Pavel Dome Backpack Leather Pattern - PDF, DXF & Video Tutorial
Make your own everyday leather backpack with the Pavel Dome Backpack Pattern by Vasile and Pavel. Its rounded silhouette, curved zippered opening, and soft leather construction give it a distinctive look, while the thoughtfully organized interior makes it practical for daily use.
This design is based on a larger backpack I made about seven years ago and still use almost every day. I revisited it to create a slightly smaller version with better interior organization, a laptop sleeve, and a much more detailed digital pattern.
I made the backpack shown in the photos entirely by hand, punching and stitching 5,724 holes, including those for the hidden seams. The pattern is also suitable for sewing with a sewing machine.
What's Included
The digital download includes printable patterns, a laser-cutting file, and a video guide to help you plan and assemble your backpack.
- Printable PDF patterns in A0, A4, and US Letter sizes
- DXF file for compatible laser-cutting equipment and CAD workflows
- Video assembly guide focused on construction order
- Pattern pieces for the body, pockets, laptop sleeve, straps, lining, and other components
- Assembly information, reference marks, and numbered seams
- Material, hardware, and tool requirements
Organized DXF Layers
The DXF is organized into separate layers for contours, stitching holes, assembly information, reference marks, lining, skiving, and more. You can show or hide the information you need for your cutting and construction method.
Backpack Features
Everyday Organization
The interior is designed to keep a laptop, small accessories, and everyday essentials organized without losing the backpack's soft, rounded shape.
- 1 laptop sleeve with 2 additional pockets
- 2 interior zippered pockets
- 1 small pocket with a snap fastener
- 1 key strap with a swivel hook
- Designed to accommodate laptops up to 16 inches, depending on the actual laptop dimensions
Construction Details
The backpack features a curved main zipper, adjustable leather shoulder straps, and mostly hidden seams for a clean exterior. The bottom and back panel are lined, and the straps use thicker leather with neoprene padding.
Finished Size
- Height: 17.3 in (44 cm)
- Width: 12.6 in (32 cm)
- Depth: 5.9 in (15 cm)
These measurements refer to the approximate outside dimensions of the finished backpack. Usable interior space and laptop sleeve dimensions will be smaller depending on leather thickness and construction. Please compare your laptop's actual measurements before starting.
Stitch Hole Spacing
The distance between holes is 5 mm (0.2").
The sample backpack was fully hand stitched, but the pattern can also be used for machine sewing.
Recommended Materials
Body, Pockets & Interior Sleeves
- 2.5 oz (1 mm) soft leather or suitable leather with lining
- Approximately 16 sq ft (1.5 m²) of leather
- The bottom and back panel are lined
Lining
- Approximately 3 sq ft (0.28 m²) of lining material
Shoulder Straps & Other Supplies
- 10 oz (4 mm) leather for the shoulder straps and thicker accent pieces
- 2 strips of neoprene for shoulder strap padding
- 1 mm waxed thread for hand stitching
- Edge dye or edge paint
- Leather glue
Leather consumption is approximate and may vary depending on hide shape, cutting layout, defects, and material waste.
Hardware
- 1 × 26 in (66 cm) zipper for the main opening
- 1 × 5.5 in (14 cm) zipper for an interior pocket
- 1 × 6.1 in (15.5 cm) zipper for an interior pocket
- 2 × 1 in (25 mm) buckles
- 2 × 1 in (25 mm) D-rings
- 6 Chicago screws
- 1 snap fastener
- 1 × 10 mm (approximately 3/8 in) swivel hook
Tools
- Cutter or leather knife
- Hand-stitching needles
- 1/16 in (1.5 mm) hole punch
- Cutting mat
- Mallet
For machine sewing, use a suitable sewing machine, needle, and thread for your leather and chosen construction method.
Video Assembly Guide
The accompanying video focuses on assembly order, showing how the main components come together. It does not show every cutting step, stitching hole, or edge-painting operation.
Skill Level
Recommended for leatherworkers with previous bag-making experience. The project includes curved zipper installation, hidden seams, lining, interior pockets, and strap construction. You can build it entirely by hand or adapt the assembly for a suitable sewing machine.
What You Are Purchasing
This listing is for a digital leathercraft pattern and its accompanying files. You are not purchasing the finished leather backpack shown in the photos. No physical item will be shipped. Leather, lining, thread, hardware, tools, and other supplies are not included.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sew this backpack with a machine?
Yes. The sample was fully hand stitched, but the design is also suitable for sewing with a sewing machine.
Do I need a laser cutter?
No. The PDF patterns can be printed for hand cutting. The DXF is included for makers who use compatible digital cutting equipment.
Does it fit a 16-inch laptop?
The design is intended to accommodate laptops up to 16 inches, but laptop dimensions vary by model. Please check your laptop's dimensions against the sleeve and finished backpack before cutting.
Is this a finished backpack?
No. This is a digital pattern to make your own Pavel Dome Backpack.
Make Your Own Pavel Dome Backpack
Choose your leather and build a practical backpack with a distinctive rounded shape and a carefully organized interior. Download the Pavel Dome Backpack Leather Pattern and make it your own.
