Fussy Cutting for Knot+Thread Backpack Patterns

I love to incorporate fussy cutting into all of my sewing projects. It was no different when I made the Violet backpack by Knot+Thread.

If you don't know me, I'm pretty obsessed with novelty fabrics. Novelty fabrics are the ones with the silly stuff, cute animals, fruit with faces, anything quirky and fun.. I must have it! I pride myself on having a great collection of novelty fabrics in my online quilt shop and fussy cutting is the best way to showcase those adorable fabric designs.

The front zipper panel of both of Knot + Thread's backpack patterns is the perfect place to incorporate a fun fussy cut panel. Grab the pattern over from Knot+Thread then come back here for all the details for making the cutest backpack even cuter. Kaitlyn offers this backpack in 2 sizes, the smaller version (pictured): Violet and a larger version: Archie. Here I'll include the measurements to include a fussy cut panel for both sizes.

Supplies needed:

• Violet or Archie Backpack pattern by Knot+Thread
• Tiny fussy cut templates by Fabric Pop
• Lightweight interfacing
• Rotary cutting mat and blade: I recommend a 28mm blade whenever you are cutting small pieces
• Fun novelty fabrics! If you need a stash booster, check out my fat eighth bundles and scrap packs

For both the Violet and Archie, we will be using the middle template in the set. These will finish at 1.5". Have fun searching your fabrics for the cutest designs to cut out. Think of your template as a magnifying glass, focusing on the center square to see what your cut will look like when finished in your project. The outside frame of the template represents your ¼" seam allowance.

Use middle template in the set.

To make your panel, you'll need to cut the appropriate number of squares, sew them in a grid then trim it down to the finished size. See chart below for measurements.

Trimming reference: Violet panel will need to be trimmed approximately ⅛" on all four sides. Archie panel will need to be trimmed approximately ⅜" on top and bottom and ½" on left and right sides.

Including a fussy cut patchwork panel is easy and fun to do. Watch this video for a detailed tutorial on how to sew your little squares together into a panel with perfectly aligned corners.

Be sure to follow along on Instagram this coming week for more fussy cutting fun for the #backpackbackpakcsewalong2025 with Knot+Thread!