Knapsack patterns

[Dutchman Dick]

Does anybody publish a set of patterns or instructions on how to fabricate your own authentic knapsack? I've looked at the prices on the good repros, and YIPES! On the other hand, I consider myself to be a rather "crafty" person (leatherworking is one of my main hobbies, and I'm pretty good at sewing, too), so if I had a pattern to go by, with dimensions, I'm sure I could make one for far less than it would cost to buy one (and have fun doing it, too!!! :D )

[Chad Wrinn]

Re: Knapsack patterns

I have been thinking the same question. I would like to build a knapsack but it would be nice to have some instruction.

[paulcalloway]

Re: Knapsack patterns

You might ask Mark Mason if he'll part with a copy of his pattern. He owns an original double bag (dutifly stored in a Dominoes Pizza box ) and has patterns.

[luthhaning]

Re: Knapsack patterns

Gents,

There is great satisfaction in making things for yourself and you will certainly learn a great deal. Most if not all makers begin that way. I would encourage you though to take a very close look at or better yet pick up an original to help you along. It might be pretty complicated to do correctly from pattern pieces alone. Chain stitch machines were used for much of the leather work on typical examples. A chain stitch can sort of be replicated by hand but takes considerable practice. A period chainstich machine that works would cost several hundred to a couple of thousand so would not be practical for you. There are if I recall somewhere around 50 seperate pieces (probably more I stopped counting) including leather and fabric in a Federal double bag. I'm not trying to discourage you just making you aware of what lies ahead. Just take one thing at a time and it will all eventually come together.

Tim Welch

[3rdUSRedleg]

Re: Knapsack patterns

Dells Leather has a nice kit, the leather is already done for you, and the script of the bag as well, and it IS copied from an original.

[Dutchman Dick]

Re: Knapsack patterns

$110???:confused_ I could probably make it totally from scratch MUCH cheaper, if I had the patterns. I already have plenty of leather laying around, so that would be one thing I wouldn't have to buy; might even have some of the necessary hardware, depending on what it takes.

What were they coated with, anyway? To make them weather resistant, I mean? Seems I read something about beeswax mixed with "spirits of turpentine", whatever THAT is...

[mboyce]

Re: Knapsack patterns

You can go here to get a recipe to make the painted cloth.

http://www.geocities.com/union_guard/oilcloth_and_painted_accoutermen.htm

[JimKindred]

Re: Knapsack patterns

$110???:confused_ I could probably make it totally from scratch MUCH cheaper, if I had the patterns. I already have plenty of leather laying around, so that would be one thing I wouldn't have to buy; might even have some of the necessary hardware, depending on what it takes.

What were they coated with, anyway? To make them weather resistant, I mean? Seems I read something about beeswax mixed with "spirits of turpentine", whatever THAT is...

This isn't Buckskinning, you would be better off money and time wise buying one from a reputable maker especially since you are new to the hobby.

[Andrew Kasmar]

Re: Knapsack patterns

Hi,

I would have to agree with Mr. Kindred that you should buy a knapsack from a good vendor, rather than make one. I am all for making as much Civil War equipment as you can, but making a knapsack would be a ton of work. Also the periond recipe for knapsacks can be very dangerous; I would recommend you let a experienced vendor work with this recipe rather than yourself. If I were you, I would go with a blanket roll until you can find enough money for a knapsack. Missouri Boot and Shoe makes some very nice Federal and Confederate knapsacks for a good price.

[Dutchman Dick]

Re: Knapsack patterns

This isn't Buckskinning, you would be better off money and time wise buying one from a reputable maker especially since you are new to the hobby.

I don't think you have any clue as to my level of capability, as far as what I can make. Believe me, I am VERY capable of going above and beyond "buckskinner" level. I used to do RevWar re-enacting many years ago, so I DO know how to make my own equipment - and it was VERY authentic (got the patterns/details from "Sketchbook '76", as well as looking atthe artifacts at Valley Forge). I just don't go into ANYTHING that involves authenticity without some kind of pattern that shows the necessary dimensions and details. I also happen to get a great deal of satisfaction from making it myself, aside from the monetary savings. I have an antique straight-stitch treadle machine for sewing (a late '70s-early 80s White), and my hand-sewing capabilities are excellent as well. I may be "new" to CW re-enacting, but I'm not TOTALLY raw!:sarcastic

[Andrew Kasmar]

Re: Knapsack patterns

Hi,

If you have the leather working and sewing experience that you say you have, you should be able to make one. My post was not to say that you do not know what you are doing, but rather just to warn you of the difficulties you may run in to.

[RN_PAC]

Re: Knapsack patterns

While I can't help you with a pattern, I just wanted to give you some encouragement and say "go for it". Once you find a pattern from an original and/or make a pattern of your own, you might end up making a couple of sub-par ones before you are satisfied, but if you have the stuff and wherewithal and the motivation....have at it. Just this past year I have begun dabbling in leatherwork, and have been honing my (very basic) sewing skills just awhile longer. I love it. Will I ever be the "next vendor"? Hell no, I have a career already; further, I'll own that my stuff may or may not satisfy someone else. Am I capable of eliminating the need or desire to pay someone else for some of my gear? Sure. Frees up some bling for other stuff.

Good luck-

[Dutchman Dick]

Re: Knapsack patterns

While I can't help you with a pattern, I just wanted to give you some encouragement and say "go for it". Once you find a pattern from an original and/or make a pattern of your own, you might end up making a couple of sub-par ones before you are satisfied, but if you have the stuff and wherewithal and the motivation....have at it. Just this past year I have begun dabbling in leatherwork, and have been honing my (very basic) sewing skills just awhile longer. I love it. Will I ever be the "next vendor"? Hell no, I have a career already; further, I'll own that my stuff may or may not satisfy someone else. Am I capable of eliminating the need or desire to pay someone else for some of my gear? Sure. Frees up some bling for other stuff.

Good luck-

Thanks. Couldn't have said it better myself. I've been doing leatherwork for over 20 years now. My first job was at a Tandy Leather Corporation store in Philadelphia (which is also where I got my start in re-enacting). Since TLC gave a 10% discount on all items to their employees, guess where much of my paycheck went...:D? It's one of my favorite things to do, and it occasionally nets me a little extra spending cash (though I wouldn't want to do it as a career!). So, good luck to you learning and enjoying it!

[James Slonders]

Re: Knapsack patterns

Richard,

Check the Columbia Rifles Research Compendium. There is a lot of information on The federal double bag. Early war, late war, Dimensions, Materials, What is hand vs. Machine sewn, with nice pictures and diagrams of the knapsack.

there a ton of work, I find the kit to be an excellent deal. The hardware alone is nearly 20.00, and the process to make appropriate painted canvas takes a little practice. You may find that it will be more cost effective.

Good luck,

James Slonders

[RN_PAC]

Re: Knapsack patterns

Thanks. Couldn't have said it better myself. I've been doing leatherwork for over 20 years now. My first job was at a Tandy Leather Corporation store in Philadelphia (which is also where I got my start in re-enacting). Since TLC gave a 10% discount on all items to their employees, guess where much of my paycheck went...:D? It's one of my favorite things to do, and it occasionally nets me a little extra spending cash (though I wouldn't want to do it as a career!). So, good luck to you learning and enjoying it!

Cool beans! There is a Tandy outlet just a short drive up the road from me in Harrisburg. You'll appreciate this: I only went in there once, to get a 4-hole punch or something, and came out of there with half a cow hide and about 300 bucks of other tools. It sure is a lot easier to work with leather when you have the right tools instead of the classic ersatz combination of nail, plain needles, garden-variety scissors, &cet!

I've been avoiding it, but I gotta go there again soon...better bring a U-Haul...;)