The Secret to Best-Selling Kids’ Backpacks on Etsy – My 4-Year Experience

If you’ve ever thought about selling handmade backpacks for kids on Etsy, let me tell you — you’re on the right track. I’ve been selling on Etsy for over four years, and one product has consistently brought in happy customers, glowing reviews, and repeat sales: personalized backpacks.

So what makes a children’s backpack a bestseller on Etsy? After hundreds of sales and countless custom orders, here’s what I’ve learned.

Simple Construction, Powerful Personalization

You don’t need to create overly complex or time-consuming designs to succeed. In fact, the simpler the base design, the better — as long as you add a personal touch.

Personalization is everything. Parents love buying unique backpacks for their kids, especially with the child’s first name embroidered or sewn onto a custom tag. It makes the backpack feel special, thoughtful, and made just for them.

Offering:

  • A variety of font styles
  • A selection of colors and fabrics
  • The option to choose their own fabric pattern

…can make your listing stand out from the crowd.

 Go the Extra Mile — It Pays Off!

One of my best-selling designs actually came from a customer suggestion. She asked me if I could use a very specific fabric for her child’s backpack — and even mailed it to me herself!

At first, I wouldn’t have chosen that print on my own, but I gave it a try. I later found the same fabric through a wholesaler — and that bag became one of my absolute top sellers. I’ve since sold hundreds of backpacks made with that same print.

Sometimes, listening to your customers and going the extra step leads to unexpected breakthroughs.

Free Video Tutorial – My Best-Selling Backpack

In the spirit of sharing, I’ve put together a video tutorial for the exact backpack I’ve sold over 1,000 times — both on Etsy and through my private shop. This design is:

✅ Easy to make
✅ Fully customizable
✅ Perfect for school, daycare, or gifting
✅ Loved by both kids and parents

➡️  Watch the video here

I truly encourage you to check it out — whether you’re a seller or a parent who wants to sew something special.

Start Sewing — and Selling!

Imagine making a backpack that brings joy to a child and brings in income for you. This pattern is more than just a sewing project — it’s a real business opportunity.

And yes, the pattern includes a license for commercial use, so you can sew and sell confidently.

Whether you want to build your own brand, start small, or simply sew a beautiful backpack for your own child — this is your moment.

Let’s Connect!

Have questions? Want to share your version of the backpack? Leave a comment below — I’d love to hear from you!

Happy sewing,
Viktoria

Tips for Successfully Selling Handmade Kids’ Backpacks on Etsy

1. Build a Recognizable Brand

Even if you’re just starting out, think like a brand!
Focus on:

  • Consistent design: colors, logo, photo style
  • Memorable shop name
  • Professional banner & profile image

Parents are more likely to trust and remember shops that look polished and thoughtful.

2. Find Your Niche

Instead of trying to make backpacks for everyone, specialize in something like:

  • Preschool and daycare backpacks
  • Mini school bags for first-time students
  • Gift sets for new babies or birthdays

Specializing builds trust and makes you the go-to for that type of product.

3. Offer Personalization in a Clear, Simple Way

  • Add the child’s first name with embroidery or a name tag
  • Offer 5–10 fabric options
  • Include a preview chart or color guide

Give customers room to choose, but keep your options streamlined to stay organized.

4. Listen to Customer Requests – They’re Gold

Some of my best-selling designs came from custom requests.
Be open to special fabric suggestions or name ideas — you never know what might become your next hit.

One customer even mailed me a fabric, which turned into my top-selling backpack ever. I later found it through a wholesaler and sold hundreds.

5. Take Lifestyle Photos

Parents want to see how the backpack looks in real life.
Try:

  • Photos with children wearing the backpack (with permission!)
  • In everyday settings: daycare, playground, nature
  • Showcase different fabric and name options

Great photos = more trust = more sales.

6. Focus on Customer Delight

Delighted parents = repeat buyers + great reviews + referrals.
Try:

  • Including a handwritten thank-you note
  • Offering thoughtful packaging
  • Being responsive and kind in messages

Parents talk – and they love sharing great finds with other parents.

Final Thoughts

Selling handmade kids’ backpacks on Etsy isn’t just a fun hobby — it can be the foundation of a profitable creative business. Personalized products are in high demand, and with the right approach, your shop can truly shine.

Whether you’re building your brand, sewing for your own children, or launching your dream shop — this is a beautiful, meaningful product to offer.

You can get the pattern for this adorable kids backpack in two ways:

🛍️ Option 1: Etsy Shop 
The pattern is available as an individual download in my Etsy shop – perfect if you just want this single project.

💛 Option 2: Patreon Membership
As a Patreon member, you get so much more value! For a small monthly contribution, you’ll have unlimited access to all my patterns – including everything from the Etsy shop and every pattern used in my YouTube video projects. It’s the best way to support my work and enjoy a growing library of creative sewing tutorials.

Choose what fits you best – but if you’re planning to sew more than one project, Patreon is definitely worth it! 😊