Waxed cavas bag

Waxed canvas bag with leather straps

I wanted a small hard wearing messenger bag for when I was out and about. I had a little look online and came across this little bag similar to a WW1 British gas mask bag or the bag Indiana Jones carried.

When I got the bag it seemed a little flimsy and the buckles were a bit fiddly to use so I decided to make some modifications. I thought I would replace the straps with leather ones and wax the bag to make it stiffer and water resistant.

The first thing that I did was to unpick the stitching to the straps.

With everything I did not want on the bag removed it was time to wax. The wax mix I use is one part bees wax to ten parts paraffin wax. I have an old pan I keep just for this purpose as you really dont want wax in your dinner.

When melting wax you need to be very careful as it can spit so a very low heat is key and keeping a keen eye on it.

To apply the hot wax I used a natural bristles brush so as to not melt it. I lined my bench with baking parchment to protect it and make clearing up easier.

When the bag is coated in wax the wax needs to be melted in to the canvas. This can be done by a hair drier but I find a heat gun works much better. Its quite satisfying to watch the wax melt into the bag.

When all the wax has been melted in the bag really stiffens up.

Next it was time to make some new straps. I used a 3mm walnut coloured veg tanned leather. I cut the leather using a strap cutter then finished the ends with a strap end punch.

To close the bag I used Sam Brown studs that I screwed onto leather then using copper rivets attached the leather to the bag.

I sewed on the shoulder strap using waxed nylon thread for added strength.

That is it all done. I was quite pleased with how it turned out. Its just the perfect size for for me to carry a few bits and bobs mainly a note book and pen so I can always sketch and jot down ideas.