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sew and tell: a new school bag
I've been thinking a lot about S's need for a backpack with wheels. At her new school, it seems like every kid has one, and given how many books they bring home daily, it makes sense that having wheels could be convenient. However, there are some downsides to consider. Our sidewalks and streets around here are full of cobblestones, and let's just say that wheels and cobblestones don't exactly play nice together.
On top of that, I’ve noticed something else—most of the time, it’s not actually S carrying her own bag to and from school. Instead, it’s usually me or my partner doing the heavy lifting. The handles on those wheeled backpacks tend to be short, making it uncomfortable for taller adults to pull without bending awkwardly.
After weighing these pros and cons, we decided to try something different. A messenger bag seemed like the perfect compromise. Not only does it avoid the hassle of dealing with uneven surfaces, but it also gives us a chance to personalize it in a way that’s both functional and fun.
Recently, I came across a fantastic pattern called the "Messenger Bag from Little Things to Sew." It looked like the ideal solution for our needs. I chose coated linen for the exterior because it seemed durable enough to withstand wear and tear while keeping S's books protected from moisture. For the lining, I went with quilting cotton—it adds a touch of comfort and brightness against the more subdued outer material.
The process of making the bag was surprisingly smooth, even though the pattern involves quite a few pieces. I worked on it bit by bit whenever I had spare moments throughout the week. Before I knew it, the bag was complete, and S was eager to put it to use.
One of the standout features of this design is the inclusion of Soft and Stable instead of traditional interfacing. This thick foam-like material provides excellent structure without adding unnecessary bulk. Sewing through it wasn’t nearly as challenging as I expected, and it made creating intricate details, such as the bias trim, much easier. Additionally, the Soft and Stable worked wonders for the strap, making it both comfortable and supportive, even when loaded down with heavy textbooks.
Looking back, one of the best parts of this project was seeing how much S loved the final result. She adores the bright colors and playful polka-dot trim, which perfectly match her personality. Since switching to this messenger bag, she hasn’t once mentioned wanting a wheeled backpack again.
This experience reminded me just how versatile and practical handmade bags can be. Whether you're crafting for kids or adults, the smaller version works great for younger ones, while the larger size easily accommodates laptops and other essentials.
If you’re considering making your own messenger bag, I highly recommend giving this pattern a try. It’s not only straightforward but also allows plenty of room for creativity. Plus, knowing you’ve created something unique that fits someone’s specific needs makes the effort all the more rewarding.
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There you have it! If anyone else has tried their hand at this project or knows of similar patterns worth checking out, feel free to share in the comments below. I’d love to hear what others think about alternatives to traditional backpacks.