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How to Make a Birch Knapsack

The birch knapsack, or kerchief tied to the end of a birch branch, remain a universal symbol for travel and adventure, even though modern luggage has replaced these quaint packing methods for decades. Whether you're part of a reenacting community or simply want to take the kids on an old-fashioned picnic, birch knapsacks can play a large role. Birch knapsacks offer a place to carry modern essentials like cellphones and wallets. For picnickers, they create neat little pockets laden with everything you need for an adventure.

Things You'll Need

18-inch square sturdy kerchief, thick cotton or ticking
Sturdy birch branch, 3 feet long by 1 inch thick

Instructions

- 1
  Spread an 18-inch square kerchief on a clean, flat surface. Don't use a delicate, decorative handkerchief. The fabric must be sturdy and hard-wearing so it doesn't pull or rip under the weight of your items.
- 2
  Place the items you will carry on the kerchief.
- 3
  Arrange the items like puzzle pieces on the kerchief. Place long items, like utensils and pocket knives, horizontally.
- 4
  Roll the kerchief up from the bottom edge up to the top edge, rolling the items inside with it. The kerchief should resemble a rolled burrito.
- 5
  Bring the left and right ends of the kerchief up and cross them over each other. Tie the ends in a single knot similar to starting to tie your shoe.
- 6
  Place a sturdy birch branch on top of the single knot and tie the ends of the kerchief in a double knot around the birch branch. Sling the branch over your shoulder so the kerchief hangs behind you.

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