Pack Back

Posted by Dutch on Oct 10th 2023

Skill Level	Estimated Time
Beginner	45 - 60 minutes

Materials and Tools

Materials Needed:	Tools Needed:
1/2 Yard Mesh	Sewing Machine
4 1/2 yards shock cord	Scissors
2 – Mini Cord Locks	Ruler/Tape Measure
4 Attachable Cord Locks	Marker or Chalk
4 Hook Cord Ends
4 Easy Grip Cord Ends
2 Yards 1 1/2" Grosgrain
8" 1/2" Grosgrain
Thread of your choice

Pattern Components

Front Panel 22" x 16 1/2"

Back Panel 14" x 16"

Instructions for a light weight mesh pocket, able to be used on its own or as an outside pocket on a pack.

Note: Avoid backtacking on single layer mesh.

Step 1:
Cut 1/2" grosgrain into four 2" pieces.

Step 2:
Cut shock cord into one 16" length and four 36" lengths.

Step 3:
Iron 1 1/2" grosgrain in half to create a bias tape .

Step 4:
Cut mesh panels, notch bottom of front panel in center and two notches 4" on either side of center notch. See photos.

Step 5:
Double fold hem (½” for each fold) on top edge of front panel. (top edge is opposite from side with pattern notches) Leave a gap in the topstitching inset from both sides. This creates an opening for the shock cord drawstring.

Step 6:
Use a bodkin to thread shock cord through casing, (a safety pin works if you don’t have a bodkin) attach mini cord locks to both ends, knot and fuse both ends.

Step 7:
Baste a tuck on the bottom side of the front panel, matching 2 outside notches. When folding panel in half to baste tuck, shock cord casing should be on the outside.

Step 8:
Lay front panel flat, facing upwards. Flatten the tuck. Use pins to center the tuck, matching all three pattern notches. Sew with a basting stitch and a narrow seam allowance. This seam will later be covered with the grosgrain binding.

Step 9:
Bind top of back panel with the 1 1/2" grosgrain binding tape, trim grosgrain ends to be even with mesh.

Step 10:
Baste front panel to back panel, making sure shock cord casing and basted tuck is facing outwards.

Step 11:
Bind sides with 1 1/2" grosgrain, then bottom. Trim ends.

Step 12:
Pull out basting stitch from bottom center tuck.

Step 13:
Sew a reinforcement seam on two bottom corners, ½” inset from corner.

Step 14:
Thread flat edge opening of attachable cord lock with 2” x ½” grosgrain. Bar tack tab near the cord lock to create a tab. Repeat for remaining three tabs. Trim and fuse (with flame) all grosgrain raw ends.

Step 15:
Attach cord lock tab to each corner. Make 4-5 passes on grosgrain tab for bar tack. Sew 2 bar tacks for each tab. Top cord locks point outwards, bottom cord locks point upwards.

Step 16:
Thread a 36” length of shock cord with an easy grip cord end.