r-anne-dom : a place for me (anne) to leave random blog posts.
Such as:
..knitting, sewing, and other random activities pursued
..Girl Guides of Canada : yep, Guiding Lives Here
..the 4 shops on Etsy : one features quality handmade items; the second has lots of patterns, & crafting supplies; the third is stocked with Vintage; and the fourth is guiding flowers.
Enjoy the r-anne-domness!

May 12, 2016

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 
and here at 

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!

8 comments:

  1. This is great - and you make it look so easy! I'd love it if you shared it at the DIY party on the Pleasures of the NW.

    http://www.pleasuresofthenw.com/diy-party-no-5/

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  2. This is a super cute bag. Great idea. I would love to have you link up with us at Family Joy Blog Link Up Party this week. Check it out http://thinking-outside-the-pot.com/?p=2505

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  3. It came out great! I wish I knew how to sew.

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    1. I learned as a girl and I'd like to think that if you get a sewing machine - even from a thrift shop - that there are probably lots of YouTube videos to help you get started. Or if you buy from a sewing shop they probably offer lessons. :) Try it! You'll like it! :)

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  4. What an awesome project, Anne! Thanks for sharing with #SocialButterflySunday! Hope to see you link up again this week :)

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  5. Wow - you make it look so easy! Thanks for sharing on the Pleasures of the NW's DIY party!

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