What’ll it be, then?
Which of these two webbings will I use for the Batala/Harlequin backpack? My personal preference is for the colourful geometric one at the bottom but I’m inviting opinions in case someone has cogent reasons for preferring the other one.
So, progress: I’ve got the front and back panels done, the flap done, the D-ring hanger done, and the dark blue sides attached to the colourful front and back. There’s also a zippered pocket on the back panel you can’t see. Still to do: the phone pocket, second zippered pocket, the straps and the lining. That last bit will be fun, since the whole thing is attached to the outside, and then the whole bag has to be turned back out through a 3 inch slit in the bottom of the small zippered pocket on the back. Which will be fun. Not.
So far, I’m impressed with this pattern. If anyone is planning to make it, I strongly recommend mounting the pattern pieces onto card and then cutting them out. This is partly because you have to draw around things several times. Not only is it harder to draw round just paper, but the card will stand up much better to this treatment long term.
Making the bag is easier than I feared. The piping is the hardest part, and even that isn’t hard so long as you have a zipper or piping foot for your sewing machine, and you handle the bias strip gently.
I think I’m probably over halfway through, and it’s going to be fab!
talltalesfromchiconia 
Personally I think the top one picks up the colours better but the bottom one is a fun pattern.
I like them both, myself, but I think the bottom one is livelier and more in keeping with the fabric… It’s tricky, isn’t it?
Yes it is – especially as the colours in the photos in your blog may not be true!
Agreed!
I’m siding with Batty in Wales ^^ I prefer the top one but it’s your bag!
It’s quieter, and the design is more in keeping with the main fabric, but it’s somehow not quite right… It was my first choice, and then I saw the other one, and my eyes went “Yes!”.
For the simple reason I saw a woman in town with a bag I admired which was plain leather with a multi-hued striped webbing strap… of your options the geometric catches my eye.
That sounds like a perfectly good reason to me! It’s a tricky one, because I know that the paisley one is a better match in theory, but the geometric one calls out the brighter colours, which I love. It’s going to be one of those last minute decisions.
I like the colours in the geometric one but, for me, the pattern would jar a bit but if that doesn’t happen for you then go for it.
For me, it doesn’t exactly jar, but it doesn’t blend as well as the paisley. But then there’s the colour… Who knew this would be the hard decision?
Geometric fabric is stunning but takes away from the beautiful fabric of the bag.
I’m not sure it’s so distracting to my eyes, but everyone seems to prefer the paisley. I’m torn; to me it’s about the colour and the pattern is less important! Tricky one!
I think it’s the most interesting and colorful backpack ever. I love that it’s not huge nor dull.
Same! But at the same time, capacious, which every woman who uses one as a purse knows is a significant consideration.
It seems like you cannot go wrong with either webbing – both are lovely! That is going to be quite the awesome colorful backpack!
I think so too! I have a crumbling spine and a backpack is the safest way for me to carry a bag, so I’m always looking for fun, interesting versions, and this one fits the bill.
I prefer the geometric. The paisley looks too close to an attempt at matching, so the patterns are bit ‘white noise-ish’, like visual tinnitus, if that makes any sense. Amazed you found webbing so cheerful. It must have been quite a challenge
I realised with dismay a few hours ago that I no longer have enough of the geometric one, so the decision was made for me… Never mind. It’ll be fine. And there’s plenty of colour already!
It’s always the way, isn’t it!
It’s going to be fabulous.
I like the bottom one best. May as well go for it!
I’d have gone for it, if I hadn’t discovered that I was at least 14 inches short of what I needed. They were in my stash and I was so excited I never bother to measure how much I had 😢 Never mind, I’ll use the paisley one.
The top one matches better, the bottom gives you contrast. Go with the one you prefer.
Ultimately, I’m going with the only one I have enough of!
I like the geometric for the contrast. I’m so far behind in reading though I’m sure you’ve chosen and finished by now! 😄
I did too, but fate intervened. I don’t have enough of it!