Upcycle: How to Make a Pack for Your Dog with an Old Backpack

I have had a ton of requests on how I recycled an old back pack and made it into a running pack for my dog- so here is the tutorial. I made it really fast and didn’t take photos as I went along– it was really nice out this weekend (75-80 degrees!)  I was eager to hit the road running. However, I sketched out some pictures as to how I did it. If you have any questions, or make one and want to show it off- you can find me and my sewing machines on FaceBook at:

alterations by kcg

First, browse the purse and backpack section at your favorite thrift store. I look for any bag that has lots of exterior pockets.

This apple bag is really cute- but where’s all the pockets!?

Here is the backpack I chose. I love the color – it will go with a black dog perfectly- I also love all the pockets, the mesh side pocket and the details. Looks tactical!

Then, while watching Alvin and the Chipmunks with my daughter, I picked out all the stitches. I was careful not to rip or cut any zippers or the taped edge (the binding). Set all the pockets, shoulder straps, webbing, clips and any other pieces off to the side. Don’t throw anything out!

Here is where I didn’t take any photos– but here are some sketches.

After you get the entire backpack picked apart and set all the pieces off to the side, lay out the front body panel and the back body panel. Smooth out all the wrinkles and creases. Be sure to remove any loose threads.

Then I took the front body panel and the back body panel and over lapped them. Here is where you can adjust the size of the “saddle” and make it longer or shorter. It is important to get the size right here on this step- measure measure measure! I am lucky that my dog stays within a foot of me so he was a fast convenient model!

When I got the saddle size just right, I then placed right sides together and stitched across the top. Trim off any fabric longer than 2 inches for the seam allowance.

Lay the saddle flat and press the 2 inch seam allowance to one side and top stitch. I did three rows of stitching for that extra tactical detailed look!

Now it is time to get creative! I arranged, rearranged, pinned, repinned the pockets until I found the best layout. I ended up stitching the mesh water bottle pocket that was on the outside of the backpack on to the front of the saddle. I used one padded shoulder strap for the collar.

Here is my boy standing so still and letting me pin all the straps and buckles in place! I even put the water bottle in to see it worked.

I then used the binding tape to finish off the raw perimeter edge. I ran out- it wasn’t long enough so I had to improv!! I used some dark green binding tape to finish off the edge. Stitched on the straps and 1″ elastic strips and buckles.

Tryed it on Jake after it was all stitched and we went for a run. The elastic straps on the underneath allows you to cinch it down tight. I put a frozen water bottle on each side of the saddle for equal weight. It also adds a little bit of weight so that it slows this rocket dog down a little. Working dogs like jobs– Jake absolutely loves strutting around in his fancy pack. He is such a stud! He swaggers!

Good luck and post pics if you make one for you dog! If you have any quesitons, please find me on FaceBook at

https://www.facebook.com/alterationsbykcg?ref=hl

PS this is the beloved machine I used to sew the packs together! She’s a 1950 Singer. I love her.

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