DIY Frame bag and gas tank

[raybum]

Thanks to my mom's sewing abilities, we completed my frame bag and gas tank yesterday in about 8 hours.  The small bag was sure tough due to it's size.  All in all, I'm pretty happy with how they both turned out.  Thanks to all the folks who posted their experiences and materials list...helped a bunch!

[12wheels]

They look great.   Your mother is quite talented.

[wunnspeed]

Raybum... they look great! I'll be anxious to see how you like them as you get to use them.

[raybum]

For everyone's benefit that might try this too...here's a few lessons learned.
1. For all the surfaces that meet the tubes, there is a double thickness of x-pac with a 1/8 closed cell foam sewn in.  However, that means the seams sewed through the foam.  I would create a tube next time and slide the foam into the space to make the sewing easier.  The foam is nice that it provides some good structure to the bag.
2. We single stitched the seams....I'd at least double and maybe zig zag the inner stitch.
3. Top stitching the zipper and any other seams looks good and makes it much stronger.
4. THink more about order of assembly...sewing some of the corners together was a real b*tch...must be a better way.
5. Using a narrow foot on the machine helped get in some of the tight corners
6. Using staples to hold pieces together prior to sewing worked great
7. Get a mat and rotary cutter...I cheaped out and used scissors....
8. Not sure if it will help, but I seam sealed to help add strength.
9. Thank your mother profusely if she has the mad skillz...