Fold the canvas fabric in half and position the fold at the bottom. The open edges will be along the sides and the top.
Cut out your canvas fabric depending on the size of the rucksack you would like to make. For example, you can measure your back to be 12 inches across the top and 18 inches along the sides. Larger measurements will create larger packs to hold more items.
Use the sewing machine to sew along the left and right sides of the rucksack. You may want to sew along the sides twice to ensure that the rucksack is strong enough to hold all your items inside.
Fold a small portion down along the top of the rucksack. This fold will create the area where the drawstring will be inserted into the bag. Place the cord into the fold before sewing it down to make sure the channel is large enough to allow the drawstring to slip inside it. Pull the drawstring completely around the top of the rucksack inside the fold, crossing once at the back.
Cut a hole in each of the four corners of the bag. Pull the drawstring out of the top corner holes and string it from the top to the bottom on both sides. The same piece of nylon serves as the drawstring to close the top of the rucksack and the shoulder straps on both sides. Insert the drawstring into the holes on the bottom sides of the rucksack and tie a knot to secure them in place.
Place the rucksack on your back and adjust the drawstring to fit your own comfort level. Place items into your rucksack to make sure that it holds the items in place correctly and will meet your carrying needs.
