DIY bag making
09-14-15, 06:42 AM
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DIY bag making
Who here has made their own bike bags? Post 'em! I recently inherited an old Singer sewing machine so I want to start making some, maybe start off with some tool rolls and work my way up to a handlebar bag. Any tips/tricks? What materials worked best for you?
09-14-15, 07:20 AM
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I haven't done any machine sewing, but I hand stitched these bags. The material is an artificially waterproofed leather, with a rather bizarre sparkly finish, not especially attractive but they've proved to be extremely useful. The material really is waterproof, and I stitched the seams tight enough that very little water gets in.
The big one on the back is an exact copy of an old English bag. Sometimes you see bags like this bearing the Schwinn brand.
The one in front is customized for the Soma 'Lauterwasser' bar, and I now have it on my commuter bike.
I've made a couple other bags, more or less by the same method, not always successful.
The big one on the back is an exact copy of an old English bag. Sometimes you see bags like this bearing the Schwinn brand.
The one in front is customized for the Soma 'Lauterwasser' bar, and I now have it on my commuter bike.
I've made a couple other bags, more or less by the same method, not always successful.
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09-14-15, 07:25 AM
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that is GORGEOUS. do you remember what type of thread you used?
09-14-15, 08:11 AM
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Thanks! Up close, my workmanship pales in comparison to @rootboy's . But it's utilitarian. As for the thread, I'm not sure I remember it exactly, but I think it was this:
Tandy Leather - Tejas Waxed Thread 132 yds (120 m)
Tandy Leather - Tejas Waxed Thread 132 yds (120 m)
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09-14-15, 08:47 AM
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You guys have some serious talent.
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09-14-15, 08:53 AM
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rootboy we have the same sewing machine! now i just need some of your talent 
09-14-15, 12:54 PM
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^ Whoa!
Close up of the woody chainguard, pretty please. Did you make that too?
Close up of the woody chainguard, pretty please. Did you make that too?
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● 1971 Grandis SL ● 1972 Lambert Grand Prix frankenbike ● 1972 Raleigh Super Course fixie ● 1973 Nishiki Semi-Pro ● 1979 Motobecane Grand Jubile ●1980 Apollo "Legnano" ● 1984 Peugeot Vagabond ● 1985 Shogun Prairie Breaker ● 1986 Merckx Super Corsa ● 1987 Schwinn Tempo ● 1988 Schwinn Voyageur ● 1989 Bottechia Team ADR replica ● 1990 Cannondale ST600 ● 1993 Technium RT600 ● 1996 Kona Lava Dome ●
● 1971 Grandis SL ● 1972 Lambert Grand Prix frankenbike ● 1972 Raleigh Super Course fixie ● 1973 Nishiki Semi-Pro ● 1979 Motobecane Grand Jubile ●1980 Apollo "Legnano" ● 1984 Peugeot Vagabond ● 1985 Shogun Prairie Breaker ● 1986 Merckx Super Corsa ● 1987 Schwinn Tempo ● 1988 Schwinn Voyageur ● 1989 Bottechia Team ADR replica ● 1990 Cannondale ST600 ● 1993 Technium RT600 ● 1996 Kona Lava Dome ●
09-14-15, 01:21 PM
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I love my Rootboy Original:
DD
DD
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09-14-15, 04:35 PM
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I have a question in regards to seam binding. Is this stuff just cut from fabric or can you purchase it separately? Specifically for things like this:
09-14-15, 04:45 PM
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It can be cut from fabric, yes, but it's more often a sturdy cloth tape. A shop that does custom carpet or rug binding will have a selection.
09-15-15, 04:55 AM
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any suggestions as to where i can purchase material for this clear plastic?
09-15-15, 05:34 AM
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Or just get a yard of this and see what happens:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/MARINE-40-GA...item3f53275567
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Last edited by rhm; 09-15-15 at 05:38 AM.
09-15-15, 05:54 AM
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Our Ace Hardware in town has rolls of this film in different weights, you can also find it at upholstery & fabric shops.
09-15-15, 06:00 AM
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You want a clear vinyl sheet.
Most other plastic films will tear along the stitch line.
Most other plastic films will tear along the stitch line.
09-15-15, 06:18 AM
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I've seen clear vinyl at Hancock or Joanns by their marine vinyl section.
But oh man don't get these guys started on sewing machine. This'll turn into a C&V sewing machine thread. lol.
But oh man don't get these guys started on sewing machine. This'll turn into a C&V sewing machine thread. lol.
09-15-15, 06:34 AM
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This was an experiment/wild hair last spring. I designed the bag based upon a pattern I found on the web, specified and sourced the materials locally, and then had one of my art students (who specializes in soft sculpture) assemble it for me. I think the total cost - if that's important - came to around $40, including labor and I had sufficient material left over to make at least one or two more. Important note: my student swears she'll never do one of these again!
09-15-15, 07:51 AM
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Look for posts from vqstaphbeard.
He posted some nice pix of construction of his rando bag, and some really nice shots of his Voyageur.
He posted some nice pix of construction of his rando bag, and some really nice shots of his Voyageur.
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"But hey, always love to hear from opinionated amateurs." -says some guy to Mr. Marshall.
09-15-15, 09:09 AM
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09-15-15, 09:44 AM
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Here's those pix from Virgil:
No problem. I went ahead and threw in some in-progress shots. I recently outlined the lugs and painted the seatpost flutes with a gold paint pen. I'm working on converting the 7400 RD into a long cage and wrapping the DS chainstay with the same tape/shellac as the bars. I plan on getting a T.A. or similar crankset and a dynamo hub/lights for it.
Sorry to flood with pictures, I got a bit out of hand.
Sorry to flood with pictures, I got a bit out of hand.
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Commence to jigglin’ huh?!?!
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09-15-15, 11:15 AM
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My not so fancy tool bag that I made with a 1958 Singer 401...
Last edited by tyler_fred; 07-15-19 at 06:45 PM.
09-15-15, 02:20 PM
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Also quite modest but DIY never the less. I do like the classic idea of a tool roll or old sock or specific (ex: Cinelli) pouches for a spare tubie or a few tools. I'd rather not have more complexity and fabric than really needed so I went sorta the stuff sack route. An old piece of cotton canvas, a draw string and a few measurements got me to just big enough to hold the stuff I always carry - the emergency kit.
Of course it must be strapped on with a proper toe strap. Got the look I think. Actually how would I know? Folks quit using these before I learned to ride. I've made several other things for camping gear but this is the only cycling bag so far.
Of course it must be strapped on with a proper toe strap. Got the look I think. Actually how would I know? Folks quit using these before I learned to ride. I've made several other things for camping gear but this is the only cycling bag so far.