Range Backpack Pattern Inspiration & Resources

Welcome to the Range Backpack pattern inspiration and resources page! You can purchase the PDF version of the Range Backpack here in my shop now, or check your local quilt shop for the paper version.

Read more about and purchase Range Backpack PDF pattern here

I thought it would be super helpful to have a designated page for helpful information, inspiration and resources for this pattern! I’m always eager to share variations, where I buy my favorite fabric and hardware, and any extra tips or helpful information to make your backpack sewing adventure a successful one!

Checkout the beautiful tester backpacks here! (below is a selection that my friends made)

Helpful Tip:

I’ve seen a few sewists missing Step 2j. Here’s an illustration to help understand what Step 2j is, just place the ZPP directly on top, simple as that, then move to Step 2k. If you’ve mistakingly done this it’s a very easy fix of ripping a few seams and starting at 2j. Hope that helps!

Resources (also located at the bottom of page 2 of your PDF – with clickable links): Shop local when possible! This is an expanded form of what is included in the pattern. 

• Canvas: Canvas makes such a sturdy backpack! Manufacturers are making more and more beautiful designer canvases and there’s always a huge selection of solids/semi-solids.A 9 oz. weight cotton canvas is what I typically prefer and I really love the shape it gives to a bag, and especially this backpack. But a canvas anywhere from 6-9 oz. will work great, too. Check with your shop if they don’t have the weight listed or noted or ask for their selection of canvases.  Here are just a few of many that I think would be really beautiful:
  From left to right top row:  Mariam Bos for Birch Fabrics,  Menagerie by Rifle Paper Co. for Cotton + Steel, Leah Duncan Lines + Shapes canvas, Beauty Shop canvas Cotton + Steel
  From left to right bottom row: Lizzy House Printmaking canvas, Arleen Hillyer for Birch Fabrics, Ellen Baker Paint canvas collection, Railroad Denim Delux (you won’t need the interfacing with this one!)
• Solid cotton canvas: I’m a huge fan of Robert Kaufman’s Big Sur Canvas, it’s a beautiful weight (9.6 oz.) for bag making and comes in so many gorgeous colors.
• Waxed canvas: I’ve really been loving waxed canvas lately. It’s my absolute favorite for this backpack because of the sturdiness as well as water-resistant qualities. The beauty of waxed canvas is that you don’t need to apply interfacing to it. I have my list of tips and tricks on page 4 of the PDF and more shops listed on page 2. I usually purchase a 10-12 oz. weight from AL Frances Textiles, it’s made in Texas and I really love how well it holds up over time (hint: she sells 1/2 yard cuts by request, so it’s perfect to grab two 1/2 yard cuts to make up the exterior of this backpack). Check out her shop for the full selection!  Here are a few other shops that I know carry waxed canvas (links are direct to waxed canvas selection): Fancy Tiger Crafts, Drygoods Design, Gather Here
• I want to substitute quilting cotton for my Exterior fabric requirement, what should I do? Here’s what I recommend (this is a little bit more of a chatty laid-back form of what I recommend in the pattern): Quilting cotton requires a bit more interfacing and stabilization than my preferred choices (canvas/waxed canvas), but I totally understand that there’s a much larger selection of beautiful quilting cottons readily available. So for this pattern I recommend interfacing the quilting cotton Side Panels and Front Panel using a medium-weight fusible interfacing, I use Pellon 809 (trimmed by 1/2″ smaller on all sides to keep the bulk out of the seam allowances). After the interfacing is fused, I baste (using a 5.0mm stitch length around the entire perimeter) cotton canvas/duckcloth to the wrong side of those same pieces. I find after these steps the quilting cotton is going to hold it’s shape really well. The canvas/duckcloth will stabilize the quilting cotton and won’t be seen in the final backpack, so I typically choose a natural color. The Back Panel is where you can either do the same method as the other panels, or you can quilt it. I have a section on page 4 of the PDF detailing information on how I quilt mine and what I use. Click the link below for a quilting tips video.

• Check out my Quilting Tips video for quilting the back panel of the Range Backpack!

• Cork fabric: This is the first time I’ve used cork fabric and I really enjoyed it. It’s become quite popular amongst bag makers and for good reason. It’s easy to use, doesn’t require interfacing, and comes in so many classic colors as well as bright colors and patterns even. I’ve purchased mine from Stitch Supply Co. and Sew Sweetness, and my local quilt shop (Olive Juice Quilts) carries a nice selection, too.
• Zippers: Available in my shop here.
• Hardware: I have kits available in my shop.

Purchase a Hardware Kit here

• Want to try a different closure? I have a video tutorial on how to use a side release buckle (as well as sources linked) on your next Range Backpack.

Let’s hang out! Check out the Noodlehead Sewing Patterns facebook group. If you love talking sewing and bouncing ideas around for your next project, please stop by. It’s a super friendly group of sewists and a place where you can show your work, ask questions, or talk about fun changes you’re making to any of my patterns (including those from my book).

I figured it might be helpful to know about each sample. Each of these fabric combinations has instructions included in the pattern. See below for specific details: