Ooh Baby Baby! The Emma Backpack is here!

January 31, 2026

[Please note, this blog post includes my affiliate link for Sincerely Jen Patterns, indicated by an asterisk * after the link. I receive a small percentage from the seller if you purchase this sewing pattern using my affiliate link.]

This January I had the privilege of testing Sincerely Jen*'s latest pattern, the Emma Backpack*! Named after Rachel and Ross' baby in Friends, Emma is designed to be used as a baby changing bag, but is also perfect as an everyday backpack. I had so much fun constructing this bag and felt so accomplished when I reached the finish line!

The recommended fabric for the exterior is bonded nylon, which is a lightweight yet structured fabric with a smooth, water resistant finish, making it perfect for bag making (**see below for suggested suppliers). For my tester version, I used what I had available - Blue Hills organic laminated cotton from Cloud 9 and a medium weight waterproof nylon for the lining. The accent fabric is a soft, easy to sew faux leather.

The Emma Backpack* has two carry handles and the back of the backpack has contoured, padded straps for extra comfort, which are adjustable with simple ladder lock buckles. The little d-rings are the only other hardware used on this bag - perfect for clipping on a bag charm or little pouch for dummy or hand sanitiser.

This intermediate level pattern is built around lots of pockets to keep you organised! There's a flat zipped pocket to the front for small items like tissues or sunglasses and a pop-out zipped pocket behind, which can easily hold a lunch box or full pack of wipes, or anything you need to keep within easy reach.

Then there is a deep full width zipped pocket for anything flat, like a foldable changing mat, magazine or favourite book!

There are two elasticated side pockets for a water bottle, tall flask or baby bottle.

And there are MORE pockets inside! A zipped pocket to store items securely, two expandable, full width, elasticated slip pockets and a further slip pocket which will snugly hold a slim laptop or similar gadget. The inner seams are finished off with binding which was surprisingly easy to do on my domestic machine using a foldover elastic. It also helps to define the outer seams for added structure.

If you're wondering about the size, the Emma Backpack* is generous, measuring 15" high, 11" wide and 6" deep (or 8" if you include the pop-out front pocket). With minimal hardware, the finished backpack is lightweight and comfortable to wear (I'm 5ft 7in).