Tutorial: Bag or Backpack

Tutorial: Bag or Backpack

This is going to be a bit of a non-tutorial.

I found 2 great tutorials for making a backpack here at 

4 P's in a Pod Backpack Tutorial

and here at 

The Ribbon Retreat Backpack Tutorial

So I thought, why reinvent the wheel?

So this isn't really a full tutorial.

But I did want to show you what I did differently!

In case it inspires you to design a backpack just for your own specific needs.

Mine, as it turns out, isn't a backpack!

I added purse-like straps instead. 

It suits my needs.

So if you want a full tutorial, please visit either 4 P's in a Pod or The Ribbon Retreat.

Now, what did I do?

First I wanted the main zipper to be just like in the backpacks in the 2 tutorials. 

So I did that.

Second, I wanted one large pocket on the back to hold my bug-net head covering.

So I made sure to add one.

Third, I wanted 2 pockets on the front where I could keep my sunglasses and gloves handy when I need them.

So I added them.

One of my other backpacks had this type of closure on an outside pocket, so I incorporated that into my design.

Fourth, just for fun, I added a large pocket inside.

And, because I wanted to challenge myself even more, I added a small pocket to the inside side wall.

I wrote myself a note to remember to add the straps because I hadn't yet decided if I was going to make the straps or use webbing.

And guess what? 

I forgot.

So I had to take a bit of the stitching out here:

to add the straps.  Oops.

I also added interfacing to the 2 main body pieces and to the green main zipper piece.

I meant to add it to the sides and bottom but I forgot.

Here are a few more construction photos:

I'd been mulling this idea around in my head for a few months.

I cut out the pieces one day and then sewed it all together the next day.

I really did take my time so as not to make any mistakes in sewing things in the wrong order and other than the straps, I did just fine.

Here is the pattern size I used:

I hope this inspires you to make your own bag!