strong fabric for backpack?

YOu can use cotton duck fabric or canvas. Just hot water wash and dry the material BEFORE cutting it out to preshrink it. The problem with them is that the seams tend to unravel. If you use those fabrics you need to bind or double stitch the seams.

The best fabrics for packs are nylon packcloth or cordura (which is nylon canvas) or ballistic cloth (the strong nylon fabric used for military bags). You will have a hard time finding them in most fabric stores. If you have a backpacking gear store in your area they might sell some fabrics. However, there is a great online fabric and sewing supply company called Seattle Fabrics that has all kinds of these fabrics that you can order. They also sell patterns for backpacks and all the “notions” like webbing for straps, nylon plastic buckles and zippers. Great company, nice online catalog and easy to order.

http://www.seattlefabrics.com/?gclid=CIqsnqjwoq4CF…

You should be able to get everything you need for under $40 from them.

As far as sewing machines, any decent portable should be able to handle sewing these fabrics. I have sewn all kinds of packs and outdoors gear for over 40 years using an antique treadle sewing machine! You can usually buy good used machines via Craigslist. Also ask at fabric stores like Joannes — often they can sell you reconditioned machines or recommend places where you can get them. In my city you can always find used sewing machines in good working order for around $30 to $60. Singer, Necchi and Kenmore are good reliable brands.

For the thread to sew the pack, get the stronger “upholstery” thread and make sure you get heavy enough needles for the machine to handle the thread. If you do use nylon fabrics, after you cut out the shapes, get a candle and run each edge of the fabric close to the flame — you will see it start to melt and seal the raw edges so the threads can’t unravel. This is one of the big benefits of using nylon.

ONe other answer suggested ripstop nylon but I have found that is usually not strong enough for a bag carrying books. It is also not very water proof. Coated packcloth or cordura will have waterproofing on one side if you want to have your bag be rain resistant (the zippers and seams will leak in heavy rain, of course).

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strong fabric for backpack?

i’m making a backpack for high school so i need a strong material people have recommended duck cloth and polyester i’ve read that duck cloth shrinks so i don’t know and polyester how strong is it because i weighed two of my textbooks and together they weighed about 10 lbs. also can you…

Ripstop nylon is great. It comes in a ton of colors and also comes in waterproof. Ripstop nylon is like the name says if you get a snag it will not keep ripping but stop at some point. If you want something more fashionable use denim. Cordra nylon is pretty sturdy but heavy. I would bet that the ripstop or the denim would bet the cheaper choices. I made a rainfly extension for a tent of mine. I use ripstop. It is easier to work with than denim since it is thinner. I hate working with thick fabrics myself.

https://shorturl.im/awWDJ

My backpack was 100% polyester and it was great at holding my books, PE kit & lunch at the same time, and it lasted an entire school year. Although canvas is strong as well, if it rains on your bag your screwed.

If you can find it, cordura fabric is a material a lot of backpack makers use.

I’d say cotton canvas would be better than Polyester ? but it all depends on the bag you want…