Are you looking for a way to store your valuables without anyone noticing? Maybe you have a stash of cash, some important documents, or a few pieces of jewelry that you don’t want falling into the wrong hands. You've heard of hidden compartments in furniture or secret hiding places in the foundation of a house, but how about something a little more portable that you can take with you wherever you go?
Start by cutting out two pieces of fabric that are slightly bigger than the pocket you want to make. Next, use iron-on adhesive to attach the two pieces to each other and sew it around the edges to secure the pocket.
Introducing the secret pocket! With a few simple steps, you can make a secret pocket for your bag to keep your most precious items safe. You'll never have to worry about losing your things or someone else accessing them. This is the perfect solution for anyone who needs a little extra security. Read on to find out how you can make your own secret pocket in your backpack!
Table of Contents
Materials Needed to Make a Secret Pocket
To make a secret pocket in your backpack, you will need fabric (canvas, cotton or fleece), scissors or rotary cutter, tape measure and tailor's chalk or a washable fabric pencil. Optionally, you can sew in a Velcro fastener or sew on press studs to make the closure more secure. The choice of thread color is crucial. You can combine colors or use neutral ones like black or white for a subtle finish. Before you start, make sure you have all the materials to avoid interruptions during construction. The right sewing supplies are crucial to the success of the project.
Sewing Supplies
Sewing supplies are an important part of a secret pocket in your backpack for extra security. The most important requirement for a sewing project is the right threads and needles. Choosing the right thread depends on the kind of fabric you want to use. Each material also requires a different type of needle. For instance, heavier fabrics usually require needles with larger eyes, while sheer fabrics such as chiffon require needles with small points that are specially designed not to damage the fibers. Also consider investing in a thimble if you don’t have calluses on your fingertips—it can make piercing the needle through multiple layers much easier and more comfortable.
At the very least, you should get some basic hand sewing supplies like pins, tape measure, a water-soluble marker, and scissors. You should also get a good quality seam ripper to quickly remove stitches if needed and an awl to punch holes in thicker or denser materials. Depending on the project, you may also need: fleece or fusible webbing to reinforce the fabric and add dimension, safety pins to temporarily baste the pieces together, a French curve ruler, tailor’s chalk, different types of buttons, special snaps or hooks, and so on.
Now that you have all the necessary materials for a secret pocket in your backpack, let’s talk about the zipper and lining material—two essential components for the successful completion of your project.
Zipper and Lining Material
When deciding what type of material to use for the lining and zipper, there are many options. Some people prefer oilcloth because it creates a waterproof barrier. Others prefer canvas or twill as this is extra durable. Ultimately, deciding which material is best for your needs is entirely subjective.
It is important that you also think about the size of the zipper when making your decision: make sure that it's long enough and wide enough to securely store the items in the pocket. A thicker zipper is more secure and durable than a thinner one. If you want extra security, take two zippers—one at the top and one at the bottom—to make items even more difficult to access when the pocket is closed.
Choosing between different types of lining materials can be a difficult decision. If you're looking for something that is water resistant and can clean afterward, an oilcloth may be your best bet. Canvas is sturdy and great for storing items, but it may not be as breathable and lightweight as some other fabrics you can choose. Finally, twill is lightweight and often has a nice texture that makes it look attractive in a backpack.
Overall, choosing the right combination of materials for your secret pocket depends on your particular needs—choose something that best suits your specific requirements and budget. While there is no one material that will work best in all situations, a strong zipper and lining will increase the security of your secret pocket. Now that you know what sewing supplies and materials to use, you can start making your secret pocket in your backpack.
How to Make a Secret Pocket in Your Backpack
When making a secret pocket in your backpack for extra security, zipper and lining material are essential components. Depending on how much space is available, you can either use a zipper or a Velcro flap. If you use a zipper, it should ensure that no one can get into the pocket without your knowledge and permission. The lining material should be waterproof and thick enough so that no one can feel the contents of the pocket through the outside of your backpack.
If space allows, the use of a zipper is generally recommended as it offers a higher level of security than a Velcro flap. They are not as easy to open or tamper with, especially if a locking mechanism is used. Also, zippers come in different sizes and lengths, so you can provide extra protection against prying eyes depending on the size of your secret pocket.
On the other hand, there are people who prefer a Velcro fastener to a zipper because it is convenient and quick to open and close. It is not as secure as a zipper, but properly fitted Velcro is usually sufficient to protect the items in the pocket from thieves. In addition, a Velcro fastener can provide extra protection from rain or moisture when used with waterproof lining material.
When choosing a zipper or Velcro closure for your secret pocket, you should carefully weigh the pros and cons to determine which closure offers the best security for your needs and situation. Whichever option you choose, it should provide adequate protection so that you can be sure that the valuables stored in your secret pocket will remain safe and secure.
Now that you have chosen the ideal closure system for your secret pocket, you need to think about where you will put it in your backpack.
Where to Place Your Secret Pocket
Once you have determined the size and shape of your secret pocket, it is time to find a particularly spacious part of the backpack to set up your stash. Since backpacks come in all shapes and sizes, it can be difficult to decide where to place this security feature. If you want to store more valuable items such as wallets or mobile phones, there are some places inside the backpack that work well, such as the bottom of the main compartment or the back panel. However, these areas tend to be stiff, making it difficult to fit a secret pocket without compromising space for other items. On the other hand, pockets near the outside of the bag are great for adding a hidden pocket as they are often already lined with extra material and look less obtrusive when filled with items.
The side pockets on either side of your backpack are also great for stashing a secret pocket that is not visible. Although they are usually smaller than the compartments closer to the back of the backpack, they are often quite spacious and provide easy access to everything stowed inside! By keeping both the placement and size of the compartments in mind, you can maximize your security features while maintaining your stealth.
Now that you have figured out exactly where you want to set up your hidden compartment, it's time for the next step: closing and hemming your bag to make it extra secure. If you sew this stash cleverly, you can ensure maximum protection for all the items inside.
Closing and Hemming the Secret Pocket
Once you have found the particularly roomy part of your backpack where you want to sew a secret pocket, it is time to close and hem the pocket. This step is essential to secure the secret pocket and give it the finished look you want.
Although hand sewing is an option, you can also easily do this task with a sewing machine. If you are sewing a pocket for the first time, you should choose a relatively simple fabric such as cotton or hemp as these fabrics are forgiving of mistakes. To ensure accuracy and a professional result, mark out the edges of your bag with tailor’s chalk or tape before sewing.
Once you have fixed your fabric, start closing the seams. Start by sewing about 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) along the curved edge of the fabric. You can sew backwards at the beginning and end of this line to make sure it doesn’t unravel over time. Once the curved edge is finished, turn it right side out and press flat with an iron.
Now fold the top edges of the pocket over and sew them in place. But don’t forget to leave a little space on both sides so that your secret pocket stays open and ready when needed. Use the same thread as your project for a neat finish. If you want an even more intricate look, you can also use piping along the exposed seams, but make sure it's not too bulky. Adding decorative stitching along the front of the pocket will give it a neat finish and can also be used to secure items inside the bag.
Take pride in the fact that you have created a unique product that allows you to safely store your belongings or personal documents on the go!
Frequently Asked Questions
To ensure that a secret pocket is safely hidden in your backpack, you should make sure that the bag is in a place that is difficult to access or discover. For example, try to place the bag between two stiff panels at the very bottom of your backpack so that it cannot be easily spotted by casual observers.
Also, use materials that harmonize with the rest of your bag, such as similar colors and textures. If you are storing important items such as money and jewelry, attach a small lock to the pocket to further protect the contents.
What materials do I need to make a secret pocket in a backpack?
You will need the following materials to make a secret pocket in your backpack:
- A piece of durable fabric in the color of your backpack—it should be thicker than normal fabric and have a firm weave.
- A zipper or snaps that match the color of your backpack.
- Sewing machine or needle and thread.
- Scissors or rotary cutter if you’re using a fabric with a pattern for more accuracy.
- Measuring tape and pins to align the pieces correctly before sewing them together.
- Iron to iron out any creases from the fabric pieces (optional).
- Velcro strips on the back to attach the secret pocket to your backpack (optional).
By gathering all these materials, you will have everything you need to confidently and effectively create the ideal secret bag for your backpack.
Is it safe to use a secret pocket in your backpack?
Yes, it can be safe to use a secret pocket in your backpack if you take the necessary precautions. First, make sure you choose a place for the pocket that is difficult to access from the outside—this could be seams and pockets on the back or inside of the backpack. If possible, buy bags with zippers or locks for extra security.
It is also important that you store items in the pocket that do not compromise security. These items should not be easily visible from the outside and should be kept small enough that they cannot be detected by touch. By following these steps, you can effectively and safely store your belongings in a secret pocket in your backpack.