Adventure Time Backpack – The Dreaded Step 14 (LOL!)

I’ve noticed a couple of people stalling at step 14 (page 8) of the Adventure Time Backpack pattern… Expressions such as ‘what on earth?!’, ‘HUH??’, ‘I don’t GET this!!’, and probably some even more incriminating profanities, have most likely been uttered at this point in the pattern. I’d also be willing to bet a few people have developed a closer bond with Mr Seam Ripper as a result.

However! I can assure you this step is actually super simple and after you’ve done it once, you’ll be wondering how on earth you got stuck on it in the first place. To help you through your first time (you can do it!!), I’ve broken down the step even further and described the process below.

If you have NO idea what pattern I’m talking about, or would like to find out more about the Adventure Time Backpack pattern, you can find it here.

The pieces I have used for this example are as follows:

• Black fabric – OUTER
• Yellow fabric – LINING
• Pink fabric – ZIPPER TABS
• Pink chunky zipper

Up to Step 11

Prepare your front gusset as directed in the pattern.

Attach your piping if applicable (Step 12).

Step 13

Attach the front gusset to the outer edge of the front panel outer as directed in the pattern using a 1/8″ (0.3cm) seam allowance.

Once attached, and you’ve taken a moment to ooh and aah over your amazing in-progress creation (go on, you know you want to!), ensure the panel is lying on your work surface as shown below. The outer fabric for both the front gusset AND the front panel outer should be right side up, and the fleece/foam attached to these pieces should be right side down.

Next, completely open up your zipper!

Fold the front gusset and attached zipper tabs over and onto the right side of the front panel outer, and clip to hold them out of the way.

Keep your front panel outer right side up on your work surface. Lay your front panel lining down next to your front panel outer, also right side up (and orientated the same way as I have). Flip the front panel lining up, over and onto the front panel outer so both front panels are right sides together.

The front gusset and zipper tabs should still be folded in to the centre of the front panel outer, and now nicely sandwiched between the front outer and lining panels. Match raw edges around the curve, ensuring the zipper teeth are tucked IN to the centre of the panels.

Pin/clip the curved raw edges leaving the bottom straight edge open. Remember, the front gusset and zipper tabs should still be folded inside the front outer and lining panels.

Stitch to attach using a 1/4″ (0.6cm) seam allowance and clip the curve.

Turn panel right side out and unclip the gusset.

Roll the seam out, press well from both the outer and lining sides, and top stitch using a 1/8″ (0.3cm) seam allowance.

And just like that, you have a beautifully constructed front gusset/front panel piece! Continue with the pattern from step 15 (page 9) and you’re away laughing!

How easy was that! If you have any further questions, feel free to comment below. Alternatively, if you found this post helpful, feel free to comment below and let me know!

Until next time, happy sewing! Lisa x