Salamanca Convertible Backpack Bag

Project preview

This video is for members

Join Lulu Ferris to watch the complete class and sew along at your own pace.

What you’ll make

Sew the Salamanca, a zip-top bag that converts into a backpack. Carry it as a bag or adjust the webbing to wear it on your back.

The roomy interior includes a laptop divider and a small pocket. Outside, a diagonal zippered pocket and a zippered welt pocket keep smaller belongings organized.

Related designs include the Barcelona Backpack, Deluca Backpack, and Allison Bag.

What you’ll learn in this class

Sew a zippered welt pocket and its pocket bag.
Build the diagonal exterior zippered pocket.
Stabilize a bias-cut edge to prevent distortion.
Add batting and manage bulky layers.
Install the main zipper between the exterior and lining.
Create a laptop divider and small patch pocket.
Thread and secure the adjustable backpack webbing.

Fabric and materials

Choose a structured, abrasion-resistant fabric such as canvas for the exterior and a lightweight woven fabric such as poplin for the lining. The project also uses batting, zippers, and backpack webbing.

Faux leather is another demonstrated option, but some joins become bulky and may be harder for a domestic sewing machine to cross.

Make it your own

Mix matching or contrasting fabrics across the pockets, lining, and exterior. Topstitching beside the diagonal zipper may be straight, zigzag, or decorative.

If thick webbing creates too much bulk, use thinner twill tape or make fabric straps. The class also demonstrates an alternate exterior attachment for the strap hardware.

Finished size

The finished bag measures approximately 24 cm wide, 32 cm high, and 6 cm deep.

The video class covers the convertible construction and offers practical alternatives for sewing bulky joins. An A4 printable pattern is included.

Pattern & materials

Patterns are included with membership

Active members can download every available PDF and materials list.

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