Patchwork to Backpack: A Vintage Quilt Transformation

When I was given this antique quilt that had seen better days, I knew it still had more to its story. Because it was tattered and unusable, I decided to save what I could. I started by deconstructing it (you can see that video HERE), saving the Northern Light quilt blocks, and repurposing them. At the time, however, I wasn’t sure what I was going to make. I only knew I wanted to save the blocks.

To get an idea of how the blocks would work in a project, I made a small zipper pouch using the same technique I show in this video. After that, I set the block aside for many months before deciding what to do with them. I decided to give them a fresh, functional twist: I turned it into a backpack. This upcycled project combines history with everyday practicality, blending timeworn stitches with modern purpose. In this post, I’ll share the process, the inspiration, and the little details that helped me breathe new life into this beautiful old textile.

The Making of an Upcycled Backpack

Where It Began

Do you remember the old quilt my parents bought me at a thrift store for $20.00? If not, here’s a picture of it. I also made a Lessons from an Old Quilt video on this one, which you can watch HERE. I also have a blog on this one, which you can see HERE.

Deconstruction Was Necessary

It was a mess, and honestly, I wasn’t sure if I was going to be able to upcycle it or not. I started by taking apart the quilt as you can see in the video. Unfortunately, the batting used was a blanket. I couldn’t save that. It would literally disintegrate in my hands. The batting was also dry-rotted.

The Pattern & Opportunity

Soon after I took it apart, I made a small wall hanging or table mat (I use it for both). I also made a zipper pouch that is shown in the deconstruction video.

I ended up with so many blocks left over, and I wasn’t sure what to do with them until I took a class through my quilt guild using this pattern.

My Backup Backpack Plan

Now, to be honest, I was a little nervous about making this, especially in a class setting. I assumed (I assumed correctly, by the way) that the other students in the class were going to make backpacks out of traditional or, for lack of a better word, expected fabrics. I also wasn’t sure how my old panels of vintage blocks would behave. I didn’t want to slow down the class, either. Because of ALL of this, I prepped and cut two sets out—one out of the old quilt blocks harvested from this old quilt and one from traditional fabrics. I decided to make the decision at the class. This is the second set I prepped. I am still going to make this backpack. And as you have guessed (why else would I be writing this, right?), I did make the backpack out of the old quilt.

Time to Prep the Pieces!

Needless to say, I decided on the non-traditional antique quilt block, and I am so glad I did! I love how this turned out! My first step was backing all of the blocks with a woven fusible interfacing to stabilize them. Next, I trimmed them down. I didn’t worry about the points—these blocks were wonky anyway—I simply centered the blocks as best as I could and trimmed them. Easy peasy.

Making the Panel Pieces

After I trimmed them down, I sewed them together in a panel that was large enough for the front and back of the bag per the pattern’s instructions. Once the panels were big enough, I cut the sewn panels down to the correct size for the pattern. Again, I didn’t worry about cutting blocks in half. I kept it low stress. Who really cares if it isn’t perfect? The busyness of these colors and prints somewhat (mostly) hide those mismatched points, right?

Vintage Fabric Lining? Yes, Please!

I have come this far, why not continue with the vintage theme? I decided to use a vintage fabric for the lining, too, and picked this wonderful yellow print. I LOVE IT! I also love how the pink zipper stands out in that bright yellow pint.

There are a few things I encountered while using the yellow fabric. Because of its age, there is some discoloring and even stains on the fabric. This didn’t bother me, but it is something to be aware of when working with old fabric.

Accent Fabrics

Now came the hard decision: What do I use for the bottom front, the handles, and the flap? I knew this where the fabrics would get the most use, so I opted to use a modern fabric. I went all-in with the polkadots to add to the fun. I am still trying to decide if I should have went completely vintage on this one. What do you think?

And the Back!

Now I am sold on this process and want to make more fun stuff from vintage blocks, quilt tops, and more. I can’t think of a better way to honor this maker than to make something beautiful out of the blocks from an old tattered quilt. What should I make next?