Two class sessions: Tuesdays, February 13^th & 27^th , 10am-3pm both days

Maybe you’d like to stretch your bagmaking skill set to include working with new types of fabrics? This attractive and nicely-sized backpack can be made in a variety of materials, including quilting cotton, cotton/linen, canvas, waxed canvas, vinyl, or some combination of these. Class instruction will include special considerations to keep in mind when you sew with any of these specialty fabrics.

We will also cover an optional alternative hook closure for the top of the bag, using a swivel hook. Pattern calls for straps that are constructed of lining fabric reinforced with woven interfacing. You may want to consider using something from our array of decorative webbing instead, (see class materials for details).

It can be confusing to figure out what interfacings you might need for your chosen backpack fabrics. Feel free to contact instructor with questions about this or other things.

Ahead of class, a thorough read through of the pattern is helpful.

Bring a sack lunch and/or snacks, if you wish.

Instructor: Cyndy White

Email: cykre8@aol.com

Supplies to bring to class

-The Range Backpack Noodlehead pattern and all listed materials. If you purchase one of our kits (we have a    combination cotton and waxed canvas one available), each contains the pattern and all you need         except the stabilizers.

-Stabilizers called for in pattern include “Fusible woven interfacing” and Pellon SF 101 works well for this. The

“Medium Weight Fusible” can be of your choice: we recommend either Pellon fusible Thermolam fleece (this is what is in our shop sample) or Soft and Stable foam stabilizer, the latter would give a bit more cushion and structure if, for example, you would like to carry a laptop in the backpack. (Décor Bond is recommended in pattern, but you may find it does not provide a lot of structure).

-If you opt for webbing instead of fabric-covered straps, you will need 5/8 yard of 1” wide and 2 1/3 yards of

1 ½” wide.

-Note that pattern cover backpack illustration shows a metal-teeth zipper. Nylon teeth zipper in a #4.5 or #5

works fine and, in fact, is easier to install.

-Pattern calls for two 1” D-rings for top closure. Alternatively, you could use a 1” swivel hook

-Recommended that you photocopy the Labels page of the pattern to cut apart and mark all your pieces.

-Thread to match bag fabrics. Polyester or poly-covered cotton is recommended. Thicker topstitching thread

for exterior is an option

-Sewing machine and attachments

-Usual presser foot

-Walking foot for your machine, with guide if it has one

-Quarter inch foot

-Edge stitch foot, if you have one

-Rotary cutter and ruler(s)

-Size 90/14 Topstitching needles (Not universal or ball point tip. The topstitching needle is sharp

 and sturdy to better go through the multiple layers of the bag).

-Basic sewing tools including bobbins, thread snips, seam ripper, straight pins, small ruler or seam gauge,

hand stitching needle

-Wonder Clips

-Stiletto, By Annie’s is highly recommended

-Bodkin or other turning tool

-1/8” double-sided basting tape

-Fabric shears and small detail scissors

-Sturdy scissors for trimming thick seams and zippers (opt.)

-Chalk marker or removeable fabric marker of your choice

-Notetaking materials

-Painters tape, 1” width works well, but any size okay (opt.)

-505 temporary adhesive basting spray (opt)

 (Anything listed as optional - instructor will have available to use in class)