Hey everyone!
Long time no see again but I've been really working on creating things to share rather than just creating filler posts that don't really show what I am working on.
While I was away I was working on making the back pack you see in the first image 100% from scratch!
Other than cutting a dress and hemming the edges I didn't really have any experience sewing or really making my own clothes. That being said, making this backpack was a HUGE learning experience for me.
Rather than rushing to finish I really took my time undoing seams and recutting pieces that weren't perfectly straight. Which was totally the right way to go in my opinion because making this backpack was basically teaching me how to sew in general.
Also since this was my first time making something from scratch I did follow video instructions from a girl named Wendy on Youtube. (Here is the video: 
)
After making this I really feel now that I have the confidence to start making other pieces from scratch. I also really wanted to add my own personal touches to this backpack so I mainly followed the video to figure out measurements and to get a general outline of how I should sew it together. I did things like the zippers, top handles and back straps with my own flair to not completely copy the Swedish Bag company that this was inspired by.
Key things to be noted BEFORE getting started:
- Choose a durable fabric. (Look in the outdoor furniture fabric sections or vinyl sections) You need it to hold its shape.
- Make sure to purchase long enough straps for the top and back straps.
- Not Necessary but I did it The instructions say 1.5 yards of fabric but I bought 3 yards as a "just in case" to account for any mistakes or extra pockets I would want to add.
- If you can, LINE IT with extra fabric. The excess fabric I bought was a good choice because without lining it really looked to "raw" in my opinion. I wanted it to look like you could buy it in store.
- Don't be afraid to undo seams. If you aren't satisfied, REDO IT. All these youtube videos are meant to be short and cut out mistakes anyone would naturally make.
Wish you the best of luck if you do give this a try :)
Much love everyone and I will see you with the next project!