Patterns for Federal Knapsacks, and Haversacks.

[SethJ]

Greetings,

Been watching a bunch of YouTube videos from Civil War Digest, 11th OVC, and most of all Company D 2nd USSS.

First Sergeant Koepps videos on painted cloths, and how to make a groundcloth left me wondering:
If you can make a homemade ground cloth, why can't I make my own knapsack and haversack?

I've met First Sergeant Koepp, and he seems to have quite the knowledge on how to make things accurate, or at the very least, accurate looking.

It would be nice to be able to make my own equipment. I know where I can get (heavyweight duck twill) canvas for a decent price. I realize that for sacrificing a but of authenticity, I can easily get my hands on the necessary painting materials used by First Sergeant Koepp.

I'm hoping I would be able to make my own mostly because I've been under the knowledge sutler row knapsacks and haversacks just aren't worth using. Too small, Way too inaccurate.

But, one thing I cannot find online is a good pattern for either the federal knapsack, or haversack. I am unaware of these exist, either free or paid for.

If anybody has any information on where i can original/original based patterns I would be greatly appreciative.

All of the best,
-Seth

 

[peacefulanimalguy7]

I did find instructions for the Federal haversack https://www.2ndusss.com/uniforms-and-gear/making-a-federal-haversack

 

[Dan Kohli]

If you already have a blanket, use it for a blanket roll. That should be a good and authentic place holder for the knapsack in till you get things figured out.

 

[SethJ]

If you already have a blanket, use it for a blanket roll. That should be a good and authentic place holder for the knapsack in till you get things figured out.

I have a very inaccurate blanket. I can make it a blanket roll, and it works... but I personally find it just a bit uncomfortable... thank you though, I will be using that for now.

 

[SethJ]

Now that I think about it, would it be easier to have somebody else who owns a knapsack to give dimensions and pictures of a quality knapsack to copy?

 

[7thWisconsin]

Fall Creek sells the US Pattern book that probably has the patterns you´re looking for. I made a haversack once, but I took the measurements from another I had. You´re going to end up buying a bunch of specialized hooks buttons and buckles from a sutler anyway, so you might as well buy the pattern book. It´s only $13. I would pass on a piece of advice: sew the canvas first, then paint it (regardless of whether the originals were painted first then assembled). Working painted canvas is like working leather and the end result is not measureably different.

https://fcsutler.com/fcbooks02.asp#CivilWarClothing

 

[Dan Kohli]

There are some sutlers out there that sell the hardware for the knapsacks and a few other things.

S & S Sutler of Gettysburg :: Authenticity With Care :: Equipment Accessories

Have custom-sewn, authentic reproduction, historically accurate clothing created for Civil War reenactments.

www.ss-sutler.com

Blockade Runner Civil War Sutler Suttlery Page 27 Hardware 4-20-24

Civil War Reenacting supplies and uniforms, shoes, leather goods, weapons, etc. For Men & Women

www.blockaderunner.com

 

[SethJ]

Fall Creek sells the US Pattern book that probably has the patterns you´re looking for. I made a haversack once, but I took the measurements from another I had. You´re going to end up buying a bunch of specialized hooks buttons and buckles from a sutler anyway, so you might as well buy the pattern book. It´s only $13. I would pass on a piece of advice: sew the canvas first, then paint it (regardless of whether the originals were painted first then assembled). Working painted canvas is like working leather and the end result is not measureably different.

https://fcsutler.com/fcbooks02.asp#CivilWarClothing

I called Fallcreek to ask.. unfortunately the pattern book does not contain the knapsack pattern. The lady who answered also gave me an FYI that it ay coat more/the same to build a knapsack rather than just buying one.

However, considering what's in the pattern book, I may get it anyways.

Thank you for the recommendation.

 

[Trooper "D"]

I called Fallcreek to ask.. unfortunately the pattern book does not contain the knapsack pattern. The lady who answered also gave me an FYI that it ay coat more/the same to build a knapsack rather than just buying one.

However, considering what's in the pattern book, I may get it anyways.

Thank you for the recommendation.

If you decide differently, WISH.com has black roller buckles of various sizes in packs of six I think. Real cheap. Like a buck fitty or something like that.
I've made some of my own gear over the years. I made a carbine sling out of canvass with a belt of some type inside to give some strength. I made a concoction of India Ink, Black artist paint, and Black leather dye. It worked great and only a few stress points need touching up now and then.

 

[Dan Kohli]

I found this on Dell's Leatherworks.

Double Bag Soft Pack Kit with Directions (does not include canvas bag)

Leather pieces for the double bag soft pack used during the Civil War.

dellsleatherworks.com

Japanned Roller Buckles starting at $2.25 (MSC011)

Steel buckle dipped in a 19th Century black paint formula consisting of lamp black and asphaltum and then baked on making it black and free of shine

dellsleatherworks.com