Free drawstring backpack pattern: Showcase your favorite quilt blocks

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Looking for a free drawstring backpack pattern that’s easy to sew and perfect for showcasing your favorite quilt blocks?

Today I’m sharing one of my favorite ways to turn foundation paper pieced quilt blocks into something practical and fun. This free ‘Let’s go!- Drawstring Backpack Pattern’ includes two different versions: a simple backpack made entirely from fabric and a second version giving you the measurements to feature your favorite 10″x 10″ quilt block on the front.

Whether you’re sewing for a soccer fan, a ballet dancer, a nature lover, or simply looking for a creative way to use your favorite quilt blocks, this versatile backpack pattern can easily be customized for any occasion.

backpack with soccer gnome quilt block on a little boy in the park.

Why make a drawstring backpack?

Drawstring backpacks are quick to sew, beginner friendly, and incredibly useful.

Unlike traditional backpacks, they require very little hardware and can be completed in just a few hours. They’re lightweight, easy to carry, and perfect for both children and adults.

These backpacks are ideal for:

Sports practice
Dance classes
Swimming lessons
Sleepovers
Library visits
Travel activities
Gym clothes
Shoe storage

Because they are so versatile, they also make wonderful handmade gifts.

Two free backpack versions included

One of my favorite features of this free pattern is that it includes two different styles.

Version 1: Simple drawstring backpack

The first version is perfect for showcasing a favorite fabric.

Sports prints, novelty fabrics, florals, and seasonal prints all work beautifully. This version is quick to sew and makes a great beginner project.

Version 2: Drawstring backpack with quilt block panel

The second version includes a front panel designed specifically for 10″x 10″ quilt blocks.

This allows you to turn a single foundation paper pieced block (or any other quilt block) into a useful everyday item without having to make an entire quilt

A backpack requires only one feature block, making it a satisfying weekend project and a great way to showcase a special design.

Soccer-Gnome backpack

With soccer season in full swing, I decided to create a backpack featuring my Soccer Gnome quilt block.

This cheerful little gnome is ready for game day with his number 10 jersey, striped socks, soccer shoes, and soccer ball.

The finished backpack is perfect for carrying soccer shoes, practice gear, snacks, or everyday essentials.

One of the things I love most about this project is how easily the colors can be customized to match your favorite team or club.

Soccer-Ball backpack

For a cleaner and more modern look, the Soccer Ball quilt block is another excellent choice.

The geometric design creates a proper soccer ball while remaining beginner friendly for quilters familiar with foundation paper piecing.

The classic black and white version is always popular, but colorful variations can create a playful and unique look.

Beyond Soccer: Endless Quilt Block Possibilities

While the Soccer-Gnome and Soccer-Ball are featured examples, the backpack pattern can be used with almost any quilt block.

Some fun ideas include:

Sports quilt blocks
Flower quilt blocks
Butterfly quilt blocks
Animal quilt blocks
Seasonal designs
Holiday quilt blocks
Children’s favorite themes

The possibilities are nearly endless.

If you enjoy foundation paper piecing, this backpack offers a wonderful opportunity to take your quilt blocks beyond quilts and into everyday life.

Are you new to foundation paper piecing?

Here you will find my extensive tutorial on Foundation Paper Piecing.

What you’ll need

For the backpack you’ll need:

Free Drawstring Backpack Pattern
Exterior fabric: 1/2 yard
Lining fabric: 1/2 yard
Drawstring cord or fabric ties
Thread
Basic sewing supplies

For the quilt block version you’ll also need:

Your favorite quilt block pattern
Fabrics for the quilt block
Optional lightweight interfacing for additional structure

Why quilt blocks work so well on bags:

Many quilters accumulate beautiful blocks without always knowing what to do with them.

Bags are one of the easiest and most practical ways to use individual quilt blocks. Instead of making multiple matching blocks for a quilt, you can feature a single block as the focal point of a project.

This makes bags a fantastic option for trying new patterns, using orphan blocks, using scraps, and creating personalized gifts.

Frequently asked questions

Yes. The Let’s go- Drawstring Backpack Pattern is available as a free download.

The pattern is for a 10″x 10″ quilt block, but it can easily be sized up or down. So any block between 8″ and 12″ work beautifully on the backpack front panel.

A shorter stitch length, around 1.5mm, perforates the paper more and makes it much easier to tear away later. A regular sewing machine needle, size 70/10 or 80/12, works fine for quilting cottons. Change to a fresh needle if you notice the paper causing skipped stitches.

Yes. The backpack itself is suitable for confident beginners. If you’re using a foundation paper pieced quilt block, some previous paper piecing experience is helpful.

Soccer quilt blocks are perfect for backpacks, tote bags, mini quilts, pillows, wall hangings, sports themed room décor, and personalized gifts for soccer fans.

Definitely. Drawstring backpacks are practical, easy to customize, and suitable for all ages. They make wonderful handmade gifts for birthdays, holidays, sports teams, and special occasions.

Final thoughts

One of the things I enjoy most about quilting is finding creative ways to use quilt blocks beyond traditional quilts.

This free Drawstring Backpack Pattern is a wonderful way to turn a favorite quilt block into something practical, personal, and fun to use every day.

Whether you choose the Soccer Gnome, the Soccer Ball, ballet slippers, flowers, butterflies, or another favorite design, I hope this project inspires you to think beyond the quilt and create something uniquely your own.

Happy sewing!

Ingrid xx