Upcycle a Backpack into a Belt Bag!
Alright, I’m checking in to the blog with a quick and dirty project! This only took me about twenty minutes to make. If there are any eco heroines or heroes out there who feel like rescuing some thrifted backpacks and turning them into cash…this is the project for you!
Amazon sells the clasps and sliders to make belt bags, so I ordered some with some nylon straps. It all came in at around $15, and I now have materials to make a bunch of belt bags! If you are looking for a fun, quick project to sell on Etsy…belt bags are really popular right now and super fun to make.
Look for pre loved backpacks that have a pocket on the front of the outside when you thrift next, and I bet you will score some bags to use! I had an old backpack that I didn’t entirely love. The bag didn’t really have shape so I found myself not wanting to use it.
Enter the belt bag! I’ve been wanting a proper belt bag, because I love toting around items when I’m in the yard or doing stuff around the house. And a lot of my pants don’t have pockets. I looked online, and it is nearly impossible to find plus size belt bags anywhere! I did find one for $45, but that seemed way too expensive. So I made one in twenty minutes, and it probably only wound up costing me $5 all said and done!
Here are the steps quickly to upcycle an old backpack into a belt bag. I did not include steps to add the buckle clasp and slider to make it adjustable, but if you need help with that there are lots of other tutorials online. Make one for yourself, make some as gifts, or even make some to sell!
A backpack I didn’t love to use, but that front pocket was perfect for a belt bag!
Cut off the front pocket, leaving room around the pocket to be able to turn the fabric under and sew.
Break down the backpack and remove the foam and other parts. They might come in handy for another project down the road!
Fold the edges under and sew with a zig zag stitch. You will need to be sure to shift the pocket out of the way of the presser foot as you go along.
Add a strap with buckle! I will be adding a slider at a later point, so that the bag will be adjustable.
Rock your new belt bag! Make one for yourself, make some to give away, make some to sell! $$$
