How to wash and restore your Kanken Backpack: Washing, Redying, waxing and embroidering
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- čas přidán 28. 08. 2024
- ***edit - the wax I used was intended for g-1000 fabrics from fjallraven. A few people in the comments let me know and I’m so grateful. It’s such a learning curve with things like this and I’m so happy that I have a community of people to help figure these things out! I’m going to try find another product for a future video. I did had success with the wax, but it might not be the best thing.
Hey Everyone!!!
I need to start this with a statement, I love my kanken. I have a 15” yellow laptop kanken backpack that I got for xmas in 2017, it’s been to 4 different studios with me, it’s been on 2 holidays and assisted my in my minimalist travel obsession, and kept me company on numerous hikes. It recently has been a faithful nappy bag for the last year. It fits everything in, the front opens up completely like a suitcase it’s just perfect.
Sadly though she has been looking a little tired, a little beat up, I would even go as far as saying a little dirty. My very kind mother offered to buy my a new kanken so I had a dedicated back pack for Jackson, I bought the same bag but in a forest green, it’s really beautiful. But my old faithful backpack, the one that’s been with me through thick and thin, I couldn’t just get rid of her!
So I began researching on how I could make her look new again, let her have a rest and a pamper, basically buying her a spa day. Now this spa day was originally just going to be the entry fee, you know lounging about in the sauna, the hot tub (maybe a face mask if we were feeling cheeky) but it turned into a full body massage, facial and a manicure. It was a process that lasted a week and was way more in depth than either of us expected.
So grab a brew and a biccy and watch the journey of me restoring the old gal !!!
Lots of love
S
X
FIND ME:
Instagram: stephevansart
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Email: stephevansart@outlook.com
Blog : stephevansart....
Oh my Lord!!! That embroidery is next level! I have zero embroidery skills but would die for that amazing work on my kanken! X
Awww thank you so much! That’s such a lovely comment ❤️
Congratulations, the result is incredible and beautiful!
The embroidery is really superb and I love it!
I also like my Kånken.
Awww thank you so much! And thanks for taking the time to comment xxx
Hi Steph! I came to tell you about my experience copying your method. Which went very well. I have a kanken classic, ocher, since 2016. The color has faded over time, especially in the area where I rub vigorously when washing. It didn't look good anymore so I washed it again and dyed it with a product called “Anilina” available in my country (Chile). I am very happy with the result. Thank you for sharing this. You helped me renew the life of my beloved backpack.
Awwww Paula I’m so happy to hear that you gave your bag a new lease of life !! And I’m elated that my video helped you!! Thank you so much for taking the time to comment and let me know, you’ve made my day xxx
Cómo limpias el parche del logo?? el mio está amarillento / how do you clean the logo patch? mine looks yellow :(
@@loolucy hey!!! I’ve never tried to clean my patch, you could try acetone or nail varnish remover with a cotton bud, but this could damage it, so maybe so a test patch, but you can buy replacement patches online. I’ve been thinking about getting one myself because mines a little damaged
The embroidery is so lovely! Thanks for your encouraging words for those of us who haven't tried it before.
Awww thank you Hannah! I’m glad that you found this encouraging! My thought process was “this is a high risk high reward situation” im so glad it turned out as well as it did haha xxx
Wow!! Such beautiful embroidery!! Professional level, I think!! Those mushrooms and sunflowers!! Fabulous!👍🏾
This is such a lovely comment! I adore autumn so much that I needed to bring the autumnal vibes with me all year round…currently I’m crocheting myself an autumnal themed cardigan in anticipation for September. And so lovely to say that my embroidery is professional ❤️❤️❤️. Hope you have an amazing day xxxx
The nails matching the project, we love to see it! 🧡
Thanks Emma! Autumnal nails are my favourite ❤️🙏🏻 can’t wait for September
Wow! The embroidery is amazing! You encouraged me to refresh the color of my Kanken and maybe even to try and embroider something! Thank you!
Thank you so much kate for taking the time to comment!!! I’m so glad you’ve took inspiration to refresh your own kanken!!! It’s so good giving a lease of life to an much loved thing xxxx
This is so stunning! You did a fantastic job and I adore the embroidery on it! I have one of those art Kanken bags (Blue Fable) and a long while ago before that I got this burnt orange Sears Canada nearly identical bag to the Kanken's (except the logo is a rubber rounded half-black Canadian maple leaf) which was on clearance for $15 (woot!) because of all the Sears stores closing. It has been worn and loved for over seven years, but sadly it needs a good cleaning and waxing! You gave me a great idea to embroider my bag! So thank you for this.
I’m so glad that this inspired you!!!! I think it’s so good when you can give an old item a new lease of life!!!! Have you decided what your going to embroider???? Let me know!!! Xx
I came here because my bag was also looking really grubby and oh my gosh the embroidery pattern was so stunning! You did such a good job with this!
Thank you so much!!!! The process got a bit out of hand 😂😂😂 so glad you enjoyed and thank you for taking the time to comment! X
that's a very well-made video, now I'm ready to get mine waxed too!! thank you Steph！ btw your baby's smile is the highlight of this video❤
Awww serena thank you for you kind words!!! I had some feedback on the video that the wax isn’t suitable for the bag I have, I’ve had luck with it though, so I hope this process works for you xxx
I love that you took something that may have been trashed and made it beautiful again. So impressive!❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Thank you so much!!! I’m one of those people that gets attached to her items 😂 I couldn’t bare to part with her…so I took her to the spa. Thank you again for your kind words and taking the time to comment xxx
I'm so glad to have come across your video! my ox red kanken is looking pretty beaten up by now and i was contemplating whether to get a new one or do something with it.... you've inspired me to get creative!! amazing job and i ADORE the embroidery, so cute!
Awww I’m so happy you found this video and it’s inspired you to take your ox kanken to the spa. Give her a dye job girl!! When you’ve done it feel free to send me a pic of your bag! I’m the same handle on insta, also thank you for taking the time to comment and your kind words xxxx
I'm sorry that you fainted. BUT this video was so informative and helpful. I look forward to restoring my own backpack. Thank you!!
Awwwww thanks for the well wishes and the lovely comment!!! I have another bag sat ready to go for the new year! Hope you had a lovely festive period xxx
Omg the transformation is real. Looks so amazing and i won't believe it wasn't a new bag if it's not on a video. You did such amazing job 🔥
Thank you so much for your comment! Im so glad gave my lil kanken her spa treatments, she’s like a new lady! Thank you for taking the time to comment as well, means so much 🙏🏻
That wax is not meant for the regular Kanken, which you and I have. It's meant to only be used on G-1000 fabrics from Fjallraven. I went to the Fjallraven store in my city, and they informed me of this when I wanted to buy the wax for my Kanken.
thank you so much for letting me know! I did research before this and to be honest I was a little unsure because of the amount of conflicting information. sometimes my bag goes a bit white in the cold where the wax is on there. But its doing the job and its still lovely and colourful. I really appreciate your feedback because you've answered a bugging question for me! hope you're having a wonderful day!
I also got this information in the store when I bought the wax.. but they didn't really give me a good alternative other than synthetic "impregnators" (or whatever they're called in English..). I have a really old Kånken that is almost broken, that I will try this on. But I thought your restoration and embroidery was beautiful!! Thanks for sharing! 😍
@@annaaas The fabric the old kankens are made of is intended to absorb water, which causes the fibers to expand and prevent water from getting inside. If you wax it, it will be less waterproof, as the fibers are too loose to hold water out, and the wax cracks and leaves small openings that water goes through. And the wax prevents the fibers from absorbing water and sealing in the rain like they're intended to. So you don't want any impregnators or sealants on original kankens.
Thanks a lot. I messed mine up by putting it in the washer. Gonna try all of this.
I highly recommend dying your kanken. I found the dye came out even hand washing it. But check the wax , I got feedback from a viewer who said I used the wrong wax, but the dye worked a treat. Thank you so much for taking the time to comment. Hope your having a lovely day x
Wow!! You’re bag came out amazing!! Well done!!
Thanks for your lovely comment Laura! It was a long and loving process, it’s making me want to buy old kankens to restore !!!!!!!
Such lovely embroidery! It looks great!
Awwww thanks so much Nancy!! That’s such a lovely comment, enjoyed this process so much x
I love the idea and results! Keep on going!
Thanks Magda for your positivity and kind words xxxx
Wow! Your bag turned out really beautiful!
Awww thank you for your kind words and for taking the time to comment ❤️
I really enjoyed watching your video it was relaxing, educational and so cool to see how you put so much effort into fixing your bag. I loved your embroidery so beautiful, great job 👍.
Thank you so much!!! You totally got the vibe, “calming instructional”. I’m someone who gets attached to things, I’m always looking for a way to keep stuff, whether is repurposing or revitalising. Thank you so much for your comment, it means so much xxxx
What a wonderful work!!! 😍 Wow ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Thank you so much!!! It brings me so much joy using it now hahah x
Was looking up videos to get ideas on how to clean my bag, and so glad I found this because you did an absolutely amazing job! It makes me want to try embroidering, too 💛
Awwww I’m so glad you enjoyed my video!!!! I need to do an update coz I had a mad issue with waterproofing. So I’m trying to hack that atm. Deffo have a go at embroidery in so happy I did mine. Also thanks so much for taking the time to comment 🍁💛💛
This was very helpful, thank you for sharing your process 🤎
Thank you so much for your comment!! So glad this video helped you x
Great job you are so talented. Beautiful bag!
Thank you so much for your comment and your kind words kristinaMarie! It was so fun to do…long and arduous but fun. Xxx
You’re so talented! I just bought a Kanken and not sure if I will like it (needs more interior pockets). I enjoyed how you made it your own.
It’s a bit of getting used to, I use packing cubes in mine, and I had to find a specific lunch box, I found a tall lock and lock, thank you so much for your kind words and taking the time to comment !!! Xxx
Amazing, absolutly gorgeous
Thank you so much for your kind words!!! It was a lot of fun and I’m so happy with how it turned out xxx
How is the wax holding up one year later? Any updates? Really curious 🥰 also, you did a fabulous job reviving this Kånken! Love the attention to detail when removing labels and also the embroidery was stunning! 😍
I really need to do an update. I would say that wax wasn’t that great tbh. I had an incident a few months ago where my bag got drenched in a down pour and I’ve ended up investing in a cover for it. But I’ve been looking up different products to waterproof, I’ll keep you updated. Thank you so much for your kind words and for taking the time to comment xxxxx
@@stephaniemitchard Hello! Fjallraven Kankens (Original) are made with Vinylon F and it is not supposed to be waxed.
@@myname3305 hello, thank you so much for taking the time to comment, after doing this video I’ve had a lot of feedback about using wax for my bag, im going to be doing a follow up video, and I need to find a new type of waterproofing. I know that fjallraven state that the bags aren’t waterproof just shower proof but im determined. In all fairness though, the waxing did actually help for a while! If you have any suggestions on a different product let me know, I’ve got about 4 different products that I’m considering trying…I need to narrow it down
@@stephaniemitchard I wonder if a tent waterproofing spray would work as they are meant for synthetic fabric!
@@driftwoodsports THS IS SUCH A GOOD IDEA!!!!!! I actually messaged Kanken for a new project I’m working on, and they actually recommended a waterproofing spray they make!! I’m going to try both, but all the research I’ve done on vinylon f (what the bags are made from) there’s nothing I can find about what will adhere to it. This is such a great idea though. I’m going to be freaking researching this!!!!! Xxxx
I found this video pretty interesting. I like how u did the bag transformation but the wax Fjallraven said is only for the G1000 bags and garments 🙂 enjoy ur 🎒
Thank you so much for your comment !!! Someone In The comments a few months ago let me know about the wax, it makes so much sense now with a few hiccups I had later down the line, but it did the job in the long run. Next time I wash it I’m gonna see if I can find another waterproofing product. Thank you so much though for taking the time to share this with me. Xxx
@@stephaniemitchard you're welcome 😊
@@stephaniemitchard so....it's not true that we can waterproof them by waxing them? They had wax initially on them anyways...that's what I be heard from everyone. So how do we waterproof the kankens? ❤️
@@pearl9831 this is something I’m looking into at the moment, I’m gonna do a test on mine with a product I’ve found….but I’m unsure if it’ll work. The responses I’ve found from fjallraven is that they are shower proof not waterproof…..My goal is to hack this and find a way
I love this video, so helpful. Can you tell us if the dye ever came out on clothes or anything like that? I want to do this on mine, but I was wondering if it’s going to end up staining my clothing or the things I carry inside.
@@brunarotterdam642 thanks so much for taking the time to comment! The dye never came off on my clothes as all. What I would say is just make sure you thoroughly rinse it. But once it was all dry it was sound! Stuff inside was never ruined, I’ve spilt drinks and all sorts in this bag and the dyes never ran. Hope that helps xxxx
Great job!
Hey Geraldine! Thank you so much for you kind words and for taking the time to leave comment. Xxx
So beautiful.
Thank you! Xx
My friend's kanken gets mold, I wonder if the washing tips can also works on her?? Anyhow, do you use a specific detergent to wash it? Thanks for the video!
Hello!!! I used a non bio powder detergent, but I think any detergent should be ok! Hope your friend gets their bag sorted, I wonder where the mould is coming from? Maybe If it’s rained and they’ve not put it somewhere to dry, I’d say if it’s got wet at all tell them to bulk out the bag so it looks full and hang it up, hopefully that will get rid of the mould. Hope this helps xxx
Very informative video. Thank you for this.
Your welcome!!! It went from “I’m going to wash my bag” to “hey let’s remove all the logos and dye it” it got out of control very very quickly 😂
What a transformation! 😻😻 Loved seeing it get a well-deserved makeover. Your bright orange Kanken looks quite happy at the end 🤗
@@AnaPleiades Awww thank you so much! It’s honestly gave it a new lease of life. I love it even more than I already loved it, if that’s even possible.
This an amazing video! I just decided to get a second hand Kanken I’ll follow your footsteps the result looks so cute! 🥰 I have a question about the wax tho do you recommend me to wax it after months of using it? I know it’s not made for the Kanken fabric but I do it’s useful I’m gonna do it :D
Hey!!! Thank you so much for your kind words and for taking the time to comment!!!!! You’ll have to send me a picture of your bag when it’s done (im on insta on the same handle) so when you wash the bag the detergent will strip any of the water proofing it has. My bag was like 4 years old when I did this so yes 100% recommend waterproofing it. Maybe see if you can call the kanken store or customer services and ask them about what product is best (wish I’d done that tbh) they might be able to suggest something more suitable! I’m going to redo my waterproofing for this winter coz I’ve got a more outdoor commute to my work and I think I’ll need it. But yeah 100% worth doing up an old kanken , highly highly recommend. Xxxxx
Such a great informative video! I'm sorry, the color looks like "Burnt Orange" to me, was it actually yellow though (ochre?)? Is this a Kanken Big?
Hi Christine! It’s a very dark yellow, I did have a little filter on this video, but it was a very very dark yellow, I would say somewhere between a burnt orange and a yellow. I was a big shocked at the colour when I first did it, especially compared to the colour it originally was. This is a 17” laptop kanken. I bought it in 2018. Thanks for taking to the time to comment! X
@@stephaniemitchard Thanks for your nice reply! Super interesting, it must have been a rare color, perhaps only a limited number as a trial production. Your embroidery is stunning too (commented hastily before watching that part). Would love to see more about your Kanken(s) and embroidery 🙂💛
@@christineamelie9842 I’ve bought 2 kankens ready to go, I had this idea that I would do this once a month….then we bought a house and started renovating haha. But we are almost at a place were I can start putting time into this again. The next one is going to be sea creature themed for my little boy I know that much haha
The embroidery is beautiful, and the recoloring very effective. I believe you’re not supposed to wax Vinylon-F, though. Isn’t it just for G-1000 Heavy Duty?
Hello!!! Yes! I made a big mistake with that, I did work though for a bit, I’ve been researching different products on what might work…I’m going to be doing a new video soon I bought a blue kanken on eBay. Thank you for sharing and thank you for taking the time to comment ❤️
@@stephaniemitchard still, the embroidery is truly pro-level! Congrats
@@AndreaLongoni awwww thank you so much, my fingers felt like they were going to drop off afterwards hahaha! 🪡
Beautiful
Thank you!!
It's a me, Mario :)
They are my fashion icons haha x
Thank U for the video! :)
Awww you’re welcome ! Glad you enjoyed xx
Try to wax your Kånken bags for better durability and water resistance
Thanks for your comment, do you have any recommendation for wax or do you use the kåken wax?
wow nice...
Thank you! X
What kind of detergent are you using here?
Hey Julia! I used a non bio powder, I think it was either from Aldi or Morrisons 2 supermarkets here in UK
Wow that was so satisfying to watch, thanks so much i loved it!
Thank you so much I’m so glad you enjoyed it! And thank you for commenting x