How To Make Book Bags for Preschool Children

To make a simple book bag for your preschooler, you will need one half yard of fabric. You may use any type you like. Denim or upholstery fabric is the most durable.

Cut one piece of fabric measuring 14 inches by 28 inches. Fold with right sides together making a 14-inch square. Sew up both sides of the bag. Turn back the top edge one-quarter inch and sew down. Turn down another inch and sew down, leaving an opening in the back and one in the front to insert the drawstring, or sew completely closed if you prefer to add handles.

For the drawstring bag, you will need some rope or cording the length you would like your handles to be. Insert the string in the casing at the top of the book bag. Tie ends together. Pull out string at both ends to tighten.

For the book bag with handles, cut two pieces of fabric 4 inches by 24 inches, depending on the size of handles you prefer. Sew the two pieces right sides together on the longest side. Turn right side out. Attach each strap to book bag on the inside of back and front of the bag. You may do this in one of two ways. For handles that cross the bag, you will put one end of each strap on the front, and one end of each strap on the back. To make handles that allow the bag to completely open, attach one strap to the front in two places, and one strap to the back in the same two places.

Another way to attach a handle is to make one long, over the shoulder strap. Cut desired length and attach one end of the strap to each end of the bag inside at the side seams.

To give as a gift to a preschooler you know, you could add some fun items. You might want to add a coloring book or two, some crayons, pencils, notebooks, pencils, erasers, colored pencils, scissors or any other supplies that would be useful to the preschooler.

Another great thing to add to your preschooler's book bags would be some age appropriate books for them to learn to read. If you are giving as a gift, you could also include some treats. Healthy treats like raisins would be a very good choice.

The children are very happy to receive these items to keep as their very own. You will feel good knowing that you have helped this child look forward to a better educational experience.

You can also use these ideas to make your own reusable grocery bags.