Back To School

08/01/2018 6160 1 0

Back To School

As the new school year approaches we wanted to share our favorite school-related projects. It's all about finding creative ways to stay organized, and look good while doing it!

Got Your Back 2.0

Why settle for a boring old backpack that looks like everyone else's? The Got Your Back 2.0 pattern allows you to create something really unique and personalized, so your student can go back to school in style!

But, this backpack doesn't just look cute...it's really functional too! The bag features a front pocket with a magnetic flap and two slip pockets on the sides to hold a water bottle, or other items that you want to have easy access to.

It also has two zippered pockets, one on the back and one inside, which provide safe and secure storage for a variety of items. A fabric slip pocket with two divisions on the inside gives you even more organization!

MJ's Messenger Bag

If you're looking for an alternative to the traditional backpack, try this fantastic Messenger Bag. It's trendy design and adjustable straps means it will be stylish and comfortable. 

This bag's spacious interior is really ideal for larger text books or for carrying a laptop back and forth to school. With zippered and slip pockets on the outside and a handy pen holder, students of all ages will be sure have supplies on hand so they'll be ready to learn!

Looking for a little help making a bag like this? Annie teaches a class on Craftsy for a similar bag called the Multitasking Messenger. Click the button below for more details!

The Write Stuff

The key to any successful school year is keeping track of your busy schedule and planning ahead.  The Write Stuff is the perfect holder for a 3-ring binder, notepad, calendar or daily planner.

Parents of younger students will love being able to keep all their kid's schedules organized in one place.  Older students can use The Write Stuff to keep track of important assignment deadlines, and have reminders for sports practices, music lessons, after school activities and important events.

The pattern includes instructions for a handy accessory pouch which is perfect for storing pens, pencils or highlighters. Or, make a whole bunch for handy organization for all your school bags. They're great for holding erasers, thumb drives, student ID cards, gum or breath mints, and so much more! 

Zip It Up!

The Zip It Up case is great for containing projects and paperwork, and is a fun and stylish alternative to traditional folders.  The mesh and vinyl pockets let you see the contents within while keeping things organized and secure.

Students can easily carry these to class using the convenient handle on the spine, or throw them into a backpack or messenger bag. Click the button below to watch a short video showing more angles of this awesome bag!

Quick Zip Cases

The school year isn't complete without a classic pencil case! This easy to make project is the perfect way to store or transport needed items such as:

  • pencils, pens, markers, or highlighters
  • glue sticks
  • scissors
  • small rulers or compass
  • gum, breath mints, or snacks
  • band-aids or first aid supplies
  • feminine hygiene items

This is a quick and easy project to give as gifts to the students in your life, or a great end-of-summer sewing project for kids to make for themselves!

Just In Case

Preparing for the new school year isn't just about gathering books and school supplies. It's also a great time to get students prepared for all scenarios. Our Just In Case pattern has instructions for two sizes, either of which can be filled with first aid or emergency supplies and tossed into a backpack, locker, desk cubby or gym bag.

Aside from physical supplies, think about writing down frequently needed phone numbers or emergency contact information for use if the student needs help or if their cell phone battery has died.

If you or the student in your life is travelling away from home for school, these also make great emergency kits for the car. Useful items could include an extra phone charger, pen and pad of paper, insurance information, emergency contact numbers, auto club or roadside assistance information, tire gauge, small tools, maps, etc.  The Just In Case bag could be thrown into the glove compartment, tucked inside a seat pocket or left inside the trunk, ready for when it might be needed!

TIP: If you're looking for a case for diabetic or medical supplies, check out our Close At Hand bag!

Grab Some Grub 2.0

Looking to ditch the boring, old, brown paper bag for lunches? Then Grab Some Grub 2.0 is for you!

This recently updated pattern includes easier to understand instructions, better illustrations, instructions for making the bag using quilted or unquilted fabric, as well as giving you the option to add the iron-on vinyl laminate, Slicker, to the lining of the bag, making it easy to wipe clean!

Make lunch time a treat with this cute, completely unique bag. The Soft & Stable helps insulate the meal, and a mesh pocket inside is perfect for stashing an ice pack, napkin or utensils!


Out To Lunch

Another fun alternative for stylish snacking is the Out To Lunch bag. It looks like a cute handbag on the outside, but with a roomy interior and lot of pockets, you'll have plenty of space for all your meal-time needs.

A nice feature of this pattern is the instructions for the reusable snack bags. They're a great alternative to plastic bags and wraps and are great for crackers, trail mix, dried fruit, etc. Best of all the reusable cloth bags can be machine washed and dried!

Contain Yourself

If you're looking for a creative way to stay organized this school year, try making some fabric bins! The pattern gives you specific instructions for three different sizes, but gives handy formulas and tips for creating bins in any size.

These bins can bring some creativity and a pop of color to any bedroom or collage dorm room, and help keep clutter at bay. Use the larger bins to organize text books, binders, folders, paper and supplies. Use the smaller bins for pencils, binder clips, headphones, post-it pads and more!

Travel Essentials

This is the perfect bag for carrying your daily necessities between the dorm room and the bathroom down the hall. The handy, adjustable strap leaves your hands free for carrying other items, such as a towel.

The convenient hook allows you to hang the bag in a shower or bathroom stall, allowing easy access to the contents inside.

This bag is also great to hang on the wall next to a vanity so you have accessible storage for cosmetics, brushes, deodorant, etc., without using up precious counter space. When not in use, this bag rolls up and securely closes, so it can be tucked away in a drawer or under the bed.

Have a great school year!

We wish everyone a successful new school year and hope some of these projects will help you stay organized and ready to learn. Let us know in the comments which project is your favorite, or what other sewing projects you plan on making before school starts.

Tags: back to school info information education sew smart

Write a Comment

Previous PostNext Post

Related Product

Quick Zip Cases

Quick Zip Cases

Quick and easy to make, these handy little zippered cases are perfect ..

$5.00

Just In Case

Just In Case

These handy folding organizers feature two inner pockets made from mes..

$9.95

Zip It Up!

Zip It Up!

These streamlined zippered organizers feature an outer quilted pocket ..

$9.95

The Write Stuff

The Write Stuff

Notebook/Planner Cover and Double-Sided Accessory Pouch SMALL*..

$9.95

MJ's Messenger Bag

MJ's Messenger Bag

Carry your electronic gear, books, papers, and supplies comfortably in..

$9.95

Contain Yourself

Contain Yourself

Make these soft-sided fabric bins in your favorite fabrics and colors ..

$9.95

Grab Some Grub 2.0

Grab Some Grub 2.0

Carry all the makings for a hearty lunch in this roomy bag. A mesh poc..

$9.95