The neighbors are outside grilling, fireworks are going off, the pool is crowded, and the school bus is coming around the corner…wait, it’s already time to get ready for going back to school? We know—it feels way too soon! Luckily, we have put together a collection of DIY school supplies that includes sewing projects for all of the back to school essentials that will have you ready for the new school year in no time.
PLUS! Make that backpack the coolest in school by adding some patches. Our page on How to Sew a Patch includes a helpful tutorial as well as tips and tricks.
Clockwise from Top Left: Mini Quilt Lunch Sack, How to Quilt a Moleskin Cover, I-Heart-School Backpack Pattern, Cool and Compact Lunch Bag Tutorial
We have tracked down a complete list of back to school sewing projects to help you and your child get ready for the next school year! No matter what you’re looking for, there are sewing projects for everyone. If your kid loves cats, try sewing them this adorable Cat Backpack Free Pattern. If your child wants a casual and simple messenger bag, this Push the Envelope messenger bag tutorial will be a hit. Don’t forget to make a Quick Pencil Case, lunch sack and snack bag, and some DIY organizers for your budding scholar!
DIY School Supplies: 50 Back to School Essentials
Backpack Patterns
Clockwise from Top Left: Plaid DIY Backpack, The Kennedy Bag, I-Heart-School Backpack Pattern, Dr. Seuss Inspired Book Bag
Which backpack you have is a big fashion statement, which is why we have fourteen sewing projects to choose from! Perhaps your child wants to show the world their passion for reading with this Dr. Seuss Inspired Book Bag or appear effortlessly cool with this Basic Messenger Bag. Whether you’re looking for a drawstring backpack, a heavy-duty knapsack, an adorable cat-shaped backpack, a book tote bag, or the classic messenger bag, we have a backpack in every possible style to choose from so your child can show off their own personal style!
Backpacks:
Pretty Little Backpack Tutorial
Cutie Patootie DIY Backpack Pattern
First Day of First Grade DIY Backpack
I-Heart-School Backpack Pattern
Messenger Bags:
DIY Pencil Cases
Clockwise from Top Left: Felt Pencil Case, Fox Pencil Case Pattern, Nifty Knotted Pencil Case, Denim Patchwork Pouch
As a quick DIY school supplies project, try sewing your child any one of these pencil pouch patterns that will definitely come in handy! We have everything from the classic Felt Pencil Case to this rad Watermelon Pencil Case Tutorial that just shouts summer. But I think our real winner here is the Monstrous Pencil Case that makes anyone wish for an excuse to carry a bunch of pencils and erasers around in this wild pencil case! Be sure to make one of these to get the prestigious Coolest Parent Ever Award!
Watermelon Pencil Case Tutorial
DIY Lunch Bags
Clockwise from Top Left: Mini Quilt Lunch Sack, Cool and Compact Lunch Bag Tutorial, Reusable Fabric Sandwich and Snack Bags, Cutlery Zip Bag
Lunch sack? Check. Snack bags? Check. Sandwich bags? Check. Cutlery bag? Check. And finally, water bottle holders? Check! Not only do we officially have sewing projects for everything lunch related, but we have a wide variety of designs as well. Make this Colorful No Sew Lunch Bag from duct tape for a super simple (and sturdy!) lunch bag that your child will love. For a more elegant and rustic option, we suggest you sew this Mini Quilt Lunch Sack that features a modern quilted design. Or, for a really funky option, try this Cool and Compact Lunch Bag Tutorial that will make your child the coolest kid in school for having a see-through lunchbox!
Lunchboxes:
Cool and Compact Lunch Bag Tutorial
Lunchbox Accessories:
Embroidered Reusable Snack Bag
Reusable Fabric Sandwich and Snack Bags
DIY Classroom Organizers
Clockwise from Top Left: How to Quilt a Moleskin Cover, Fabric Document Envelope, Binder Pouch Tutorial, Envelope It
Help your child keep track of their schoolwork with these clever DIY organizer sewing projects! These DIY school supplies are must-haves: protect your books with this cool Reversible DIY Book Cover, or make this Load-It-Up Laptop Slipcase so that your kid will never lose track of their laptop cords and accessories again. These DIY organizers are so handy you might want to make a few extra ones for yourself!
Book Covers:
Binder Organizers:
Laptop Cases:
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What’s your favorite DIY school supplies project to make? Let us know in the comments below!
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Loved the little floral green “packpack” but couldn’t find the pattern anywhere.
It’s the one called the Kennedy Bag
I love how it’s possible to DIY so much of the kids’ materials! They love having such unique stuff with them and that just warms my heart with love and motivation!