Bunny Toddler Backpack Free Pattern

free toddler backpack pattern

With Easter just around the corner, I thought today would be a great time to share this Bunny Toddler Backback Free Pattern with all of you!

free toddler backpack patternfree toddler backpack pattern

It’s the perfect little backpack to fill with goodies for Easter, or fill with treasures all year long!

free toddler backpack pattern

free toddler backpack pattern

Going on an adventure? Your little one is set!

free toddler backpack pattern

free toddler backpack pattern

Lola really loves bunnies – she still wears her bunny costume I made all the time. Hattie was given this little pink bunny as a gift when she was born, and Lola snatched it up right away. We won’t tell Hattie…

free toddler backpack pattern

free toddler backpack pattern

You can imagine her excitement when I surprised her with this new bunny backpack! There were lots of giggles, thank-yous, and hugs involved :).

free toddler backpack pattern

toddler backpack free pattern

Ready to get started? Here we go…

Experience Level: Intermediate

Supplies:
affiliate links below
Main fabric: 3/4yd woven fabric such as quilting cotton or home décor weight fabric (home décor weight fabrics will increase the stability of the finished backpack) – I found this grey and metallic polka dot quilting cotton from Jo-Ann
Lining fabric: 1/2yd 100% quilting cotton – Ann Kelle sent me some of her adorable bunny fabric and it was the perfect lining for this project!
Fleece / Faux Fur: 6″x6″ scrap
Interfacing: 1 3/4 yd fusible interfacing (Pellon SF101)
Fusible fleece: 3/4yd (1/2yd is sufficient if piecing the long strap pieces)
Strap adjusters – I used 2 1.5″ wide bag strap adjuster sets because it’s what I had on hand, but if you prefer, you could use actual backpack strap adjusters or 2 sets of D rings (and adjust the width and length of the straps accordingly)
14″ Non-separating zipper
Polyester stuffing – small amount to stuff tail

Download and print the pattern HERE. Ensure printer is not set to scale, and check 1″ test square on page 2 for printing accuracy.

Additional Pieces to Cut (also printed on pattern piece download above):
From Main Fabric:
Straps: 2 – 6”x24” (note: this length works well on my three year old as pictured – if making for an older child, you may want to lengthen the straps)
Strap Loops: 2 – 6”x5”
Handle: 3”x6”
Zipper Gussets: 2 – 2.25”x15”
Bottom / Side Gusset: 4.5”x20”

From Lining Fabric:
Zipper Gussets: 2 – 2.25”x15”
Bottom / Side Gusset: 4.5”x20”
Bottom Support – 2 – 4.5“x6.5”

From Interfacing:
Straps: 2 – 6”x24”
Strap Loops: 2 – 6”x5”
Handle: 3”x6”
Zipper Gussets: 4 – 2.25“x15”
Bottom / Side Gusset: 2 – 4.5“x20”

From Fusible Fleece:
Straps: 2 – 1.5”x23”
Strap Loops: 2 – 1.5”x5”
Handle: .75”x5”
Zipper Gussets: 2 – 1.5”x14”
Bottom / Side Gusset: 3.5”x19”
*Fusible fleece gives the backpack body and stability, while still keeping the backpack soft. For a stiffer backpack, a substitute such as Annie’s Soft n Stable or Peltex 71F could be used.

Plastic Canvas: 3.25”x5.5”

free toddler backpack pattern

All seam allowances are 1/2″ unless otherwise noted. RST = Right sides together.

Cut out all pieces as instructed on pattern pieces. Trim the seam allowance from front/back, ear, gusset, and zipper gusset fusible fleece pieces to reduce bulk (do not trim strap, strap loop, or handle fusible fleece pieces). Interfacing seam allowance can also be trimmed if desired – I usually trim it for easier application). Apply interfacing to wrong side of corresponding pieces, and fusible fleece to main fabric pieces (see note below), following manufacturer’s instructions. Adhesive side of fusible fleece will be attached to right side of interfacing.

free toddler backpack pattern

Note: After attaching interfacing, fold strap, strap loop, and handle pieces in half and press. Open fold and attach fusible fleece adjacent to the fold on one side.

free toddler backpack pattern

free toddler backpack pattern

Press one short edge of each strap piece 1/2″ to wrong side. To assemble straps, strap loops, and handle, fold each long raw edge to center and press. Fold in half along as was originally pressed, and press. Stitch close to edge along each side, and along short pressed edge (required for strap only – strap loops and handle can be stitched along one short edge as well to avoid needing to backstitch and lift the presser foot between stitching long edges).

free toddler backpack pattern

free toddler backpack pattern

free toddler backpack pattern

free toddler backpack pattern

Fold each strap loop in half and through adjuster ring. Stitch each to bottom of back main piece as marked on pattern pieces.

free toddler backpack pattern

Thread stitched end of one strap through middle bar of strap adjuster as pictured below. Be sure right side of strap adjuster is facing upward. Overlap end 1.5″ back onto strap and stitch in place with a narrow rectangle.

free toddler backpack pattern

Thread remaining strap end through adjuster loop, and then through each side of adjuster bar as pictured. Stitch end to top of back to secure in place. Repeat with remaining strap. Center handle ends between straps as diagrammed and stitch to secure ends in place (handle was originally attached in a later step so is not in following photos).

free toddler backpack pattern

free toddler backpack pattern

RST, pin and stitch one main fabric ear piece to one fleece/faux fur ear piece along curved edges, using a 1/4″ seam allowance. Repeat for remaining ear pieces.

free toddler backpack pattern

Turn each ear right side out. Press as needed (be careful pressing if using faux fur).

free toddler backpack pattern

Pin and stitch each ear to front main piece as marked on pattern piece.

free toddler backpack pattern

Using a basting stitch (longest stitch length on machine), stitch around entire circumference of tail piece, without backstitching at beginning or end of stitches and leaving long thread tails.

free toddler backpack pattern

Pull threads on right side only, gathering outside edges toward center. Stuff opening with polyester stuffing. Close opening by pulling top threads tighter, and handstitch (can use the top threads) to secure the opening closed.

free toddler backpack pattern

Handstitch the tail to the front main piece as marked on pattern piece (use a heavy weight thread for more stability).

free toddler backpack pattern

Place zipper face down onto right side of one main fabric zipper gusset piece. Top and bottom of zipper should be 1/2″ from edge of zipper gusset piece. Stitch zipper to gusset, 1/4″ from edge.

free toddler backpack pattern

Repeat with remaining main fabric zipper gusset piece and other side of zipper. Press zipper gusset pieces flat, away from zipper.

free toddler backpack patternfree toddler backpack pattern

Pin and stitch one short edge of zipper gusset to one short edge of bottom/side gusset. Press seam toward bottom/side gusset.

free toddler backpack pattern

free toddler backpack pattern

Pin and stitch remaining short edge of zipper gusset to remaining short edge of bottom/side gusset, forming one continuous piece. Press seam toward bottom/side gusset.

free toddler backpack pattern

Pin main gusset to main back piece, matching center of zipper gusset and bottom/side gussets with notches on main back piece and matching gusset seams to side notches on main back piece. Continue to pin from the notches outward, leaving the curved edges unpinned. Clip gusset near unpinned curves, then pin in place. Stitch main gusset to back piece along pinned edge.

free toddler backpack pattern

Repeat steps above to attach remaining edge of gusset to main front piece. Be sure to leave zipper open! Clip notches into seam allowance along curves and press seam allowances open.

free toddler backpack pattern

Wrong sides together, stitch bottom support pieces together along each long and one short side. Slide plastic canvas piece into opening and stitch opening shut.

free toddler backpack pattern

free toddler backpack pattern

Center bottom support to bottom gusset and hand or machine stitch seam allowance of support to seam allowance of bottom gusset to secure in place.

free toddler backpack pattern

Press one long edge of each lining zipper gusset piece 1/4″ toward wrong side.

free toddler backpack pattern

Pin and stitch short edge of lining zipper gusset pieces to short edge of lining bottom/side gusset pieces, matching outside raw edges. Pressed lining zipper gusset pieces will be toward the center of, and there will be a 1/2″ space between the two folds.

free toddler backpack pattern

Repeat with remaining lining zipper gusset short ends and lining bottom/side gusset short end. Press seam allowances toward lining bottom/side gusset.

free toddler backpack pattern

Attach lining front and back to lining gusset using same method as instructed for assembling main front/back and gusset pieces. Be sure to pin all straight edges first, then clipping the gusset near the curves before pinning. Cut notches into seam allowances along curves and press seams open.

free toddler backpack patternfree toddler backpack pattern

Turn main backpack right side out and lining wrong side out. Place lining into backpack, matching and pinning pressed lining zipper gusset edges to wrong side of zipper. Lining zipper gusset edge should be 1/4″ from zipper teeth.

free toddler backpack pattern

Handstitch lining to zipper.

free toddler backpack pattern

free toddler backpack pattern

Topstitch along each side of zipper.

free toddler backpack pattern

Whew, great job! You made it!

free toddler backpack patternfree toddler backpack pattern

Now go fill the backpack with lots of goodies and surprise some-bunny special!

free toddler backpack pattern

free toddler backpack pattern

Outfit Details:
Sweater: H&M
Sunglasses and shirt: Target
Leggings: Old Navy
Boots: Gap Kids

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64 Comments

    1. Hi Grace! The link to download the pattern pieces is under the “supplies” section. It will take you to Craftsy, where you can download the pattern for free. :)

      1. hi.i can’t find the pattern in supplies section too.could you please send me the link to download. or step by step…thank you

        1. Hi Amy! You can find the link to download the pattern under the “supplies” section. It will take you to the pattern listing on Craftsy, where you can download the pattern for free. :)

          1. hi, I can’t find the pattern under “PDF pattern”, there is no supplies section. Kinldy send me the link to download. ;) many thanks. Emily

          2. Hi Emily! If you scroll through this post, you will see a link to download the pattern (under the “supplies” section). The link will take you to Craftsy, where you will be able to download the pattern for free! Hope that helps!

  1. Oh my goodness the cuteness continues!!! I love this. Such a sweet backpack, and your photos are really wonderfully detailed. So easy to follow!!
    Nice job.

  2. Oh gosh! This is so utterly adorable. The fuzzy ears on the underside just make it! I want a bunny backpack of my very own.

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  5. Hello, i would like to start this project, and made this beautiful backpack for my girl, she have 18 months.. But the problem is that i can download the pdf and i made myself the pattern, but i don’t fiinf anywhere the face and the back of the backpack size… I have the starps, handle, zipper, but i don’t giind the front and the back size. Can you please help me with this? Thanks a lot

    1. Hi Anna! If you click on the link in the supplies section, it will take you to Craftsy, where you’ll be able to download the pattern for free. Hope that helps!

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  8. This is one of the cutest things I’ve seen…the backpack and your little girl! This is going to be the perfect Christmas present for my daughter. Thanks!

  9. I’m in the middle of making the backpack and I love the pattern. I’ve never made a backpack so out of curiosity, what is the reason for layering the interfacing with the fusible fleece to the main fabric? Would the fusible fleece not be enough by itself? Thanks!

    1. Hi! Fusible fleece can sometimes make a fabric look wrinkly or bubbly from the right side, and the layer of interfacing prevents that from happening. Great question!

  10. Très jolis those Bunny Backpack and Bunny bag. The tutorial is very well explain.
    I click down for the free pattern for both of them but it does not activate the download pattern.
    Is it still available? Thank you.

    1. Hi! When you click the link, it will take you to Craftsy, where you can register for an account and download the patterns for free – let me know if you have any other troubles!

      1. Merci,
        It works now. I shall make it for my younger granddaughter, who loves purses.
        Also, I tank you to give us your patterns and your tutorial are very clear
        Bonne journée
        Have a nice day.
        Yolande

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  19. Love all your things but the Bunny backpack is definitely my favourite. What a great job you did. It’s adorable and do is your little girl.

  20. I just finished this backpack for my 2 year old. She loves it and it was easy! Great tutorial! I’m going to make the heart one for my nieces birthday gift as well!

    We are going to Disney in a few months, and think I will take this pattern and do Minnie mouse ears rather than bunny ears and a tail that can act as a leash type thing rather than a puff. I can imagine it now!

    Thank you so much for your work and sharing it with us! If I could figure out how to post a picture I would do it if my finished backpack!

  21. I’m almost done with the bag, had some little strugles, but in the end it will look great. I think i will make another one learning from my mistakes ?

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  24. Hello,
    Can i ask a question because I don’t speak perfectly english. Is the seam allowance included in the pattern? I want to make the backpack for next schoolyeae and understand everything, but only question that. Thanks for this lovely idea and i will sure share my result with you!
    Hannelie

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  28. I love all the backpacks! Any advice for scaling up for adult size? Or do you happen to have adult patterns? I know so many people who would love these :)

  29. I have just made two of these for my twins birthday and they love them. I used cord so didn’t use any interfacing and also didn’t put the plastic sheet in the bottom and really please the way they came out and are ready their things for nursery.

  30. Thanks for this pattern! It’s super cute. I’ve printed the PDF and I have a few questions before I start. Why does the pattern have you cut ears from the lining?

    And I would like to add 2.5in to the height of the backpack so it can fit a peice of paper and my daughter can use it for preschool, I’m planning to add 5 inches to the bottom/side gusset, do I need to add more anywhere else? Do I need to make the straps 2.5in longer?

    Thank you so much I love the finished product, I love the purple and pink, that’s what I’m planning to use too.

    1. Hi! You are correct about making the change to the gusset, and I would add the 2.5″ to the straps as well. And thank you for mentioning the lining for the ears, that is not necessary and is a misprint on the pattern piece – I’m glad you noticed it and will correct it for future downloads. I’d love to see how your bag turns out!

  31. Thank you for this pattern! Your instructions are so clear & illustrated beautifully! I’ve now made 5 of these in a month: 3 as birthday gifts for friends & 2 for my own two children!

    1. Oh my goodness, that is amazing! I’m so glad you’ve been able to use the pattern lots! If you share on Instagram I’d love to be tagged so I can see (@sewmuchado)!

  32. Great tutorial on the bunny backpack.
    I had used a different pattern and was a bit confused about the lining. Thanks for the p details
    I wish I had seen this one first. So cute

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  34. I love this cute backpack.. however, it’s taken me 2 days to figure out how to find the download. Nd print the pattern. I still haven’t been able to figure out how to print the instructions. I get kicked back into the blog everytime. There has got to be an easier way to print it. Please help.

    1. Hi Laurue! I’m glad you were able to figure out how to print and download the pattern. The instructions are formatted to be read on a computer or tablet, as we don’t offer them in a printable format for our free patterns.

  35. Hi, thanks for the pattern! To make the bag thicker, would it be okay to use fusible fleece on the lining fabric also, or a double layer of fusible fleece on the main fabric?

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