Hannah Njenga created a sturdy, elegant backpack for Vanessa Cha My, blending everyday practicality with a personal plant detail. What's your wish? →
View material & custom-made details
This Custom Canvas Backpack With Plant Embroidery shows how a merchandise-style backpack idea was turned into a finished sample by Hannah Njenga, combining everyday function with a simple botanical detail on the front pocket. It is a useful example for anyone considering a custom canvas backpack with zippers, brass-look hardware, a bottle pocket and branded embroidery for small-batch projects.
- Request: The project called for a compact everyday backpack in brown-toned fabric with a sturdier canvas structure, zip closures, adjustable straps, a reinforced base and a small dark green plant embroidery with two leaves and a short stem.
- Final result: The finished backpack included the requested front embroidery, a zippered main compartment, a front zip pocket, smaller storage compartments, padded shoulder straps, a side bottle pocket in matching elastic fabric and brass snap-hook style closures.
- Design details: Canvas was used for the firmer areas, with a black base and piping added to help the bag hold its shape better. The look balanced soft fabric with practical hardware, giving it a casual day-bag feel that could also work for light trips or event merchandise.
- Fit and use: The requested size was around 25 cm wide, 38 cm high and 12 cm deep, with the note that the full height was reached when the bag was opened out, while the strapped, folded form sat shorter. It was designed for daily essentials, small valuables and a water bottle rather than heavy technical gear.
- Process: This journey included material selection, embroidery development, a remake with added guidance and shared progress photos before approval. After receiving the backpack, the customer updated their feedback to say they were very satisfied with the final product.
Every unique piece tells a story. What’s yours?
This design was custom-made exclusively for Vanessa Cha My. 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 Vanessa Cha My from Coppenbrügge, Germany
Hello dear Urban Change Lab team,
I would like a backpack made from a combination of brown cotton and another hard-wearing fabric. The backpack should measure 25 cm in width, 38 cm in height and 12 cm in depth. I would prefer a stylish and functional backpack that is suitable for everyday use as well as for trips. It should also have faux leather and functional buckles. However, the main compartment and the front pocket should be equipped with a zipper.
Additional details:
– It should have a main compartment with a zipper, as well as at least two smaller compartments for easy access to smaller items.
– Adjustable shoulder straps made of a comfortable material that remains comfortable even when worn for long periods of time.
– A small zippered inner pocket for valuables would be useful.
– The bottom of the backpack should be reinforced to ensure stability and durability.
– The backpack should also have a side pocket for a bottle, as well as a shoulder strap
– The outer pocket on the front should be embroidered with a small plant (consisting of two leaves of different sizes and a short stalk) in a dark green color
A rough sketch with the corresponding colors is available!
I would like to find out from you to what extent this design can be realized, especially with regard to the choice of material, processing and technical feasibility.
I am also interested in a price overview for different quantities (e.g. 10, 50, 100 pieces). If you offer graduated prices, please also send me information on this. This is merchandise that I would like to sell on a one-off basis.
If additional details are needed, please let me know.
Yours sincerely
Vanessa Cha My Nguyen Xuan
The Journey of Creating Custom Canvas Backpack With Plant Embroidery
Negotiation & Planning
Custom Canvas Backpack With Plant Embroidery - design ideas and artisan proposals
Hello Vanessa,
Thank you for reaching out and sharing your detailed vision for the backpack. Your project sounds exciting, and we're thrilled to explore how we can bring your concept to life.
To ensure we create a backpack that meets your expectations, here are a few points and questions to consider:
1. **Material Options:** You mentioned wanting brown cotton combined with another hard-wearing fabric. Do you have a specific type of fabric in mind, such as canvas or nylon, for durability? Additionally, how important is the level of waterproofing or water resistance for the fabric choices?
2. **Functional Details:** For the adjustable shoulder straps, do you have a preference for the type of padding or material you believe would offer the comfort you're seeking?
3. **Embroidery Design:** You've envisioned a lovely small plant embroidery for the front pocket. Do you have a specific design or are you open to suggestions on the style and size of the embroidery?
4. **Volume and Pricing:** It's great that you're considering different quantities for production. While we work on providing a detailed price overview, could you share any target price range you're aiming to stay within per backpack, or would your primary focus be on quality and craftsmanship?
Regarding your inquiry about technical feasibility, our team will assess every aspect to ensure the design can be realized efficiently without compromising quality. Once we go over these details, we will be able to give you a clearer picture of the production process and costs.
In the meantime, do you have a budget in mind?
I also have images of leather and canvas options for you to pick from closest to your idea
Looking forward to hearing your thoughts and any additional preferences you might have!
Hello!
Thank you for the answer!
1. in the places that need to be a little firmer (although I don't know exactly where it is most suitable), I would prefer canvas! I don't want it to be waterproof, rather a bit water-repellent in case of a bit of rain.
2. for the shoulder straps, I don't have any preferences yet. I would rely on the recommendation!
3. the design of the plant embroidery should be similar to what I have roughly sketched. Quite small and simple with a stalk and two leaves of different sizes.
4. i think i would want to order about 50 of these backpacks as they will "only" serve as merchandise. I think a good mix of good pricing and quality would work for this! They shouldn't be too expensive as I would want to sell them on as one-off merchandise. So, if there are any good options to save money on certain materials or cuts, I'd be happy to discuss that as well
I also had the idea of replacing the buckles with small snap hooks to make it easier to close. I have attached two more pictures! And instead of an artificial leather strap on the side pocket, to replace it with a fabric strap, if that could save costs!
Thank you very much for the editing! I am very happy! (Automatic translation)
Hi Vanessa,
Thank you for your detailed response. I'm excited to further refine your backpack design based on your input. Here’s a plan we can proceed with:
Material Choices:
We'll opt for canvas on the firmer parts for durability and ensure it remains water-repellent.
For shoulder straps, I'll propose a couple of comfortable padding materials and get your feedback.
Design Elements:
I'll incorporate brass snap hooks as we've discussed. This adds a practical yet stylish alternative to buckles.
For the plant embroidery, I'll ensure it's simple and adheres to the design you've sketched.
Cost Considerations:
We can replace the artificial leather strap with a fabric strap to reduce costs.
I'll provide two options for the bottle pocket: a cost-effective elasticated net or a matching elasticated fabric pocket. Please let me know which you prefer.
Pricing & Budget:
I'll send a preliminary price for sample production shortly(open to further discussion). This will help us see if it aligns with your budget. If necessary, we can adjust the materials or design to better meet financial goals. I have attached images of fabric and closure options as I've understood them, feel free to pick or correct me.
Please let me know your preference for the bottle pocket and any further adjustments you might think of. I'm here to ensure this product turns out perfectly for your intended audience.
Looking forward to your thoughts!
Best, Hannah Njenga
Hello Hannah!
Thank you so much for editing my new ideas!
I would be very happy with a fabric ribbon! And for the bottle bag, I would want to use a matching elastic fabric bag.
About the price and budget:
Is the 129.09€ the price per piece? Unfortunately, I wouldn't be able to resell the backpacks and would also have to reduce the total quantity to 25 pieces.
Kind regards
Vanessa (Automatic translation)
Hello Vanessa,
Thank you for your clarification regarding the bottle pocket and your preferred material choices. It’s great to know you would like a matching elastic fabric for the bottle bag.
Regarding the pricing, the €129.09 mentioned covers the sample production and set-up costs for embroidery. For bulk production, this price will adjust once these initial expenses are absorbed.
Could you share a target price per backpack you're aiming for? This will help me optimize the material and production choices accordingly.
I’m here to ensure we balance cost with quality to meet your expectations. Please feel free to share any further preferences or adjustments you may want.
Looking forward to your response.
Best, Hannah Njenga"
Hi,
After consultation with my community, there will only be 10 pieces. I hope this still works for you. My target price per backpack would be around 80 euros
Best regards
Vanessa (Automatic translation)
Hello Vanessa,
Thank you for updating me on your revised order quantity and target price. We can definitely make adjustments to achieve your vision. Here’s how we can proceed:
Material Sourcing: I will source the canvas and other materials from a more affordable supplier to ensure we maintain quality while working within your budget.
Order Confirmation: We'll proceed with producing 10 backpacks based on your feedback. Would you prefer to receive a sample first at €130 and then proceed with the remainder at approximately €80 each, or would you prefer to skip the sampling process and go straight into producing the 10 pieces?
Please let me know which option suits you best, or if there are any additional preferences or adjustments you'd like to discuss. I’m committed to ensuring the final product meets your expectations while aligning with your budget.
Looking forward to your response.
Best regards, Hannah Njenga
That makes me happy! Thank you very much!
I would like to receive a sample at the price of 130 € beforehand
Best regards
Vanessa (Automatic translation)
Thank you for confirming your preference to receive a sample backpack at the price of €130. I'm excited to proceed with crafting your design.
To move forward efficiently, here's the plan:
I'll begin by preparing the sample with your specified materials and design elements to ensure it meets your expectations.
Once you receive the sample, we can discuss any final adjustments before moving on to producing the remaining 10 backpacks at approximately €80 each.
Please confirm if this approach aligns with your plans or if there's anything else you'd like to adjust before we start production. I'm committed to ensuring the final product is perfect for your needs.
Looking forward to your approval to begin the process.
Best regards,
Hannah Njenga
Crafting Process
How to make a Custom Canvas Backpack With Plant Embroidery – work in progress
Hello Vanessa
Here is the fabric I got for your bag that is closest to that image. I will be sourcing brass snap hooks, zippers and other brass accessories to give it a cohesive look.
From the photo you can also see the black base and piping I will use to give you bag a steady base
Looks great, I'm looking forward to it!
Thank you very much!
Best regards
Vanessa (Automatic translation)
Awesome
Talk soon
(Automatic translation) 13 Jul 2025 8:37 am: Hannah Njenga
Fantastic
Speak soon (Automatic translation)
Hello Vanessa
Here is the logo I did for your bag. Thoughts?
The logo is great!!!
Thank you so much! (Automatic translation)
Amazing. I'll update you on the progress soon
(Automatic translation) 20 Jul 2025 5:51 pm: Hannah Njenga
Amazing. I'll update you on the progress soon (Automatic translation)
Hi Vanessa I'm making good progress. I'll be a little late to complete it though. I need till Monday next week.
All good! No stress 🙂 (Automatic translation)
Great
(Automatic translation) 30 Jul 2025 12:49 am: Hannah Njenga
Great (Automatic translation)
Hi Larissa
Here is the first look at the completed bag. What do you think? Are there any adjustments you would like me to make?
Looks very nice! No changes need to be made!
Thank you! (Automatic translation)
Okay, I will deliver it to the Operations manager tomorrow
(Automatic translation) 08 Aug 2025 12:32 pm: Hannah Njenga
Okay, I'll hand it over to the operations manager tomorrow (Automatic translation)
Hello Vanessa, I have delivered the rucksack to my operations manager
Hello Vanessa, I have delivered the rucksack to my operations manager
Since I keep getting the reminder to reply in my emails, I'll just try it again like this (Automatic translation)
Hello Vanessa,
This is Vicky, the Local Operations Manager, and I’ve completed the quality check of your bag. Unfortunately, the result does not meet our quality standards (see attached photos), so we’re unable to ship it in its current form.
From my assessment, it seems that Hannah is a talented tailor when it comes to dresses, but this particular bag design was not the best match for her current skill level. To ensure you receive the quality you deserve, I recommend assigning your request to another artisan. All previous conversation will remain visible to the next artisan, so you won’t need to explain everything again. As an alternative you could allow Hannah a second try and we would try to find somebody with more expertise to provide some guidance.
I’m sorry for the inconvenience and appreciate your understanding. We truly hope you’ll agree to have the bag redone so we can deliver a product that meets your expectations.
Best regards,
Vicky
Hello Vicky!
Thank you so much for the reply and the editing!
I wouldn't want to have the remaining backpacks produced for the time being. However, we can still consider whether I would take at least one backpack. How much extra would it cost if we had the one backpack made by another craftsman?
Kind regards
Vanessa (Automatic translation)
Hello Vanessa,
sorry for the late response. We would make your one backpack again without additional costs (the money paid was meant for one backpack). Hannah has reached out to one of our best artisans for bags (Stella Gikonyo) and will make the next bag under her supervision. Stella is sure that Hannah has the potential to deliver great quality its just some know-how gaps which they will fix now. I hope we can proceed with this approach?
Kind regards,
Vicky.
Hello Vicky,
then we can have the one backpack made again, but I would not have the rest of the backpacks produced for the time being.
Best regards
Vanessa (Automatic translation)
Hi Vanessa
I will be working on the back pack as soon as Stella is available to guide me
All right! (Automatic translation)
Great thanks
I will update you on Friday
(Automatic translation) 07 Sep 2025 8:02 pm: Hannah Njenga
Thank you very much!
I will update you on Friday (Automatic translation)
Hello Vanessa
The adjustments were done. Please allow me to deliver the bag to the operations manager
Regards,
Hannah.
Yes with pleasure! (Automatic translation)
Hello Vanessa,
It is Vicky again. I recently got your bag back and wanted to share my review with you. The embroidery on the front pocket looks beautiful and matches exactly what you requested, and the compartments, straps, bottle pocket, and hardware are all in place according to your design. The overall measurements are also correct, except that when the bag is folded and strapped as it should be, the height comes to 32 cm instead of the specified 38 cm, although when straightened out and not strapped in it measures the 38cm .
That said, I need to point out two concerns. The bag has no padding at all in the body, although the straps are well padded. Since the main material is soft, this makes the bag collapse and feel unstructured. Could you please confirm if this was how you intended it, or if you expected padding? In addition, one side of the main strap closures is not properly aligned; it sits slightly crooked, which affects the overall finish. The stitching is consistent, though it could still be cleaner in some places.
Overall, this bag is a slight improvement compared to the first one, but it still falls short in terms of structure and finish. For a final product, I believe it should be better aligned, and ideally include padding unless the specified otherwise.
I have shared photos with you so you can take a closer look and let us know how you’d like to proceed.
Best regards,
Vicky Achieng.
Hello Vicky,
That's fine like that! I would love to take them off like that then! 🙂
Thank you very much!
Vanessa (Automatic translation)
The Finished Unique Piece – Individually Handmade
Reference: ON-AI-000385D-87777
Cost structure of this project
| Price | |
|---|---|
| Cost of material |
41.72
|
| Cost of labour |
41.72
|
| Cost of packaging |
3.48
|
| Local Transport to photoshoot and parcel drop-off |
3.48
|
| Subtotal – payout to artisan |
90.4
|
| Customer acquisition costs (advertising etc.) |
9.04
|
| Handling fee Urban Change Lab |
9.04
|
| Total (excluding shipping & taxes) |
108.48
|
- 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.