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CONVERTABLE BACKPACK/MESSENGER BAG

11 October 2010 by

I’ve been swamped at work, mostly on upholstery projects, but I managed to find some downtime to make something for myself.

I can wear this bag as a backpack or as a messenger bag. The latter will be perfect for keeping my back cool and having access to my stuff while riding my bike, and it will be great to be able to carry my load on both my shoulders. Of course another essential factor is that the bag looks good.

red messenger bag red backpack red messenger bag back

It measures 11″ wide and 14″ tall. Not too big, but my laptop will fit in if I ever need to carry it around… or a 6-pack of beer. The bag has one long strap that runs through two loops at the top. If I pull the strap in the center, it’s a messenger bag. If I pull the strap through the underside of the loops I can wear it on my back. There are snaps on the straps to keep them in place.

It’s made out of a durable red twill and lined with a grey and white floral cotton I got at Fabric Planet. I think the twill will age really well, so it will keep getting cooler the more I use it.

red bag lining red bag interior red bag pocket

I’m really pleased with the 2-way zipper top. I can close it up securely or leave it open if I need to keep getting in the bag. There’s also a pocket at the front of the bag and another on the inside, and the zippers on those compartments are oriented so that I can easily get in them while riding my bike.

I try not to amass things, particularly of the fashion nature, but this bag is just what I needed. I’m looking forward to carting it around on plenty of adventures.

4 Responses to CONVERTABLE BACKPACK/MESSENGER BAG

    • tealee

      Do you have an actual pattern for this bag and would you mind sharing it with me? i have a friend who will be going to Nepal in August and I’d like to make this for her to take along…I think she would find it quite handy. Thanks!

      • Julianne Post author

        I don’t have a pattern for this bag, but I’ve been getting a few requests recently. I’ve been meaning to make a new bag for a friend, so I’ll try to document the process for a tutorial. I have no idea what the timeframe on that will be though!

  1. Cali

    Looking for the pattern or tutorial that you mentioned you were going to get done. Do you have it listed someplace else? Thanks, BTW, Its a great looking bag I need to make one for traveling as a carry on, perfect size for just the stuff you need for a 6 hour flight.

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