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The ideal way to collect things from the beach is to have a rucksack. This leaves both hands free to draw and collect things, and you can carry loads of stuff home on your back. My rucksack is large enough to take an A4 sketchbook as well as shells, wood, rope, and anything else you may find, and also your sandwiches.

Denim is best, but any other strong and washable fabric will do. Wash all the fabric before you start. Have fun choosing your colours - remember it's the summer and choose bright ones!

How to make a simple rucksack

3. You can decorate the rucksack with any type of embroidery or textile techniques. I have used appliqué to decorate mine because it gives a bold design and is strong.

1. You will need to cut the shapes out of the fabric.
2. Pin and tack these to the background fabric.
   
3. Stitch the shapes down using matching thread and small overstitches.
4. Using a contrasting coloured thread (coton perlé looks fine) work decorative stitches round the shapes. Any small details can be worked in satin stitch.
   

4. Make the straps

1. Cut four strips of fabric 50 x 7 cm.
2. Fold each strip and stitch the long sides, forming tubes.
3. Stitch the straps to the bag where the crosses are on Diagram 1 so that they look like Diagram 2.
4. Stitch the straps as in Diagram 3 so as to strengthen them.
5. The straps are tied together to alter the fit of the rucksack.

5. Edge the flap and the top of the front and sides.

1. Cut 5 cm wide strips of fabric and stitch right side together to the areas to be edged.
2. Turn the strip over the raw edge and stitch to the reverse, encasing the raw edge.

6. Make up the bag by stitching the side-seams, matching 'A' to 'A' and 'B' to 'B', right sides together. Turn the bag right side out and away you go!

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by Jo Dixey © The Embroiderers' Guild 1997 - 2011. First published in the Young Textile Group Project Book.

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