I’ve had this backpack pattern in my stash for a couple years now, but it’s always been on my list. I’m a newbie when it comes to bag making, having only really tried 3-ish bag patterns since I started sewing, and a new pattern like this was definitely intimidating but so worth it in the end.

*This fabric was provided to me for free as a Minerva Brand Ambassador. This pattern was provided to me for free as a member of the #sewmystyle2019 leadership team. All views and opinions are my own.

Fabric

I used a cotton canvas from the Arizona After collection by Art Gallery Fabrics (gifted from Minerva) for the exterior and a solid colored quilting cotton for the interior. The quilting cotton was from my stash and I’m so glad it matches the canvas so well. Because the backpack pattern actually calls for heavier fabrics, I ended up interfacing the interior fabric which I would highly recommend doing. It adds much needed structure to the interior pockets as well as the backpack as whole.

I also used lightweight batting to the straps to give them a bit more padding. It’s what I had on hand and I’m glad I also took this extra step. It makes turning the straps a bit more difficult, but I knew I’d regret it if I didn’t. If you’re going to use this backpack for longer/heavier loads, I would definitely add extra padding.

Notions

One of the most intimidating parts about bag making is sourcing all the hardware. Lucky for me, I planned ahead and was able to find everything I needed online through Wawak (my go-to source for notions). They don’t have a ton of color options, but I was pretty happy with their natural webbing and nickel hardware for this print. If I were to stray from these color options, I’d probably still have this project on the backburner just because it really adds up to get these supplies from so many different shops. Alternatively, you can always order the hardware kit from Taylor Tailor.

Pattern

I really enjoyed making the Desmond Roll Top Backpack pattern. It’s the only pattern from Taylor Tailor currently, but I’m ready to purchase any future patterns he releases. It’s a very well written and illustrated pattern and the online sew along with full colored pictures is the perfect supplement. It’s actually not all that difficult and I’d say that anyone that can sew a straight line can make this bag. The only really difficult part of this pattern was deciding on fabrics and hardware.

If you’re looking for a bag like this, I would highly recommend this pattern. Just keep in mind that you may want to adjust the straps for longer/heavier loads (i.e. add extra padding, draft contoured straps). Because I can’t handle heavy loads for too long anyway, I can definitely see myself using this bag for all my travel needs.

For this bag, I hand sewed my This is the Way label to the front pocket. I was envisioning this combo from step one and love how it turned out. I can’t wait to actually get more real world use from this!

Read more about this make over on my Minerva post and be sure to give me a follow while you’re there.

Have you made this pattern yet? What are your favorite bag patterns?