Laptop Bike Backpack Issue #30

Holiday Craft-Off Winner: Taylor Neaman-Goudey

By Venus Zine Staff
Published: December 1st, 2006 | 12:00am

SUPPLIES (dimensions are for a 13-inch laptop) 
• one piece of fairly rugged fabric 34 inches x 22 inches for the outside (about $1, scavenged) 
• one piece of thinner fabric 34 inches x 22 inches for the lining (about $1, scavenged) 
• a bunch of old, but clean, plastic bags 
• backpack straps cut off of an old backpack ($2.99, thrifted) 
• two pieces of thick Velcro, each 1–2 inches long ($2) 
• old belt that doesn’t fit (free) 
• three rectangles of fabric 3 inches long and a bit wider than the belt (less than $1)  

OPTIONAL SUPPLIES  
• a different fun lining fabric for the flap 
• extra fabric for pockets inside 
• clasp to close the bag  

TOOLS  
• sewing machine 
• straight pins  

TOTAL COST: $8 
SKILL LEVEL: expert territory   

INSTRUCTIONS  
1. Before doing anything, decide if you want to decorate your bag. I used my sewing machine to add fun contrast stitching. Other decorations could include screenprinting and appliqué. This bag basically folds up around your computer, so remember to focus your decorations around the top and bottom of the fabric (the middle will be covered by your back when you wear it). 

2. Lay the two rectangles of fabric on top of each other so the good sides face out, and pin together. It should be about the width of your computer, plus about 4 inches of seam allowance, plus about 3 to 4 inches more to account for the bottom of the bag, up from the bottom of the rectangle. In this case, it’s about 20 inches up. Mark this spot on both sides of the fabric. Then, using a straight stitch, sew across the width of the fabric. 

3. Next, make the ribbing for the cushioned back by sewing lines straight across the fabric, parallel to the line you just made. Each line should be about 1 to 1.5 inches apart. The last line should be about 8 inches up from the first line. I have a total of six lines on my bag, or five rows. 

4. Sew the seam on one side of the bag. The line should be about 3 inches from the side.

5. Now stuff each row with the old plastic bags. Make sure to push the bags down all the way to the end and to pack them tightly. This is what will cushion your back from your laptop. The bags should be packed at least 15 inches across. 

6. Next sew the other side seam so that the rows are closed, about 3 inches in from the side. 

7. If you’d like some inside pockets, add them now. Sew the fabric for the pockets about 3 or 4 inches up from the bottom and from the beginning of the cushioned rows. Be sure to leave the seam closest to the bottom open, as this will be the top of the pocket.  

8. Flip the bottom edge over toward the inside pockets and sew. Be sure to fold your seam inside so it’s not visible. 

9. If you’d like to line the top flap of your bag, sew your fabric onto the top of the rectangle, above the cushioned rows. Then, sew the top seam, making sure to fold it under so it’s not visible. 

10. Now flip the fabric over and add your back straps. The top of the strap should be sewn about an inch above the rows. The bottom should also be an inch below the rows. Safety-pin them first to see how close you’d like them to be sewn together. Try them on for comfort. They shouldn’t be wider than 8 inches apart. 

11. If you’d like to add any type of clasp to close the bag, do it now. 

12. Sew on your fabric rectangles above the rows so that your belt can pass through. Place your laptop inside to see where the rectangles should be sewn. 

13. Flip the fabric back over and fold the bottom over the rows to where you have positioned the top of the straps — should reach to where the belt will go on the other side. Pin and sew the side seams. 

14. Flip the bag so the right side is out. Your bag is almost ready to go! Put your laptop and copy of Venus Zine inside and fold the top over to gauge where to put the Velcro closures. Unpeel and stick them on. Be sure to put a few pieces toward the top of the front of the bag for when you have a very full pack. Then slip the belt through the rectangles so you’ll have an adjustable strap. 

15. At long last, put your bag on and ride your laptop off into the sunset, back pain-free! 