Years ago, I had a really cool sling backpack, but like the idiot person that I am, I threw it away when the zipper came off. I didn't realize at the time how rare it was (the stinkin' strap connects on the "wrong" side). Now, I'm thinking about trying to recreate it, but I'm not sure exactly how to go about it. I've got a whole bunch of questions that I'll try to break down into sections.
Design: The basic look of the bag is something like this or this. The biggest difference is that I want to reverse it so the strap connects on the other side of the bag (which means that the bag would sit on the left shoulder instead of the right). It also needs to big enough inside to fit a 1" binder.
I finally managed to find a bag with the strap on the right side, but it's too small at the top to hold a binder. I've been trying to create a pattern based in it, but without taking it apart, I don't know what the seams look like.
Beyond that, I really don't know what material I should use. My only comment is that I would prefer something less cloth-like" in favor of something more like a tent (nylon?).
Design: The basic look of the bag is something like this or this. The biggest difference is that I want to reverse it so the strap connects on the other side of the bag (which means that the bag would sit on the left shoulder instead of the right). It also needs to big enough inside to fit a 1" binder.
I finally managed to find a bag with the strap on the right side, but it's too small at the top to hold a binder. I've been trying to create a pattern based in it, but without taking it apart, I don't know what the seams look like.
- Could someone please explain how to create a pattern based on measurements from a finished bag (if it's even possible)?
Beyond that, I really don't know what material I should use. My only comment is that I would prefer something less cloth-like" in favor of something more like a tent (nylon?).
- Is duct tape a sturdy enough material to be used for making a backpack for daily use?
- If not, what would be a suitable material?
I always make patterns in newspaper first - pin them together and see how they work - I'd do that to get your backpack shape and design. Switching the designs you see from right to left shoulder is a no brainer - just reverse the shape.
To get the pattern in the right size draw a square of the minimum dimensions (i.e. the binder) you need then draw the shape (ie the triange) around the outside, thus ensuring you have a big enough bag.
I'm definitely doing the newspaper thing before I try to make a real bag. I'm just hoping that I can get the seams right.
Also I goggled "how to patterns sling backpack" and came up with a lot of things that might give you ideas about material, and how big the pattern was for a finished bag of close to your size...
http://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Backp
http://pursepatterns.com/free_bag_patte