Lasenby Philo Bag and Mini Backpack

Buy the Philo Drawstring Bag and Mini Backpack sewing pattern from Lasenby Patterns. This two-in-one pattern can be used to make a lined drawstring bag or backpack. It has a heart-shaped peekaboo pocket on the front, and the pattern includes letter templates for adding an appliquéd name. Perfect as a PE kit bag or shoe bag.

You can also make matching child and adult backpacks by lengthening the cords!

A version with a star-shaped peekaboo pocket is available here.

This sewing pattern is available to buy in the following formats:

– PDF (available to download immediately after purchase). What is a PDF?

– PDF pattern + Printed A0 copy shop (We print out the A0 pattern sheets, but you’ll need to download the digital instructions, as we don’t print these. The PDF files will be emailed immediately after purchase, and the A0 pattern sheets will be dispatched next working day). What is Copy Shop?

Suggested fabrics: 

Fabric A (main outer fabric): Light/medium weight canvas, linen, Tana lawn, quilting cotton, twill, duck, denim, thin tweed.

Fabric B (lining fabric): Can be the same as Fabric A or D. Light/medium weight. Tana lawn, cotton, linen, bamboo, quilting cotton, twill, canvas, drill.

Fabric C (interlining fabric, optional): Cambric cotton, muslin, calico, quilting cotton.

Fabric D (contrasting fabric): Tana lawn, linen.

Fabric requirements: The lengths are generous for some of the fabrics (quantities rounded up).

Fabric A: 115 cm (44″) wide fabric: 50 cm (20").

Fabric B: 115 cm (44″) wide fabric: 50 cm (20").

Fabric C: 115 cm (44″) wide fabric: The same length as the fabric piece(s) you are interlining.

Fabric D: 115 cm (44″) wide fabric: 50 cm (20").

Sizing: W 23 cm x H 30 cm x D 0.5 cm (approx. 9" x 12" x 1/4").

Notions: 4 mm woven cotton cord for drawstring, 64 cm (25") for drawstring bag or 1.25 m (50") for children's backpack (can also use 1 cm grosgrain or similar ribbon, 0.5 cm leather, 3 mm laces, 1 cm herringbone tape, 0.5 cm handmade fabric ribbon); HeatnBond Lite (iron-on glue sheet) for appliqué lettering, 25 cm (10") square.

For an adult backpack, lengthen each drawstring cord by 40 cm (16″).

PDF pattern includes: Instructions; A4 print-at-home pattern (4 pages); US letter print-at-home pattern (5 pages); A0 copy shop pattern (1 sheet).

If you’re looking for more maker inspiration, check out the latest sewing pattern reviews from the sewing community. We also have a sewing blog to keep you up to date with all the news from the world of sewing.