Jack Sling Pack
First things first - you're going to need a pattern: Get the PDF version of the Jack Sling Pack HERE.
Let me introduce you to Jack, and hopefully answer some questions:
Video Tutorials
The following YouTube tutorials are available to support you through making your design. Some of the tutorials will have modifications or hacks done by the YouTuber and some will focus on specific areas of the design.
Cutting Labels
Use these cutting labels to keep yourself organized. Cut each label out and attach them to the cut pieces of your pattern, this will keep the names handy so working through the pattern is easier. Note that the cutting labels do not include the measurements of the cut pieces since they are included in the cutting list.
Click the image below to download the PDF file that is ready for printing!
Add-ons and Hacks
Let the fun begin! I like to think of my design as a blank canvas that provides you with an opportunity to customize and enhance it for yourself. I do recommend making the design the first time by following every step and figuring out where everything sits before changing it. Here are some ways you can consider changing up this design:
Change the stabilizers up - make it firmer!
Sometimes we want the bag to stand on it's own and there are two suggestions to do this! This may be of particular interest on the Medium size!!!
First Option: Cut foam for the Zipper Gusset and the Base. You can sew baste this to the exterior pieces during prep if you have a heavy duty sewing machine.
If you don't have a heavy duty sewing machine consider trimming 1" (2.5 cm) from an end of each, and from one side of each piece (making the pieces 1" (2.5 cm) smaller each way). After the step in the instructions where you sew the zipper gusset pieces to the zipper, insert the zipper gusset foam, this is before topstitching and basting, then continue with the seps. Then, after sewing the base to the zipper gusset, insert the base foam before topstitching and basting.
Second Option: Consider replacing the foam with Decovil Light or EB-Fuse Heavy. Be sure to trim a 1/2" (1.3 cm) all the way around to keep it out of the seam allowance. Instead of applying it to the Front panel during preparation, insert it after turning the front section right side out. Fuse it to the back panel at the same time as the pattern applies the foam to the back.
Change the stabilizers up - make it softer!
Slouchy bags are hugely appreciated by many individuals, and foam is not loved by all - so consider changing it up by eliminating the foam and replacing it with fusible fleece; I recommend Pellon Thermolam. You could even eliminate all stabilizers and just use an extra layer of Woven Interfacing, or use EB-fuse Medium and skip the foam or fusible fleece.