Learning How to Make a Waxed Canvas Roll Top Backpack

Learn how to make a waxed canvas roll top backpack with me! What should we make next?

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[sunrisetacticalgear]

My motto when designing new product is to “fail fast”. Which means don’t worry about getting it perfect the first time. Sometimes I can get half way through a project and know it isn’t going to work, but I continue on quickly. I can still learn a lot, weather it is sewing process or the fit and feel of the product. When I finish each prototype I make a list of corrections and highlight the ideas that worked and those that didn’t.
Keep up the hard work.

[myagushkid]

It's very cool when guys show that they don't get everything right the first time :) Thank you for that!

[bccabernet]

Loved this video. I want to make a roll top backpack myself. I love the idea of the side pocket, but I think I would either add another zipper or a small ring (like an o or d ring) so I can secure the zip when not in use. There are way too many people on the street who would unzip it while you stand waiting for a crosswalk light or on the bus. I'd also (for security reasons) add a zippered pocket in the back against my back to put my wallet in. I really love that you showed what worked and what didn't.. and why. Thanks for making the video!

[ixradivide]

I love that you added the side access zip.. that's a crucial feature I have been looking for and not finding

[scottmorrell]

use 1 --2 oz leather cut to 3/4 on the seams works for me when i make canvas bags

[loriechase]

Dude..iron the binding first then slide the canvas in. Like make the bend you want, then iron it, so the crease is already made, then slide the canvas edge into the fold.😊

[dukesilver]

I love what you guys are doing. Always wanted to myself but lacked the time. I always knew the skills could be learned and I'm glad to see packs returning to the canvas and leather of my youth. I didn't see a nylon bag until college and have an assortment of traditional military bags that I use for hiking, etc. good on ya. Nothing like the real materials.

[susiescrivner]

I really appreciate your videos and enjoy seeing your process. everything you share is informative and NEVER boring!

[jameskleist]

That front zipper on the lower 1/3 could have have a flap over it so it is hidden. But the bag looks good. Has a nice design with the side zipper. 👍👍👍

[TyBraek]

For my bags that use a bunch of layers I use the 5/8 line for seam allowance. It seams like a lot, but I rarely miss any layers. For me I always sew on the strap triangles to one piece (outside the seam allowance) before doing the final seam. That way it doesn't move, and you know you'll catch it in the seam.

[allisonphillip]

Very nice. You can also add the pockets at the back side but I love it

[leahreynolds]

This is the reality of making bags, lol I’m so comforted knowing that I’m not the only one going through these struggles before I can finally get it right. Thanks guys 🙏

[jonswast]

Great video Parker! It's nice to see I'm not the only one that has struggled with those darn binding attachments. I ended up making a bracket for mine that attached to somewhere other than the slide plate. You'll be surprised how well those raw edges hold up. Waxed canvas does not fray like other woven textiles. I have waxed canvas projects I made years ago, use every day, and have had no fraying. Admittedly it does look cleaner with binding. An alternative to binding would be sewing a French seam. You would sew your bag twice; once with wrong sides together and a narrow seam allowance; then you would turn it and sew with right sides together, using a seam allowance larger than the first.
My go to place for waxed canvas has been Fairfield Textiles. They have a plethora of options and their costume service is great.

[thejasonofalltrades]

Nice bag! If I may, one way to avoid dealing with binding the interior seams on a bag like this is to install a "floating" liner - basically an inside-out version of the bag "shell, " sewn to the shell around the mouth of the bag. You can leave it loose, or sew the bottom seam allowances to each other for a more secure liner. Since all of the seam allowances are trapped between the shell and the liner, no binding needed!
Also, 10.10 oz. canvas might be a little too light and thin. #10 is about 15 oz., I love that weight for backpacks and similar bags. 10.10 oz is nice for a lighter weight and feel, but for me it doesn't have the same rugged quality I'm looking for from waxed canvas.
Thanks for sharing your process, and keep up the great work!

[jestergodfield]

Looks like an apathetic green pillow with leather straps! 👌

[bear]

I use an 18 - 20 oz. waxed canvas for my bags, It'll soften up after use and won't seem as heavy. I think the lighter stuff is nice looking, new, but doesn't wear as well, over time.

[morningcoffee]

Dude. Incredibly tight video. That editing was perfect. Just the right balance between cutting out the breaths but not over doing it. All information was there without dragging at all.

[PaulGDowling]

A good honest video. Like having a trusted friend in the business.

[aaronkrall]

I've been doing a lot more waxed canvas/leather combos recently too - it's a lot of fun. They go together really well. Tote bags are a good place to start because they're easier. Excited to test out a roll-top bag soon!

[wwgbert]

Very cool bag! I bought one from Chrome that has a very similar design, I too like the zipper for "quick grab" items, my solve was a small pencil bag just inside the side zipper. In the end it was not as easy as it would be from the exterior but the bag has lasted me over 10 years because of the minimal exterior design. Keep up the great work! Congrats on your "new" full-time role with your father at Buscadero.