I guess it’s a tradition now! Since my oldest son got a backpack when he went to school, my other son was expecting one when he started Kindergarten. Thanks to gradual entry, I managed to get an extra week to finish this one up. He’s much smaller and won’t really be bringing much home each day, so I decided to go with the Sew Sweetness Cumberland Backpack (small size). The patterns comes with many purchase options, including a bundle of PDF pattern and video. The video is an online workshop where Sara of Sew Sweetness goes through each step with you. Here’s a trailer of the video for the Cumberland Backpack.

I loved that this bag started taking shape right away; sometimes bags can take so long to make and you can’t really see progress along the way, but the front zippered compartment is pretty early on. This looks tricky since it’s a zipper along a curve, but it actually went pretty smoothly, especially with the wider zippers I use (and called for in the pattern.) I chose a simple magnetic snap, but the pattern includes instructions and measurements for a twist lock as well.

I used two different prints from Libs Elliott’s Tattooed Collection. The silver in the lightning bolts of the main print matches perfectly with the vinyl I used for some of the accents. I also used grey zippers and matching webbing to tie it all together. 

I’ve come to really appreciate the binding finish! This pattern actually comes with two finishing options. If you really don’t like doing the binding, you can follow a separate set of instructions, which are clearly marked for the alternative method. I like that the binding finish offers a relatively quick and simple way to complete the bag and even adds a bit of structure for the shape. You don’t need your binding stitching to be perfect because it’s hardly going to be seen, squished into the seams inside the bag. 

I can see making this as a cute backpack purse for myself, and I love that simple changes can give it a completely different look. If you haven’t already, you should check out thetester photos on the Sew Sweetness site for some examples. 

Now they each have their own, and I’m off the hook again, until next year! The small Cumberland is the perfect size for my little Kindergartener! If you missed it, you can read about the Adventure Time Backpack (pictured below left) here.  If you want to give the Cumberland Backpack a try, you can purchase the pattern here.