This DIY Mickey Mouse Backpack post includes sponsored links and was made for my Disney Cruise while I was a guest at the Disney Creators Celebration.
I’m deep in planning mode for my upcoming Disney Cruise. That includes trying to knock out a few quick and easy DIY Fish Extender gifts. One of the items my cruise-savvy friends recommended I pack was a lightweight backpack for port days. That got the wheels turning, and I realized I could make some Mickey Mouse Drawstring Backpacks for my Fish Extender gifts, too!
By the way, if you’re looking for how to make a Fish Extender or more information on how to find a Fish Extender gift exchange, hop over to my no-sew Fish Extender post!
How To Make Mickey Mouse Backpacks
To make your own Mickey Mouse Backpacks, you’ll need:
- Red Drawstring Backpacks
- Black and Yellow Vinyl
- Button Template
- Scissors or Digital Cutter
- Iron
- Parchment Paper
- Pin
I ended up ordering my red backpacks from a company in China, but I found some on Amazon for almost the same deal. That means you won’t have to wait three weeks for delivery like I did!
Load up my button template in your digital cutter or print it out at about 5″ long. The shape is so simple that you can easily cut this out with scissors if you don’t have a digital cutter available. If you use scissors, a straight or safety pin can help you remove the backing from the vinyl.
Place the smaller yellow ovals on top of the larger black ovals. Do your best to avoid bubbles during this step.
Carefully place your vinyl buttons onto the backpack. Cover the buttons with a piece of parchment paper and press with an iron on the synthetic setting. Avoid getting the iron too hot or the vinyl and backpack will both melt! I’m using regular vinyl here instead of heat transfer vinyl since it’s less expensive and you’re unlikely to throw these backpacks in the washing machine. Pressing with the iron helps to marry the vinyl to the nylon of the backpack.
If any bubbles appear during the pressing process, use a pin to pop them and press again. Continue this process until all bubbles are gone.
From there, your Mickey Mouse Backpack is ready to fill with gifts for your Disney Cruise Fish Extender Gift Exchange!
Want to save this Mickey Mouse Drawstring Backpack for later? Click on the photo below to add to Pinterest!
