Waxed Canvas Backpack

Happy Friday! A few weeks ago at our annual cabin weekend, I had the chance to stitch up my friend Anna's newest pattern, the Range Backpack. It's now released into the world, so I can share mine!

I was excited to make this because of all the things I've sewn over the years, I've never made a backpack. I'm not sure if I would have ever made one, but I can always rely on Anna's patterns to be straightforward and fun so it was a no-brainer.


Initially I thought about using a canvas print from my stash, but decided to use waxed canvas instead. I loved working with it when I made Michael's duffle bag a few years ago. Plus, the waxed canvas doesn't have to be quilted or interfaced, so it's a win-win. I chose two fabrics from A.L. Frances, the spring green canvas for the exterior and the durango denim for the contrast bottom.

Cute little leather keychain made by Anna.


Since Jacey has to fly in for cabin weekend, I let her use my Janome. This meant that I was sewing on my Singer Featherweight. I'm not going to lie, I was nervous to stitch up a project like this on my featherweight. I'm happy to say it went great! The top-stitching isn't super neat, but considering I did the entire thing without a walking foot, I'm very happy with how it handled it. I did use a denim needle and polyester thread, as Anna recommends.


I decided to use webbing for the front closure and the straps. I'm lazy and I also love the look of webbing. I found some wide webbing on Etsy to use for the straps and used some webbing from Jacey for the front closure. I used all brass hardware, a metal zipper and a piece of leather for the hang loop. Anna has hardware kits available with different options for the metal finish and leather, here. So much easier than sourcing it all yourself!


The lining is my favorite print from Euclid by Carolyn Friedlander.


Custom labels from Dutch Label Shop.


When I finished my bag, I felt seriously accomplished. Not just because I conquered it on a tiny machine, but because it looks so sophisticated! It's always nice when projects turn out looking better than what you could buy in the store.

Find the Range Backpack Pattern, in Anna's shop, here.

Happy Sewing!