Frame Bags: Experimenting with Different Attachment Methods

[Soft Pedal]

I also do my map pocket a little differently with two pieces of 30D on the inside to minimize the number of stitches going through the exterior VX21.  I am not worried about strength but potential for water intrusion and I think it is a little bit cleaner. It took a couple tries to get right though...

[Inkerpok]

I've only done the grosgrain edging once, and I stapled it first. I was surprised how well it worked out. I don't know how it can even be done without pinning or stapling.

[brankulo]

yeah that might do the trick, i just have problem on curved surfaces, straight lines i can do just fine but the tight cure on seat bag nose for example is my worst nightmare

[Wilburforce]

Alpkit (in the UK) also use a nifty method which could be used with paracord or simple One Wrap velcro

See here - https://www.alpkit.com/products/possum

They mention it's ever so slightly heavier than the usual dedicated velcro sewn into the seams.

[thesergeant]

Whoa! I haven't checked this thread in a while and am stoked to see that people are using my 'bungee method' and are having good results. 

Bumbler -- awesome job! 

I'm loving that bag that BranKulo made too, KUDOS!!  Very clean!  Do you have a website?  I'd love to see more of your work.

I think Alpkit is doing it right in that the straps are movable and replaceable.  I'll post photos but I did almost the same thing a couple years ago on a frame bag.  The first go around I used a narrow webbing down the middle, like 3/4" and found it allowed too much movement side to side.  If you're going to do this method I suggest you use a webbing that is ~75% of the tubing diameter of your frame.  This will allow for the best retention and the least about of 'sag' around the edges of the bag.   Also, you want to make sure that the spine of the bag is padded or supported on all three sides to help it retain it's shape.  Otherwise the side will collapse in and look like hell.  I used the same method for the front strap of a top tube bag that I made, that allows for vertical adjustment of the strap.  Pic below. 

[Smo]

I've only done the grosgrain edging once, and I stapled it first. I was surprised how well it worked out. I don't know how it can even be done without pinning or stapling.

They sell sewing machine attachments for this, they usually go by the name binder or binding attachment.  They're an absolute lifesaver.  I got mine from this seller on Ebay.

Pretty cheap and well worth it.  The one I have worked for my home machine and also works great for my industrial machines, so they're pretty universal, as long as your machine has threaded holes to attach it (most do).

[brankulo]

nice, is it compatible with any width of grosgrain? i have become pretty good with grosgrain now even at curves but this would make the whole thing go faster i assume.

[Smo]

It's compatible with just one width, but you can order different sizes (there's a drop-down menu on that Ebay link).  I have one for 3/4" grosgrain (my standard size) and one for 1/2" grosgrain (on projects with really tight curves I use a 1/4" seam allowance to make it easier).

[brankulo]

yeah, i see now. thanks for the tip. i have been using 1" so far, seemed like wider is easier without attachment. might go to 3/4" as well now.

[Inkerpok]

Thanks Smo!

[ScottyJ]

Thanks, just ordered a binding foot from that ebay seller and can't wait to get it!

[_gm_]

Sorry to revive an old thread...

I just built my first frame bag based on lots of ideas from here.  I used the shockcord method all the way around, but did include stiffneners to experiment with water bottle cage attachment also since I'm trying to get my ideas sorted for the best possible execution of version 2. 

For those that did use the water bottle method, how did you finish the holes in the fabric for the bolt pass through?  Buttonhole? By sewing a little circle or box around the edge?  Some sort of grommet?

Thanks!
Gus