Civilian Haversack

[hellbilly]

Howdy All, I have a question about haversacks. I'm about to start hand sewing a civilian brought from home haversack. I'm going to make it from canvas and have a button in pillow tick liner. My question is: would it be correct to just fold it flat and sew it flat or sew in a "V" shaped gusset? I've seen many on sutlers row that were flat but not many with a gusset. Thank you all for any help it's much appreciated.
Eric Armour
Shepherdsville, Kentucky

[Tyler Underwood]

Re: Civilian Haversack

Eric, Welcome to the A/C. First, are you talking about folding theright sides together and sewing a seam, or putting the wrong sides together andsewing a visible seam with the raw edges showing? Second, if you are using sutler rowhaversacks for patterns you may want to reevaluate this whole project. There are plenty of originals out there thatcan be used as examples.

[Yellowhammer Rebel]

Re: Civilian Haversack

I suggest you get a kit from Wambaugh and White (an approved vendor) and start from there. They give you the material, thread button and most importantly instructions. That was my first sewing project and it turn out fine. I now have many shirts and jackets under my belt, with many more to come. :)

[Lewis Robinson]

Re: Civilian Haversack

Eric, You are fine to make it either way, as both are documented styles. However I would recommend making one with a gusset because it will be able to hold more rations and mess equipment. I recently had to upgrade to a gusset style because I could only fit about 1 days rations in my flat style haversack. I provided images of original haversacks of both styles for a reference.

[Bones]

Re: Civilian Haversack

eric- i think it's called a box pleat. i had an origional CS or civilian haversack that was made just like you are describing, more roomy esp at the bottom .iirc it was about the size of a Moses Alexander haversack , closed with 3 bone buttons and made of a checked material. i donated it years ago to the Atlanta History Center collection.BTW it had remnants of tarred material used in the flap and strap.
Douglas"Bones" Jarrett
armory guards

[hellbilly]

Re: Civilian Haversack

Thank you fellas, I appreciate the help!!
Eric Armour
Shepherdsville Ky