I made a backpack out of scraps and sample swatches from a bin. I wanted to see if I could do it before I used expensive fabric. I’m pretty happy with it. It is constructed with 3 panels: back, bottom and front. This means it has one big pocket, which I constructed of two different kinds of fabric.
I learned a lot making this pack, and even had to remake parts of it. I need more practice with straps. I don’t think I did the pleats for the side pockets well. The bottom pocket is insecure.
I’d like to try again with 5 panels so the pockets could be separate, unless it would be possible to use the same 3 panel design and reinforce from inside where the pockets attach. After all, that is how the straps attach, with a reinforcement layer sewn on. I used this tutorial, adjusting the size smaller. https://dutchwaregear.com/2019/07/16/diy-ultralight-backpack-tutorial/
