Meraki Backpack

It was love at first sight!

It’s true. I believe in love at first sight – particularly when it comes to bags! 😍 Sometimes I just see one and I know I have to have it. Nowadays that means being patient, because most of the time I have to sew the bag first! As soon as i saw the Meraki Backpack – I fell in love and just had to have one. I’m not at all disappointed! 😁

The Meraki Backpack pattern is by Namrata from Bagstock Designs. If you love bags like I do, it’s well worth checking out her website. Namrata has a large range of bag patterns – from small to large, backpacks to shoulder bags – there’s something for everyone. Plus some free patterns that are good for beginners – like the Acacia. I can highly recommend checking out her designs. 

If you think that the fabric combination looks familiar – you would be right. I was working on my Meraki when Namrata released the Acacia Crossbody. So it made perfect sense to make a matching set. And I just love the combination of these fabrics! The Honeycomb fabric is a quilting cotton whilst the blue is marine vinyl. And lets not forget the gunmetal bee lock – to me it’s the icing on the cake!

The Meraki Backpack is not for the faint hearted. It is aimed at an intermediate skill level and I think that’s quite accurate. There are a lot of different pattern pieces to cut out and interface. It requires a range of different bag hardware and skills. Like installing zips and setting rivets. The pattern itself is easy to follow – with detailed instructions and plenty of pictures. I haven’t made any modifications to mine. The Meraki  already has lots of pockets. 😁

What would I change next time?

I might change the way the straps are threaded. Because at the moment they are threaded in a way that makes them awkward to adjust. Particularly whilst on the go. Actually, I did make one small modification to my Meraki backpack. I omitted the foam stabiliser from the sides. Mainly, because I used marine vinyl and felt this already added enough structure.

I think interfacing and stabilisers are always a bit of a personal preference. Once you know how they work it makes it easier to swap, add or omit them. This choice will effect how stable your bag will be at the end. If you want to learn a bit more about interfacings and stabilisers check out my info page. It will help you get a better understanding of the pros and cons of different interfacing and stabilisers.

Final thoughts

I absolutely love my Meraki backpack! It has lots of pockets, which you all know I love. Particularly the front hidden zipper pocket! It’s not too big or too small making it the perfect size for a day out. I love that my Meraki Backpack matches my Acacia Crossbody – the perfect companion! They are both my go to bags for outings these days. What’s not to love?!