How hard is building a frame bag really?

[FatCloud]

It happened all of a sudden, but it seems that June I'm leaving for the road for the summer. I'd like to get a frame bag together by then, but am a REAL beginner when it comes to sewing/constructing. So how hard is it really to make a frame bag? I'd be okay with a giant single pocket bag for the time being that I can modify when I have more time.

Also, what ripstop to use (that is not X-Pac and 20 dollars a yard).

Hopefully this will turn into a real project and I can show you my project as it comes along.

[fotooutdoors]

A frame bag is, in my opinion, one of the easier projects one can start with, for sure compared to other bike bags, especially if you keep it simple.  The zipper installation is the hardest part, so plan your bag, then sew the zipper seams near the beginning.

Part of the reason so many use x-pac is that it is so waterproof.  Backwoodsdaydreamer.com usually has seconds on sale for around $10/yd.  If you are looking for a burly fabric, you won't do much better price-wise.  Otherwise, you could probably use a standard pack fabric (something in the 200D-400D range), but you need a bit of structure from the fabric, so you don't want to go too light.

Good luck!

[wavejim]

Greenwater put a video on youtube that got me rolling and making my own bags. 

http://youtu.be/oWDRiexLA0I

I used this fabric on 2 frame bags.  Not the lightest but, for a sewing hack like me, it was easy to work with.

http://www.rockywoods.com/Fabrics-Kits/All-Ripstop-Nylon-Fabrics/400-x-300-Denier-Cross-Dyed-Nylon-Polyester-Mini-Diamond-Coated-Ripstop-Fabric

[fastmtnbiker33w]

I used that mini-diamond on some chairs and I'll tell you now that it is NOT waterproof (maybe it just doesn't have a DWR finish) and it stains like a mofo.  It was the first fabric I bought for my first sewing project since I was in high school.  After that project I attempted to build a frame bag and it wasn't even close to what I wanted so I had an experience custom bag maker with all the goods make one for me.  I didn't like that one either, so I bought an industrial walking foot machine (a huge investment).  Why?  I figured I have 6 bikes I could kit out....my wife has 5......and it would pay for itself just making some of the smaller tank bags and things like that for our bikes.  Then I eyeballed and fingerbanged every product out there to try to copy or make something better as I felt most of the stuff out there sucked.  After building several sets, testing it all on the sickness I ride locally and on the mildly technical AZT and CTR, I decided to launch my own brand. 

So I guess my warning is this.....you can use a home machine with the best thread you can get, but you're going to be fighting to build something as good as you can buy from someone who has made a significant investment in a machine (or machines) that does the job right and provides you with something that will last a while.  If you wonder what I mean by "a while", I've gotten more than a couple requests to repair/replace those so called "waterproof" zippers on some bags made by a company much larger than me that were only a couple seasons old.  More than likely you are going to be limited with how durable you can build your stuff.  Your stitch length may cause your fabric to rip at the seams prematurely.  You may not be able to successfully sew on the binding tape so your seams don't fray.  Failure due to one small, poor choice in your technique/materials could cause you to end up finishing your event/tour on a bag made out of Gorilla tape. 

There more guys like me out there than I'd like to admit willing to offer you a great deal on a great product.  Check out their work and see if you are really ready to invest the time into this endeavor. 

[dream4est]

Question for you Big Dave:
If I buy the aftermarket walking foot attachment for my 40 year old singer, will it be anything like an industrial walking foot machine like you have? I had to work so slow and diligently on my Xpac bags with the basic machine I cant even see making bags for more than myself with my setup. Heck I dont even want to make more sets right now due to the difficulty level of sewing Xpac without a walking foot. You have to be perfect and even then tension issues happen. I dont even think I could sew binding tape into to the seams with my Singer 354 Genie unless it was non Xpac materials. I have issues sewing 2 layers of nylon webbing to Xpac for making a MOLLE end attachment (where the webbing is sewed underneath itself to have a finished edge). I have to do a lot of hand cranking if you know what I mean.

I will say that my bags were a success on AZT750, except for user error issues. I spilled honey in my frame bag (ruining the bottom, will have to repair it in the next few days), pulled out a buckle yanking way too hard on it to stuff a tx-07 stuff sack, and was way too dirty and pigpenish and soiled my bags a bit more than I would have liked to. TX-07 held up well, but had a few abrasion issues. Arizona plants were a little hard on it with a few scratches and such. I have a little delamination on my MOLLE bottle holders but mainly where I messed up with rubbing my foot or whatever. Again a little user error in installing or testing before racing.

Any advice would be appreciated. Nice ride in the 300 elpasochunkmaster.
Mark C.

[12wheels]

Those aftermarket walking foot attachments aren't worth the investment.  They might work with light fabrics and be useful for tarps, tents, quilts, etc but they aren't robust enough for bikepacking bags.

[fastmtnbiker33w]

Ditto 12 wheels.

[dream4est]

Yes that is what I thought. Without a real investment you cant fake it with inferior equipment. Thanx fellas.

[drjon]

interesting points all. thanks. i have now made 2 feedbag type things and a saddle bag. very early days indeed! but id recommend having a go if you are interested... i'm having a lot of fun trying this, but -  it is becoming increasingly clear that the Revelate bags i have are in a different galaxy to what i will ever achieve, and in fairness are not what i am aiming at! when i need to carry overnight or more stuff, i will reach for my sweet roll etc!...what i am interested in making is bags that are small, can be dotted around the bike and will allow me to carry stuff i need for sub-overnight rides with a bare minimum or ideally nothing on my back. What i hope is that because the packs themselves will be so small, they will not carry the weight that will call into question (too much!) my domestic machine and newbie sewing skills.

anyway, thanks again! i am learning a lot from everyone's advice!

http://drj0nswanderings.wordpress.com/2013/07/21/m-y-o-g/

http://drj0nswanderings.wordpress.com/2013/07/30/forming/

[wunnspeed]

As has been mentioned, it's really tough to do professional quality work with a normal home sewing machine. Also, most people won't know some of the "tricks of the trade" that help make the jump from home builder to pro. Not that you can't make a nice bag, it probably won't be of the same quality is all. Lastly, most home builders won't spend the time sweating the small stuff either, I know as that's how I started.

[Adam Alphabet]

If you really want to do a good job on a junk machine you can, but just like a bike your equipment will eventually become the limiting factor as you improve.

From a purely functional perspective; thought, design, construction process and a basic knowledge of sewing/machine use are the most important. A frame bag is not some marvel of engineering that requires things to be absolutely perfect. Of course they're better if they are but don't let that hold you back. Just use what you got, you'll be fine. And know that the next one will be better if you want it to be.

http://churningbutter.wordpress.com/2013/05/10/tools-of-the-trade-strike-hobby/