Backpack: Softgood research

researching bags

As a personal project I wanted to design and sew a backpack. I started by looking at different styles of backpack and dissecting their features and functions.

breaking down Construction

Next I researched what sewing and construction techniques different bags used to get certain forms.

selecting fabrics

For the outer material I selected a thinner but water proof material over a heavier canvas material. To compensate for this I used a soft cotton material as a backing between the outer layer and lining. I also selected a rubberized material to use selectively on the bottom to avoid tearing the thinner waterproof material. I selected a lining to have a bit of contrast with the grey exterior.

Constraints

The main goal of this bag is to learn how to construct many different features. The backpacks form will be a simple rectangle, two pockets of the front, handle on the top. and a strap across the face for attaching additional pouches. 

PLAnNING and construction

Using the various paneling and construction techniques I researched, I broke down my basic design into its subsequent components and planned out the various stitches to use and the order of operations to follow.

completed bag

This was an excellent learning experience with many challenges to overcome. I had a ton of fun breaking down the construction of the other backpacks in my research. It was a good challenge for me to design and layout all of the different paneling and then to keep track of what order I needed to sew them together in.