How to Reinforce the Base of a Torn Backpack

Introduction

This guide will help and assist you in repairing a backpack with a hole or tear at the base/bottom of it. As students who constantly are using our backpacks that hold our laptops, notebooks, etc., it is common for the base to tear. With that, we were inspired to not only repair it but also reinforce the structure of the base of the backpack to avoid it tearing again.

Steps 5 and 7 require Basic Sewing to fix the hole and reinforce it. Take care with the needles used to avoid piercing your fingers while repairing.

The bottom is often the weakest part of the backpack due to holding the most weight when carrying items, and we hope that this guide is helpful and proactive in preventing any future wear and tear.

What you need

Step 1 Backpack Base

How to Reinforce the Base of a Torn Backpack, Backpack Base: step 1, image 1 of 1

Pull out any excess thread that is left over from the tear.
Make sure to be careful in pulling the thread to avoid causing excess damage.

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Step 2

Turn the backpack inside out.
Carefully do this to not make the hole bigger.

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Step 3

Pin the hole together using sewing pins.
Gently pin to avoid poking or hurting yourself with the pins.

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Step 4

Thread your needle with a similar color thread to your backpack.
Tie a knot at the end of the thread.

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Step 5

How to Reinforce the Base of a Torn Backpack: step 5, image 3 of 3

Sew the hole shut, removing pins as you go.
Use this Basic Sewing guide for exact stitching.
Unpin carefully to avoid poking or hurting yourself with the pins
Tie a knot at the end to close off the stitch.
Cut any excess thread.

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Step 6

How to Reinforce the Base of a Torn Backpack: step 6, image 3 of 3

Trace an additional piece of lining with ¼” seam allowance in the shape of the backpack bottom.
Cut the fabric for the lining.
Pin the fabric around the perimeter to the base of the backpack.

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Step 7

Sew the lining to the base of the inside out backpack using the same process in Step 5.
Use this Basic Sewing tutorial as needed.
Gently sew and unpin to avoid hurting yourself with the pins.