Waxed Canvas Buckthorn Backpack

 I am in love with my new backpack!

I needed a new bag for work that would fit my laptop and be easy to carry on my bus commute. Robin at Stash was hosting a workshop for the Noodlehead Buckthorn Backpack, which seemed to fit my needs, so I decided to sign up!

I haven't done much bag-making, and taking this workshop was a great learning experience. Robin had a lot of excellent sewing tips and techniques to share, and ways of improving on the pattern's already great instructions and construction method. 

She also had some fabulous suggestions on improvements for useability of the backpack based on the fact that she's been using this backpack herself for several years. 

This includes making a more shallow interior pocket that fits your phone so it doesn't drop down to the depths of the lining and get lost. These types of thoughtful tips are why taking a workshop is so valuable!

There were a ton of lovely fabrics to choose from for bag-making at Stash- others in the workshop used the Ruby Star Society canvas- speckles or metallic dragons. 

But I am boring, so for my Buckthorn I opted for a 10-ounce waxed cotton canvas in black for something that would go with everything. 

I really loved working with the waxed canvas for the jacket I made Tim, and I love the look and feel of the fabric! A bit of water resistance helps, too, since I'll be using the backpack for bus commuting.

I paired the black canvas with some olive green 1.5 inch webbing for the straps and a beautiful Ruby Star Society Warp and Weft striped cotton for the lining and interior pockets.

I added a few fun tags to my bag, including a Kylie and the Machine "You Can't Buy This" to the front, and a Matchy Matchy Sewing Club "Made in 2026" tag where the backpack straps attach. 

I'm so delighted with this bag. Beautiful finishes, very functional, comfortable to wear. Big enough to fit my laptop and other work paraphernalia, but small enough that it's not intrusive for my commute.