This tutorial will walk you through the modifications to the Keanu Backpack pattern to eliminate the laptop pocket, converting it into a standard school size backpack.
This is a supplementary instruction to the Keanu Backpack pattern. The Keanu Backpack pattern will be required to complete your backpack. Get your copy of the pattern right here. A copy of this tutorial can be downloaded with your pattern.
Finished modified dimensions: 11” wide, 16” tall and 5” deep
Information
Please read the full Keanu Backpack pattern and this supplement before you start. The full Keanu Backpack pattern is required as it has the full backpack instructions. This supplement will advise you on any changes that are necessary to create the Keanu without the laptop pocket.
Cutting List Adjustments
The following pieces do NOT need to be cut.
| Pattern Piece | Exterior | Lining | Interfacing | Foam |
| Main | 2 | 2 | 1 | |
| Laptop Zip 22-3/4” x 1” |
1 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Laptop Gusset 28-1/2” x 1-1/2” |
1 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
Preparation
There is no lining Main to apply foam to, and skip the Laptop Zip and Laptop Gusset pieces.
Construct the Strap Anchors, Handle, and Straps
Complete all the steps to construct the Strap Anchors, Handle and Straps.
Construct the Exterior Front Panel
Complete all the steps to construct the exterior Front panel.
Construct the Exterior Back Panel
Complete all the steps to construct the exterior Back panel.
Construct the Two Zipper Gussets
- Complete the steps to construct the Gusset.
- Skip steps 7 to 10 for constructing the Laptop Gusset.
Prepare the Lining
Complete all the steps to construct the two lining Mains.
Final Construction
1. Lay the Back right side up and ensure your markings are still visible - centered at the top and bottom. With the Gusset inside out, place it on top of the Back. Line up the top center marking on the Gusset with the top marking on the Back. Line up the bottom center marking on the Gusset with the bottom on the Back. Ensure that the back straight edge of the Gusset is lined up against the Back, not the curvy front edge. Continue to line up the Gusset to the Back all the way around, easing around the corners (tuck your straps inside to keep them out of your seam). Sew baste in place with 1/4” seam allowance.
2. Lay a lining Main right side down on top, lining up the edges with the raw edges you just sewed, sandwiching the Gusset between the Back and the lining Main. Sew with a full seam allowance.
3. Place snips along the curved edges within the seam allowance and then turn the Back piece right side out through the zipper pocket. Press well.
4. Lay the second lining Main right side up and place the Back with the attached Gusset right side up on top. Line up the Gusset markings with the markings on the lining Main. Baste in place with 1/4” seam allowance all the way around the lining Main and Gusset.
5. Lay your constructed bag down so that the raw edge is against the table. Place your Front right side down on top. Your Front and Back will be right sides together. We will work with one side at a time. I start with the base, then the top, then the two sides. Using the markings on the pieces, line up the bottom of the Front with the bottom of the Gusset and sew with your full seam allowance. Then line up the top of the Front with the top of the Gussets and sew with your full seam allowance. Repeat for each side.
6. Complete one final stitch with a full seam allowance around the entire bag. Place snips along the curved edges within the seam allowance and then turn the bag right side out through the zipper pocket.
7. Pull the zipper pocket linings out, fold over the bottom edges of your zipper pockets and topstitch 1/8” from the folded edge, and press them back inside the pockets.
8. Press your bag well inside and outside.
9. Thread the webbing from the strap connectors through the strap sliders. Go from the backside of the slider, over the middle bar, then down the other side of the middle bar. Fold the ends of the webbing over twice and topstitch across the end to finish it neatly.
