The part of getting ready for school that I’ve always enjoyed most is packing the backpack. This year, before loading up the actual backpack for the first day back, why not fill our Back to School Backpack Craft, too? This charming back to school project is one we absolutely love, and we hope you will enjoy it as well!
Our Free Printable Backpack Template includes every piece you’ll need, along with some hand-drawn school supplies to tuck into the backpack’s front pocket. After all, a backpack is much more fun when it’s packed with treasures. You can also add your name or decorate the backpack in any style you prefer.
Paper Backpack Back to School Project
To create this cute back to school backpack project, start by printing our backpack template.
Gather cardstock in your preferred colors, along with a black marker, scissors, and a glue stick.
Supplies for the School Backpack Project
- Backpack Template
- Cardstock – colors of your choice
- Black marker
- Scissors
- Glue stick
Step-by-Step School Backpack Project Instructions
First, print the backpack template, then trim out each piece.
Use the main backpack template to trace the large body onto cardstock in a color you select, then cut it out. Pick another shade for the half-pocket template and cut that piece out. We chose a third shade for the remaining pieces. Feel free to combine any colors you like. You’ll also need two long strips, approximately 1.5” wide, trimmed to the full length from one of the cardstock colors.
Next, spread glue along three sides of the half-circle pocket, keeping the straight top edge free of glue. Attach the pocket to the lower portion of the main backpack shape.
Turn the backpack around and secure the handle near the top.
Fold the ends of both long strips. Put glue only on the folded sections, then fasten them to the backpack’s sides.
Turn the backpack to the front once more. With a black marker, draw zipper details across the top of the backpack and along the pocket’s upper edge.
After that, attach one end of the last rectangular flap piece to the backpack’s back. Fold the opposite end over to the front and glue it down.
Draw a round button on the flap using the black marker.
To finish, cut the school supplies out of the template.
Place all of the supplies inside the backpack pocket.
You can keep your back to school backpack as it is or personalize it however you wish! Add your name, or embellish it with stickers, drawings, and anything else you can imagine!
Pin this Project!
Enjoy this project? Make sure to pin the image below on Pinterest! Also, tell us on Instagram if you created it!
Additional Back to School Projects for Children
Looking for additional back to school project inspiration? Explore our Paper Bag Colored Pencil Craft, Cardboard Roll Crayon Craft, Cardboard Roll Pencil Craft, and Craft Stick Chalkboard Craft, just a few of the many back to school projects available at Our Kid Things!
Directions
- First, print the backpack template, then trim out each piece.
- Use the main backpack template to trace the large body onto cardstock in a color you select, then cut it out. Pick another shade for the half-pocket template and cut that piece out. We chose a third shade for the remaining pieces. Feel free to combine any colors you like. You’ll also need two long strips, approximately 1.5” wide, trimmed to the full length from one of the cardstock colors.
- Next, spread glue along three sides of the half-circle pocket, keeping the straight top edge free of glue. Attach the pocket to the lower portion of the main backpack shape.
- Turn the backpack around and secure the handle near the top.
- Fold the ends of both long strips. Put glue only on the folded sections, then fasten them to the backpack’s sides.
- Turn the backpack to the front once more. With a black marker, draw zipper details across the top of the backpack and along the pocket’s upper edge.
- After that, attach one end of the last rectangular flap piece to the backpack’s back. Fold the opposite end over to the front and glue it down.
- Draw a round button on the flap using the black marker.
- To finish, cut the school supplies out of the template.
- Place all of the supplies inside the backpack pocket.
Helpful Notes
Keep your backpack as it is, or personalize it in your own way. Add your name, or embellish it with stickers, drawings, and anything else you can imagine!