Being named Eugénie... it was hard in September to miss the Eugène backpack! A pattern from the Ikatee brand that we really like at the shop! Beyond the name that obviously called to me, I needed to buy or sew a bag to carry my computer between home and the shop. This summer, I had my wicker basket, but baskets just can't withstand the Belgian winter... So it was time to act! 

In October, Dylan and I thought it would be nice to make one together since he also needed a new backpack! 

So, the duo sewing project was launched! 

The Eugène model

The Eugène pattern is a backpack model from the Ikatee brand that we sell in the shop and on the eshop.

It is offered in 3 sizes to accompany the whole family from 5 years old.

It is made with a full lining including storage pockets and a pocket for a tablet/computer (or a lunchbox for children).

On the outside, it has a front zippered pocket with volume, very practical for storing your charger and small items... There is also a very handy elastic pocket for slipping in a water bottle.
The top opening is well designed with a wide main zippered opening, very useful for sliding in your computer. 

It has two handles with webbing grips on top for carrying by hand.

Practical information for sewing Eugène

Eugène is available in 3 sizes:  

- Bag S: 23 x 32 x 11 cm (L x H x D) - 8 liters and compatible with a tablet
- Bag M: 27 x 37 x 13 cm (L x H x D) - 13 liters and compatible with 13" or 14" computers
- Bag L: 29 x 40 x 15 cm (L x H x D) - 17 liters and compatible with 15" computers 

The size S bag is suitable for children from about 5 years old. It can also be a perfect messenger bag for adults when sewn with a shoulder webbing strap. The size M bag can carry 13 and 14'' computers and also serves as a school bag. Finally, the size L EUGÈNE bag can hold a computer up to 15"; due to its size, it is mainly designed for adults.

This bag is intended for intermediate or advanced sewers.

In the seamstress's or tailor's basket 

To sew Eugène, you can use quite a few types of fabrics, which is the advantage of sewing accessories. However, make sure the outer fabric is durable and fairly heavy; the goal is still to protect your computer (or your snack). For the outer fabric, choose a medium to heavy weight woven fabric, 250-400g/m2, such as:

- canvas toile,
- gabardine,
- denim (jeans), 
- corduroy,
- thick oilcloth,
- quilted fabric,
- faux leather or leather.  

For the lining, you can be more adventurous with patterns using cotton poplins, chambray, or fine polyester fabric...

For this sewing project, it is necessary to use batting to quilt everything. 

 You will also need:

- non-separable zipper or zipper by the meter: 1 for the main opening (with 1 or 2 sliders) and 1 for the outer pocket.
- soft webbing of 25, 30, or 40 mm for the handles, shoulder straps, and shoulder strap in cotton/polyester or 100% polyester.
- 2 attachment rings and 2 sliding adjustment rings for the shoulder straps or 2 attachment rings and 1 sliding adjustment ring for the shoulder strap (so that makes 4 attachment rings and 3 sliding rings if you use both shoulder straps and shoulder strap)
- optionally, you can also provide 2 carabiners to make the shoulder strap removable. In this case, plan for 2 half-moon shaped attachment rings rather than rectangular ones for the shoulder strap.
- 1.5 cm wide elastic for the water bottle pocket.
- good extra-strong sewing thread or classic polyester thread
- 1 snap button for anorak or "camping".
- needles size 100 or 110 you can choose denim needles.

Our supplies

Dylan and I chose a bag using two medium-weight materials: denim (indigo) and canvas.

We both chose a canvas combining white and blue and red webbings for me, and coral for Dylan. We decided to quilt the outside of the bag with vertical red lines for Dylan and natural for me. 

We chose zippers by the meter to cut exactly the right slider lengths and to be able to slide two sliders facing each other; which allows easy pocket openings. 

For the hardware, we made no compromises and took the best quality, that is, welded Italian hardware because we both knew we would put weight in our bags. So it was more than necessary to have strong and durable attachment points. 

Finally, we both selected a label from the ikatee collection to highlight our bag: Dylan chose the discreet Voyage Voyage (which I had opened the pack for my travel bag) and I chose the sparkling Haut les coeurs for mine! 

Technical points

As I said earlier, the Eugène bag is aimed at sewers of at least intermediate level because it has quite a few technical points:

- quilting
- attaching a lining
- assembling zippers and possibly installing zippers on zipper tape by the meter
- creating pockets
- assembling webbings
- creating handles, straps, and a shoulder strap
- sewing a label
- assembling layers

I would also say that the cutting step is easy for an experienced sewer but can be a headache for a beginner given the number of pieces; especially if you want a two-tone version like ours. 

Sewing experience

We loved it and laughed a lot while sewing our bags as a duo. The quilting took a lot of time but was worth it given the result! 

One thing is certain for sewing Eugène: you need to pin well and especially use a good machine needle. 

Some parts are very thick, so a good sewing machine with a strong motor is necessary. 

Finally, we chose to overlock everything with a serger to have neatly finished inner edges that won’t fray over time. 

There you go, a duo sewing project smoothly completed and it was really great! We enjoyed sharing the progress of this bag! 

So, tempted by the Eugène bag for yourself or your children? 

Find all the materials to sew it in store. 

And get your needles ready! 

Alright, I'll leave you now... the work continues!