdy fabric, but I suggest rip-stop fabric as it’s strong, light and stuffs in a tiny sack. You will need 1/2 yard. Cut out the sack and the bag as directed on the pattern pieces. You can make the bag wider or longer if you want.

Finish the edges of the handles with a zig-zag stitch on a sewing machine {seen on the left} OR a serger {seen on the right. 

With right sides together, sew around the bag body as shown below. Use a serger or a zig-zag stitch to join the two pieces. 

Finished the ends of the thread by pulling it through the stitched with a large needle to prevent fraying.

I used some fabric markers to decorate.. but you could let the kids to their own too! Be sure to put paper between the front and back of the bag, so the color doesn’t leak.

For the little stuff sack… finish one of the shorter edges with either a zig-zag or serger. 

Cut a piece of ribbon about 10″ long and fold it in half. Place it about 1.5″ down from the top of one piece. Place the other piece on top and pin in place. Sew around the 3 raw sides of the bag, DO NOT sew the ribbon to the bag on the right side. Only the pinned side should be attached to the bag. You will have to move the ribbon out of the way.

Optional… turn the top of the bag to the inside and sew around to hem the top. You can also just leave your finishing stitches showing. Stuff the bag inside and tie the ribbon.

It fits right in my son’s side pocket or just throw it in the backpack. 

I tied the stuff stack to the bag handle for easy travel and finding. My boys are excited to use this bag on library days this fall.

Again here’s the link to go download the free pattern for this library book bag. Have you done your back to school shopping yet?