Upcycle Dog Carrier Backpack

Last winter when we were snow birding in the southwest, we used my backpack to carry our small dog around while on day trips. This fall I decided to make Lyla a dedicated carrier using a thrift store denim skirt my daughter had abandoned. It looked like the right size and shape for the purpose.

I also had some yellow strapping purchased years ago at a fair trade sale. The tag says it was woven in India. The narrower blue strapping and the white toggle were in with my sewing supplies. The only thing I had to buy was the “strap adjuster”.

The first thing I did was undo the hem of the skirt. I trimmed some of the fabric off and zig zagged the edge using my sewing machine.

Next I turned it inside out and sewed the bottom shut.

In order to have a flat bottom, I sewed across the bottom at each side. I also cut out the metal button closest to the bottom, and then had to sew on a scrap of fabric to cover up the hole.

It seemed like it needed a lining. I found some blue and white striped fabric on hand, cut out pieces in the same shape as the skirt, and sewed it together to match the denim.

I pinned and and hand stitched the lining and straps in place. I also machine stitched across the back to make sure the straps were secure.

Once the lining was attached, I wanted to try it out. The dog knew something was up and hid under the dining room table when I tried to put her in the bag. I caught her off guard later, and got her inside. She seemed to settle in and looked peaceful, and did not try to get out, when I sat on the sofa with her in the bag on my lap.

I looked at how the straps worked on the back of my regular backpack, and then attached straps to my home made bag with the same technique, using the “strap adjuster” I bought online. I found a tie (that may have been pulled out of a hoody sweatshirt) and threaded it through the waistband, so I could cinch the top closed tighter.

Voila! This bag can be used for the dog or for other things.

I will probably have to chase Lyla around when she sees the backpack coming out, but once she is inside she will be safe and cozy on long hikes or outings.