drafting | Handbags | Sewing | Sewing for me

A travel backpack

April 14, 2019

Last weekend I went on the first trip on a plane I have gone on in awhile. I think the last time was maybe 5 years ago. It was just a weekend trip, so I didn’t want to bring my bigger rolling bag, and I thought a backpack would work well. I looked up the dimensions on carry on backpacks and drafted a bag that would fit those dimensions, only a little smaller.

I also wanted to make sure the quart bag of liquids was easily accessible, so I made a large front pocket. The other smaller pocket on the front was for keys, and to hold the side strap.

I took the backpack straps from an old Jansport bag that my daughter had used last year and was a bit too well used. I added webbing for a top strap and some webbing and d-rings for a side strap. I should have put the top strap on top of the backpack straps instead of underneath.

I used a Middle Earth print I purchased last year from Affordable Fabrics for the inside.

“Not all who wander are lost.”

For interfacing, I used foam for the backside of the exterior, and fleece interfacing for the front and lining.

I fully completed the exterior and interior and then topstitched the lining to the outside at the zipper.

It worked pretty well! I will say that I ripped the strap a bit after yanking it off the conveyor belt after going through security the first time. I need to do some re-stitching and top-stitching so that it holds together better. It was double-stitched, but it needed more.

It was a pretty successful first use of the bag. I will talk a bit about about my wardrobe capsule after I get some pictures taken. I wore a lot of black…big surprise I am sure! The nicest thing was that I had several outfits that made me feel awesome, and seeing as how I am about 20 lbs heavier than where I would like…that is saying something.