Tired of never finding the perfect backpack for you?
I was, and so I decided to create my own custom backpack from scratch.
Of course, you might make this backpack your own by editing the design to suit your backpack needs.
This post originally appeared onInstructables.
Ripstop Nylon (lining) -You should be fine using this or a similarly weighted fabric.
have a go at keep the lining light so you not unnecessarily weight down your bag.
If you’ve got the option to’t find any foam available locally check online.
You might also consider using a thin yoga mat or foam sleeping pad, available at most outdoors stores.
If you do alter the webbing widths, pick hardware that is compatible with the new sizes.
What do you like about other backpacks?
It’s okay to base your backpack off something you’ve already seen and modify it.
What don’t you like about other backpacks?
If you hate using zippers, then don’t design one into your bag!
Do you have a long torso?
Do you like a small backpack for essentials or a big backpack to fit everything plus the kitchen sink?
Consider your wants and needs before you get designing.
I like to keep my bag simple but give a specific place for objects I carry everyday.
I always carry a water bottle but with my old bag I could only store it inside the bag.
If you like to carry your pet cactus around, why not include a cactus holding pocket!
Now that you’ve spent some time thinking about your ideal backpack, it’s time to draw it.
Is it a roll top bag?
Are there internal pockets?
Again remember it doesn’t have to be perfect, as this is just a reference your own understanding.
Consider using different colors or shading to reference material changes.I noted reflective material by hatching with vertical lines.
Now start thinking about how your bag will be constructed.This is the first step to pattern creation.
I like to think of it as an exploded view.
What would it look like if all the pieces were suspended in space.
What goes after each bun?
Making a backpack is just like making a fancy sandwich that you get to wear at the end!
What fabric will they be cut out of?
What are their dimensions?
I find the most critical dimension is the length of the bag.
First gather pattern making supplies.
Just follow the dimensions provided:PDF.
If you’re creating a carbon copy of my design, prototyping isn’t absolutely necessary.
Design reality (will the drawing you made actually work in fabric?)
Functionality and aesthetics (do you like your design?
is it the right size?)
The most important thing to simulate with prototyping materials is how the fabric will behave structurally.
Colors and textures don’t matter.
You should consider a fabric’s weight and drape characteristics.
Here’s some of the changes I was able to realize after making it.
Remember to take lots of notes while making a prototype.
Draw out any changes you want to make and document how that might effect each individual part.
I marked each part with a blue dot after I altered the pattern.
Mark your new measurements in a different color to avoid confusion.
Spread out your fabric on a large flat surface, wrong side up.
ensure it isn’t double layered.
Using a straight edge when cutting with a rotary cutter can help avoid mistakes.
However a straight edge won’t help you when cutting your fabric with scissors.
Cut out all the pieces necessary pieces.
For me this meant cutting out of my cordura, ripstop, mesh and foam.
Here’s what mine looks like, for example.
Step 5: Sewing Pockets
I started sewing my backpack by preparing the front pouches.
If you did not include pouches in your design you’re free to obviously skip this step.
Take both lower main pouch pieces and follow the instructions below.
You don’t have to do this and probably shouldn’t if you aren’t using an industrial machine.
The chalk lines can be wiped off later.
This next part might get tricky because you’re sewing through so many thick layers of material.
Here’s how you’ve got the option to quickly fix them.
Start with the sides and bottom and then move to the top.
Step 20: Attaching Strap Cam Adjusters
This is the final step.
Attach the strap cam adjusters to the strap webbing.
And that’s it!
You’ve just designed and sewn your own backpack from scratch!
Test it out and see how it works.
You might even find things you’d like to change or wish you’d done differently.
I have a bunch of new features I’d like to include if I make a version 2!
Photos by Rachel Ciavarella.
Image adapted fromPublicDomainpictures(Pixabay),Nemo(Pixabay), andOpenClips(Pixabay.
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