Adventure Time Backpack Sew Along: Day Four – Assembling the Outer Bag

Adventure Time Backpack Sew Along - Andrie Designs

Welcome to day four of the Adventure Time Backpack Sew Along. We’ve had a short break, which I’m hoping gave you time to catch up (and catch your breath). It’s a very exciting day as we finally put together all our little bits and pieces to complete the outside of our bags. Finally, our time and energy is starting to pay off.

To recap on where we at, visit the previous blog posts:

Today we will be looking at:

  • Preparing your outer base (page 16)
  • Assembling your outer bag (pages 16 & 17)

Adventure Time Backpack Sew Along: Day Four: Assembling the Outer Bag - two pretty poppets

You will need:

  • The Adventure Time Backpack pattern
  • Pattern pieces:
    • Outer base
  • Front pocket, back panel (including attached straps) and back gusset from the previous days.
  • Piping
  • Fabric chalk/pen/pencil
  • Sewing tools of your choice (pins, clips, etc.).

Adventure Time Backpack Sew Along: Day Four: Assembling the Outer Bag - two pretty poppets

We start the day with a nice easy task: Attaching piping to the outer base. The Create and Attach Piping Quick Reference Sheet provides great detail for this, including how to neatly join the ends of the piping.

Adventure Time Backpack Sew Along: Day Four: Assembling the Outer Bag - two pretty poppets

Next we’re going to attach the front and back panels to the back gusset. Be sure that your gusset is facing the right way and the zipper is opening in the same direction as the front pocket zipper. Start by clipping or pinning the gusset to the front panel at the top centre point and end points…

Adventure Time Backpack Sew Along: Day Four: Assembling the Outer Bag - two pretty poppets

… then clip the remaining edges, easing where necessary.

Adventure Time Backpack Sew Along: Day Four: Assembling the Outer Bag - two pretty poppets

Opening the back gusset can help reduce the bulk around the machine. Don’t be afraid to stop sewing, with the needle down, and adjust your hands, squish, prod, poke, or do whatever else required to comfortably feed the bag through the machine. The following photo shows how I have squished the bag into itself when sewing the back panel to the gusset. This keeps the bulk away from the bottom of my machine, helping it feed smoothly under the foot. I even set my machine speed to slow, to avoid any temptations to race through (which never ends well…and yet I always try).

Adventure Time Backpack Sew Along: Day Four: Assembling the Outer Bag - two pretty poppets

Once the gusset is attached, double check the straps and piping to make sure it is all sitting neatly. Go back and sew over any pieces you aren’t happy with, like my very shoddy attempt at piping below. In this case, I didn’t even need to unpick. Just a quick stitch closer to the piping and I’m done.

Adventure Time Backpack Sew Along: Day Four: Assembling the Outer Bag - two pretty poppets

As with the gusset, attach the base by pinning or clipping the centres of the front, back and sides first, then the remaining edges. Stitch around the base two or three times to secure it strongly to the bag. Remember, don’t be afraid to stop, adjust, and squish that bag up however necessary to make it feed smoothly through your machine. Take your time to get it just right.

Adventure Time Backpack Sew Along: Day Four: Assembling the Outer Bag - two pretty poppets

Finally, turn the bag right side out, feed through the webbing straps and stitch as instructed in the pattern. Make sure your webbing isn’t twisted.

Adventure Time Backpack Sew Along: Day Four: Assembling the Outer Bag - two pretty poppets

Ta Dah! Your outer bag is now complete. It’s so exciting to finally see all that hard work paying off!!!

Adventure Time Backpack Sew Along: Day Four: Assembling the Outer Bag - two pretty poppets

On Monday, 11 June 2016, we will assemble our lining. We’re on the downhill run now!

Remember to post any questions, photos, hints and tips, or encouragement in the Andrie Designs Facebook group.

Until Monday.

Rachael x

One thought on “Adventure Time Backpack Sew Along: Day Four – Assembling the Outer Bag

  1. Pingback: Adventure Time Backpack Sew Along: Day Five - Creating the Lining - Andrie Designs

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