Author: Yasuko Mizuno
Translator:
Hsin-Peng Chou
Publisher: Yashodo
Publication Date: 2023/06/27
Format: Paperback / 88 pages / 21 x 26 x 0.67 cm / Standard / Full-color printing / First edition
Book Description:
Learn to make your own backpack for the first time!
This is the ultimate instructional guidebook for backpack-making secrets and techniques—just what you need!
- "How to choose fabric for your backpack?"
- "A thorough analysis of pocket types & sewing methods!"
- "How to design the opening of the backpack?"
- "Want to learn how to make shoulder straps?"
These are the four main questions that beginners eager to learn backpack-making most want answers to.
Renowned Japanese handmade bag designer Yasuko Mizuno has specially organized the key points for "Backpack Making."
In this practical guidebook, you'll find all the answers you need!
◎ Five essential lessons for beginners to make their first backpack
■ Lesson 1: Choosing Fabric
Starting with how to select fabric for making backpacks, focusing on single-layer fabrics that are practical and safe without lining.
Different materials vary in thickness and weight, so considering practicality, a comparison from all aspects is essential. Choosing fabric is the first step in bag-making.
■ Lesson 2: Handling Seam Allowances
To prevent frayed edges after sewing, finished edges are finished with bias tape or piping. This lesson introduces basic techniques for applying bias tape and perfect seam allowance finishing.
■ Lesson 3: Backpack Openings
Openings are generally divided into four types. Considerations include opening direction, ease of opening, and convenience of use. Learning to design and make these is essential for beginners!
■ Lesson 4: Shoulder Straps
An indispensable part of a backpack, used for carrying. Since preferences and habits vary, creating original handmade straps allows for customization. Different fabrics can be used to make various styles and qualities of straps.
■ Lesson 5: Pockets
Designing pockets involves deciding where and how large they should be, based on the items you plan to carry. Thinking about practical items to carry when going out is the key to designing functional pockets—this is the greatest skill in bag-making.
This book includes detailed, step-by-step illustrated instructions for making backpacks, along with two full-size paper patterns. Following Yasuko Mizuno’s five essential lessons, even beginners can confidently create their desired styles. These practical backpacks are perfect for casual outings. Feel free to make multiple bags in different colors and styles, using the design techniques in this book to craft your own personalized bag that suits your needs!
Table of Contents:
Lesson 1: Choosing Fabric… P.4
- Fabric for seams / Using cushioning fabrics / Needles and thread / Water resistance considerations /
- Zippers and straps chosen with your preferences in mind
- Mini backpack, single-layer with lining… P.9
Lesson 2: Handling Seam Allowances… P.17
- Bias tape (commercial bias tape / double-fold bias tape techniques) /
- Sewing methods (basic sewing / sewing at bias tape edges)
- Drawstring backpack, eyelets, and drawstring fabric… P.20
Lesson 3: Backpack Openings… P.27
- Zippered edge openings / Side openings with zippers / Top openings with zippers / Openings without zippers
- Flap cover opening backpacks… P.38
Lesson 4: Straps… P.43
- Using webbing / Making straps / Trapezoid rings for strap attachment / Strap attachment points
- Flap-top backpacks / Roll-top backpacks… P.45
- Square backpacks… P.51
Lesson 5: Pockets… P.56
- Patch pockets / Insert pockets / Square pockets / Side pockets
- Arc-shaped backpacks with hidden zippers / Exposed zipper openings… P.69
- Frame clasp backpacks… P.75
Appendix: Two full-size paper patterns
