Paul Juma Onyango made Susanne a calm, practical bag that shifts with her day, blending everyday ease with lasting style. What's your wish? →
View material & custom-made details
This Bespoke Convertible Backpack Shoulder Bag was made by Paul Juma Onyango as a practical everyday bag that could switch between shoulder carry and backpack use. It is a useful example for anyone looking for a custom canvas and leather bag with a clean neutral look, secure outside pockets, and enough space for A4 documents and daily essentials.
- Request: The goal was a daypack-sized convertible bag in grey canvas with black leather reinforcement, a top handle, silver-tone fittings, and a layout suited to everyday use.
- Final result: The finished bag combined sturdy grey cotton canvas with real black leather on the bottom, corners, handle, and strap details, creating a durable backpack-shoulder bag with a zipped main compartment.
- Design details: The final design included zipped exterior pockets on both the front and back, a light lining for better visibility inside, a zipped inner pocket for valuables, and open interior compartments for a phone and small items.
- Fit and use: Sized around a standard daypack format, it was planned to fit A4 documents and a water bottle while staying compact enough for commuting, travel, or everyday errands.
- Process: Progress was documented from pattern making through cutting and assembly, and when a flaw appeared on the front panel, a new version was made so the finished result matched expectations more closely.
Every unique piece tells a story. What’s yours?
This design was custom-made exclusively for Susanne. Let it inspire you: customize this design to fit your vision or start with a completely new idea. You chat directly with our artisans, and we handle the secure process.
A request by Susanne from Oberhausen, Germany
I would like a convertible shoulder bag that can also be worn as a backpack.
Like the one in this link:
https://www.thielemann-lederwaren.de/shop/rucksaecke-reisegepaeck/juri-rucksack-umhaengetasche-aus-stoff-leder_414_2701/
– **Color:** neutral color, especially gray (single color, without eye-catching patterns).
– **Material:** mixture of sturdy fabric (e.g., canvas or sturdy cotton fabric) and genuine or high-quality imitation leather for the bottom, corners, straps, and fasteners.
– **Size:** similar to a normal daypack size, suitable for A4 documents and a water bottle. Height approx. 35–40 cm, width approx. 28–32 cm, depth approx. 10–14 cm.
**Exterior design:**
– One main compartment with a zipper at the top.
– One flat exterior pocket with a zipper at the front.
– Adjustable straps that can be easily converted from backpack straps to a longer shoulder strap (e.g., using carabiners).
– Sturdy carrying handle at the top.
**Inside:**
– One interior compartment with zipper for valuables.
– One or two open compartments for cell phones and small items.
– Light-colored fabric lining so you can see everything easily.
**Design:**
– Reinforced seams, especially on the straps.
– Corners and bottom reinforced with leather for greater durability.
– Metal parts (zippers, rings, carabiners) in a simple, neutral color (e.g., silver).
The Journey of Creating Bespoke Convertible Backpack Shoulder Bag
Negotiation & Planning
Bespoke Convertible Backpack Shoulder Bag - design ideas and artisan proposals
Thank you, Susanne, your idea is very clear and absolutely doable. A convertible bag like the one in the link, in a neutral grey, with canvas plus leather (or good imitation leather), A4 size, pockets inside and outside, and metal parts in silver – all that can be made here with sturdy Kenyan canvas and sustainable leather.
I can:
- Use thick grey cotton canvas for the body and real cow leather for the bottom, corners, handle, and strap details.
- Add a light cotton lining inside (e.g., light beige/cream so it’s easy to see inside).
- Reinforce all stress points on the straps and handle with extra stitching.
- Use simple silver-coloured metal fittings and strong zippers.
Two small points where your preference helps:
1) Leather vs. imitation leather:
Would you prefer real leather (more durable and ages nicely) or high‑quality imitation leather (easier to keep a uniform look and fully vegan)? My expert suggestion: real leather for the bottom/corners and handle for best durability.
2) Exact grey shade:
Do you prefer a darker charcoal grey (hides dirt better) or a medium/light grey (looks softer and more minimal)? I’d suggest a darker charcoal grey canvas with matching leather for an elegant, practical everyday bag.
If you like, I can first make a simple sketch of the bag (front view and side view) showing the strap conversion system and pockets so you can confirm the look before I start.
(Automatic translation) February 19, 2026, 11:45 a.m.: Susanne Hi Paul, if it's not too expensive, I'd like real leather. If it makes a big difference in price, though, the fabric of the bag would be fine for reinforcement. Do you have any photos of the shades of gray you could send me? I can't decide. Yes, a sketch would be great too. One more thing: I forgot to mention in my request for a quote that I need two outside pockets (one for my wallet and keys and one for my cell phone). Could you please take that into account? Best regards, Susanne
Hello have noted the requirements
If we're using grey canvas which leather shade /colour would you prefer?
(Automatic translation) February 23, 2026, 8:18 a.m.: Susanne
Hello Paul,
I really like the fabric, and I would like black leather for it.
But is it possible to sew a zippered pocket on the back and front instead of the patch pocket?
Best regards,
Susanne
Hi yes will use black leather
Yes zip pocket possible so we will do it in both front and back ,that's ok
Crafting Process
How to make a Bespoke Convertible Backpack Shoulder Bag – work in progress
Done with pattern will source material from tomorrow
(Automatic translation) Mar 5, 2026, 8:48 a.m.: Susanne
Great, thank you.
Doing cutting
(Automatic translation) Mar 9, 2026, 8:50 a.m.: Susanne
Great!
Doing assembling today
(Automatic translation) March 11, 2026, 10:37 a.m.: Susanne
I'm excited
Hi
Am done
(Automatic translation) March 12, 2026, 3:57 p.m.: Susanne
That looks great.
Thank you very much.
Yes you can give feedback I check
(Automatic translation) March 26, 2026, 12:19 p.m.: Susanne
Good morning,
Is there a material defect or a lint spot visible in photo 095356?
Best regards, Susanne
May be needle mark let me check that
(Automatic translation) March 26, 2026, 3:34 p.m.: Susanne
OK
Let me correct that and share pictures
(Automatic translation) March 27, 2026, 5:02 p.m.: Susanne
Thank you
Changing the entire front part would destroy the whole bag
The only option is to make a new one?
What do u think can we continue and make a new one
(Automatic translation) March 30, 2026, 11:07 a.m.: Susanne
Yes, please
Thank you
(Automatic translation) March 30, 2026, 11:39 a.m.: Susanne
ok
Hi.done
(Automatic translation) April 1, 2026, 10:04 a.m.: Susanne
That was quick. Thanks
The Finished Unique Piece – Individually Handmade
Reference: ON003877E-104475
Cost structure of this project
| Price | |
|---|---|
| Cost of material |
55.12
|
| Cost of labour |
27.56
|
| Cost of packaging |
2.07
|
| Local Transport to photoshoot and parcel drop-off |
2.41
|
| Subtotal – payout to artisan |
87.16
|
| Customer acquisition costs (advertising etc.) |
8.72
|
| Handling fee Urban Change Lab |
8.72
|
| Total (excluding shipping & taxes) |
104.6
|
- Secure: Transparent ordering & approval
- Personal: We support you at every step
- Fair: Direct local value creation in Kenya
Note on shipping & taxes
The cost breakdown above shows how the value of this individual project is composed.
Shipping costs and any applicable taxes (e.g. VAT) depend on the delivery country and the specific setup and are therefore not shown as fixed amounts here.
All additional costs are communicated transparently before placing a binding order.
If you have any questions, you will find our contact details further down this page.
