It's a DIY Backpack Cover!

When I was making my way to the Handmade Movement Fair two weeks back it was pouring dogs and cats from morning til night. I remember carrying a backpack, a small umbrella and holding onto my son as we made our way up to Fort Canning from the train station. Fortunately, we didn't get wet but my backpack did. I'm sure many of us have been in these sorts of situations. So I came up with the idea of upcycling the umbrella fabric from the old Pooh Bear umbrella into a backpack cover!!

The fabric from this kiddy umbrella had a diameter of 76cm. For a tutorial on how to dismantle it from the umbrella frame, please click here.

The basics - needle and thread, chalk and measuring tape.

On the right side of the fabric use chalk to mark 1 cm from the edge.

Turn over fabric and fold along the line that you've just made. Sew with your machine.

Remember to leave a 2 cm opening.

Take elastic and measure out half of the circumference of the umbrella material. Use safety pin and take it through the tube you have just created. Sew ends of elastic together and sew up hole.

It's a great way to protect your backpack from the elements of the weather. What's more you can fold and tie it up using the umbrella's original velcro strap! It's just the right size to pop it in your bag.

19 comments

LOSTRETROMELBOURNEWednesday, January 30, 2013
Great recycling. I love the fact that when the weather is grey and miserable.....this backpack will be very visible.
NueyerWednesday, January 30, 2013
That's a fantastic upcycling idea!!
KJ@letsgoflyakiteWednesday, January 30, 2013
Very, very clever! I have so many broken brellies, it seems such a shame to waste the fabric. Fantastic idea.
Lea/kiertoideaWednesday, January 30, 2013
Clever you!!!!
TaraThursday, January 31, 2013
Very cool!
JillThursday, January 31, 2013
What a great idea for the old kiddie umbrella Agy!!
Pam @Threading My WaySunday, February 03, 2013
Very clever, Agy!!!
AnonymousWednesday, February 06, 2013
What an awesome idea!!
Heather FeatherThursday, February 07, 2013
Ha ha awesome! I never would have thought of that, but it seems like it does a great job!
Thanks for linking up!
the cape on the cornerFriday, February 08, 2013
how clever! i love how you folded it and made it more portable. a truly unique creation!
Madeline HengFriday, February 08, 2013
Awesome idea! Now I know what to do with my old umbrellas :)
Pamela TanWednesday, April 10, 2013
Love this idea! :) Now I know why I kept those old fabrics from broken umbrellas! :p
DeeceFriday, April 19, 2013
That is so smart! We are moving to a very rainy place soon, I will definitely make a few of these. Thank you!
CucicucicooFriday, April 19, 2013
this is such an awesome idea! we're now out of the rainy season, but my daughter's backpack gets wet regularly coming home from school. i'm so doing this and have pinned! thanks for sharing! :) lisa
DonneinpinkFriday, March 28, 2014
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AnonymousWednesday, January 06, 2016
Did this as a project during the holidays and I absolutely adore the result, especially after being so sad when the umbrella broke since I loved the design of fabric. Fantastic idea, thanks so much for sharing!