Tutorial: Vada Backpack Strap Hack

Blogger: Richelle Sangcap

Sometimes it's a good idea to bring several bags when traveling, but carrying numerous bags is often quite cumbersome, especially if young children are in tow. 

The Vada backpack is an all-purpose bag that's ideal for travel, and we're here today to share how to add a luggage strap that allows your Vada backpack to easily slide over a suitcase handle. 

Vada Backpack Strap Hack

To get started, complete the following steps before sewing the Vada bag.

Cut two rectangular pieces using the following measurements

Small: 12" x 5 1/2" (30.5 x 14 cm)

Medium: 14" x 6" (35.5 x 15.2 cm)

Large: 16" x 6 1/2" (40.6 x 16.5 cm)

 Optional: Fuse interfacing or stabilizer on the rectangular pieces.

Place the two rectangle pieces right sides together. Sew the top and bottom long edges using a straight stitch and a 1/2" (1.3 cm) seam allowance.

Turn the sewn rectangular pieces right side out. This creates the luggage sleeve. Press the sleeve. Place the sleeve on top of the bag’s back main panel 3 to 4" (7.5-10 cm) from the bottom edge of the back main panel. 

Pin/clip the sleeve and trim the edges to make it easier for the next step.

If making the bag with a back pocket, make sure that the back pocket is clipped or pinned away from the edge. 

Mark a parallel line 1 1/2" (3.8 cm) from the raw edge using a washable marker or chalk. Sew a straight stitch on the marked line and continue sewing a rectangle using a 1/4" (0.6 cm) seam allowance on the remaining three edges. Repeat on the other side.

Sew tiny zig-zags on the circled area shown to reinforce the stress points.

The bag can now be completed using the Vada tutorial.

Note: The Vada backpack featured in this blog is the large size.