You may have noticed that I’ve been posting sneak peeks all over Instagram for the past few weeks of my latest bag design. Now it’s finally ready for the full reveal.
Introducing the Jet Pack!
The Jet Pack has a vertical format with plenty of room for papers, magazines, a camera, you name it. The finished measurements are a roomy 12” W x 14” H x 3” D. There’s a front pleated pocket with a twist lock closure, a zippered main compartment, a back slip pocket and a grab handle at the top. The double duty strap clips to the top for a shoulder bag or attaches to the back to be work as a backpack.
I’ve been planning to design a backpack for ages but I wanted to also be able to wear it as a shoulder bag or cross body. I was resisting having several straps make and to keep track of. I finally came up with a design that allows one strap to be used multiple ways.
To convert the shoulder bag to backpack, unclip the swivel hooks from the D-rings at the top. Thread the strap through the “belt loops” at the base of the grab handle and clip the swivel hooks onto a second set of D-rings on the lower back of the bag.
The skill level of this bag is what I call “eager intermediate”. While it’s not difficult to sew, there are a lot of pieces to keep track of. But like all of my patterns, there are detailed instructions and clear diagrams to help you every step of the way. In case you’re curious, the print fabric I used is organic cotton canvas from Cloud9 and the grey accent fabric is Essex linen from Robert Kaufman.
I named it the Jet Pack because the shape reminds me a bit of vintage flight bags that were given out by the airlines, like Pan Am and TWA. Jet + backpack = Jet Pack! (You should have seen my son’s face when he heard I was making a Jet Pack. Sadly for him, this one has no rocket boosters and does not enable you to fly!)
The PDF pattern is now available for purchase in my Etsy shop and Craftsy pattern shop.
How do you like to carry a bag? Cross-body, shoulder or backpack style?
I love it. Do you have any pictures of the inside? Curious if you put the lining in wrong sides together and use seam binding to finish edges, or if it’s sewn right side together and turned. (Does that make sense?)
Thanks!
P.S. I prefer to sling over one shoulder, or to use the short handle(s). Cross body hurts my shoulder the most.
Thanks! To answer your question, neither! The lining is assembled then dropped down inside the outer bag. The lining is attached by hand to the zipper tape with a ladder stitch. Because of the zipper panel and some other construction details of the bag, The lining can’t be sewn right sides together and turned. Here’s a photo from Instagram that gives you a peek: http://instagram.com/p/kN2N-kBGmY/ Let me know if you have any other questions!
Betz
I really like that design! I love the way it can be a backpack and a shoulder bag. Definitely my kind of bag! Love the simple, clean lines and shape.
Thanks, Jody. I’m sure I’ll be using this bag a lot. Roomy but not so big that it gets too heavy and cumbersome.
Perfect timing, I have been wanting a messenger style bag exactly like that, but was unable to find one and had started designing my own, but now I don’t have to, off to buy it right now!
Oh good! Glad to be of service! :)
Brilliant straps!
Thanks, I wanted to keep it simple…which was surprisingly hard to figure out.
This is great, love it! This would be perfect for traveling. :)
Thanks, I agree!