Finish Backpack

1. Pin a safety pin to end of one strap/drawstring. Insert safety pin through casing on one backpack panel, then pull strap/drawstring through. Repeat to run the same strap/drawstring through casing on remaining backpack panel (see red strap on Diagram 5). Make sure that the strap does not twist inside casing. Starting from opposite edge, repeat to run remaining strap/drawstring through casings in opposite direction (see green strap on Diagram 5).
2. Pin ends of first strap/drawstring to one side of a backpack panel, 1-1/2" from bottom edge (this will be the front backpack panel). Repeat to pin ends of second strap/drawstring to remaining side of front backpack panel. Draw up drawstring to close top of backpack panels. Have the child try on the backpack panels; adjust strap/drawstring length if necessary, allowing extra length for bulky clothing underneath.
3. With right sides together, position pocket panel upside down on front backpack panel so bottoms of each overlap by 1" (Diagram 6).
4. Using a jeans needle for this step and those that follow, machine-stitch 1/8" from bottom end of pocket panel. (Optional: Pin end of name tag strap to side edge of front backpack panel, about 6" from bottom edge of panel.)
5. Flip pocket panel up along stitching and pin side edges to front backpack panel. Topstitch a vertical line through center of pocket panel to create two smaller pockets, backstitching to secure seam ends.
6. Place front and back backpack panels with right sides together. Beginning and ending 1/2" below casing rectangles, sew panels together along sides and bottom edge to complete backpack. Be careful not to catch middle of strap in stitching.
7. To box bottom corners of backpack, align bottom seam with side seam at each corner to make a triangle. Sew across triangle several times, about 1" from point (Diagram 7). The seam will be bulky, so gently ease backpack through the machine. Trim excess fabric. Turn bag right side out.