making a backpack

hi so I' m making this backpack http://bagntell.wordpress.com/2011/09/07/old-school-backpack/, i have made two backpacks before but i 've always had one problem:
seams at the solder straps reaping apart after about 3 months of use
i use my backpacks everyday for school,and i must say, my bag full of books weights about 5-6 kilos
which is a lot.
So have you got any tips abot making my backpack stronger?
i m planning to use thick material for the outiside and make flat felt seams but i don t know if it s enough.

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5 replies since 11th February 2012 • Last reply 11th February 2012

Reply #1:

Well, the flat felt seams sounds like a really good idea, and thicker material helps. Are your straps actually ripping, as in the fabric, or is it just the stitching coming undone?

If its the stitching, then there are a lot of things you can do. Use stronger thread, stitch it several times, with different stitches. Or try making it seamless, as in, cut the fabric so the straps are actually a part of the backpack with no sewing required.

But if its actually the fabric... Well, I suppose you could try layering? If, say, you're using a strap of leather, try sewing two or three straps together beforehand, and then use that instead for a thicker strap (Or simply buy much thicker straps, if possible).

I've never actually had my fabric rip, so I can't help you there.. I hope this backpack doesn't have the same problem!

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Reply #2:

the shoulder strap of my school backpack riped at the join with the rest of the bag (both seams and fabric were riped)hopefully this one wont rip because i am using fabric made for furniture use (sofa/bed govers which is thicker than denim)

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Reply #3:

I definately agree with annie. Extra stitches too. I know it sounds random but examine a button, they are stitched around 100 times. It can reallytake a lot with thin string.
<3

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Reply #4:

Cool

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Reply #5:

I would love to make my own back pack! Sounds a little complicated but I'm pretty tired right now. Saved the link and will try looking at it again when I am more awake! I have had this idea for a backpack in my head for a very long time and the look of your backpack is the pretty much what I had in mind but a different colour.

I have very little sewing skills right now and this will be something I will probably have to work on this project when I get better at that.

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