PDF SEWING PATTERN | The Right to Roam Rucksack | Merchant & Mills

PDF SEWING PATTERN | The Right to Roam Rucksack | Merchant & Mills 

Skill Level : Intermediate
Finished Size : 46.5 × 45 cm (18¼" × 17¾")
Language : English Only

The Right to Roam Rucksack by Merchant & Mills is a beautifully practical bag designed for everyday adventures. Make it as a traditional rucksack or use the alternative pattern pieces to create a crossbody bag, giving you two versatile styles in one pattern.

Fully lined and finished with three divided interior pockets, this spacious design keeps everyday essentials neatly organized. Leather straps, buckles, rivets and a magnetic clasp give the bag its distinctive utilitarian look, while sturdy fabrics such as Oilskin, Dry Oilskin or cotton canvas ensure a durable result made to be used for years.

Pattern Features

• Rucksack and crossbody bag options included
• Fully lined construction
• Three divided interior pockets
• Leather handle, pocket straps and shoulder straps
• Drawstring closure for the rucksack version
• Magnetic clasp fastening
• Durable rivet and buckle details
• Intermediate bag-making project

Recommended Fabrics

Main Fabric

• Mid- to heavy-weight cotton canvas
  
• Mid-weight denim
• Oilskin
• Dry Oilskin
• Cotton drill

Lining

• Medium-weight woven cotton
• Duck canvas for extra body and stability

Supplies Required

• Matching sewing thread
• 2 × 1.8 cm (¾") buckles
• 1 × 2.5 cm (1") buckle
• Approximately 18 × 9 mm rivets
• 1 magnetic clasp
• 2 × 2.5 cm (1") D-rings
• 1.3 cm (½") leather strap for the handle
• 1.8 cm (¾") leather strap for the pocket straps
• 2.5 cm (1") leather strap for the shoulder strap

Merchant & Mills recommends split cowhide leather straps rather than vegetable-tanned leather, as the thinner leather works more easily with the buckles.

Fabric Requirements

Rucksack – Main Fabric

• 96–110 cm wide: 1.35 m
• 120–150 cm wide: 1.1 m

Rucksack – Lining

• 96 cm wide: 1.15 m
• 110–150 cm wide: 1 m

Rucksack – Additional Hardware

• 1.1 m of 1.3 cm (½") leather strap for the handle and shoulder straps
• 1 m of 1.8 cm (¾") leather strap for the pocket straps
• 6 eyelets, approximately 1–1.2 cm diameter
• 1 m cord for the drawstring
• 2 × 1.3 cm (½") buckles
• 2 × 1.8 cm (¾") buckles

Crossbody Bag – Main Fabric

• 96–150 cm wide: 1.1 m

Crossbody Bag – Lining

• 96 cm wide: 1.15 m
• 110–150 cm wide: 1 m

Crossbody Bag – Additional Hardware

• 0.4 m of 1.3 cm (½") leather strap for the handle
• 1 m of 1.8 cm (¾") leather strap for the pocket straps
• 1 m of 2.5 cm (1") leather strap for the shoulder strap
• 17 rivets, approximately 9 mm
• 2 × 1.8 cm (¾") buckles
• 1 × 2.5 cm (1") buckle
• 1 magnetic clasp
• 2 × 2.5 cm (1") D-rings

Finished Measurements

• Height: 46.5 cm (18¼")
• Width: 45 cm (17¾")

PDF Pattern Includes

• Print-at-home pattern (A4 & US Letter): 23 pages
• A0 copy shop format: 1 page
• Rucksack and crossbody bag variations
• Illustrated sewing instructions

Why You'll Love It

The Right to Roam Rucksack is a distinctive and practical project that lets you create either a traditional backpack or a crossbody bag. Its generous size, divided interior pockets and classic leather hardware make it ideal for travel, day trips and everyday use.