[Closed] DIY frame bags.

Have a look ot this tutorial on bikepacking.com - https://bikepacking.com/gear/how-to-make-a-bikepacking-framebag-krampus/

Fabrics - https://www.profabrics.co.uk/products/x-pac-vx21-performance-pack-material?variant=6809805251

Basically it's a box albeit a funny shaped one. If you are doing one for a full sus bike then make sure it doesn't foul the rear suspension or movement.

Try and get your hands on some bags and inspect how they are made and try and use as many ideas from them as possible.

Make a paper template and be prepared for your first effort to go wrong and have to start again.

If you get stuck just keep asking questions on here or on here https://bearbonesbikepacking.co.uk/phpBB3/viewforum.php?f=13&sid=d22182202e1bf346e32e04baa2d1c6b8

I've used Pennine outdoor before and found them fine.

https://www.pennineoutdoor.co.uk

Also on bikepacking.com there are other things to make including a simpler frame bag made with waxed cotton, a bum bag and saddle bag under the MYOBG hashtag. I was thinking of trying the simple wallet with scraps of cordura I have to see whether the machine and I can build up to doing a frame or saddlebag.

Look forward to seeing the results.

Cheers folks.

Slowol, fancy staying in touch to encourage each other on with our makes?

That’s the worst chat up line I’ve ever heard

I think you can get seam sealing kits too that just iron on over the seam to make it waterproof.

The best frame bag I ever made was from an old gortex jacket that was past its best. I'm XL so the sleeves made the perfect material and is some what waterproof. It was easy material to work with too and essentially free. I also use extra strong thread and then seamseal on the seams to try and keep the water out.

I think you can get seam sealing kits too that just iron on over the seam to make it waterproof.

I prefer the stuff you paint on as my seams are terrible from the inside and difficult to get to with an iron. Never rely on a bag keeping your stuff dry. If you need to keep it dry use a dry bag inside your bag. I do this with bought bags too even my ortlieb ones.

Seam sealing you can either do with the 3M tape on polyurethane backed fabrics, or bathroom sealant mixed into white spirit on silicone backed fabric. I wouldn't bother, it'll be splash proof, if you need to keep anything dry keep it in a small drybag inside, otherwise it'll just get wet when you stuff wet stuff in there.

Pattern = 2x whatever shape you need it to be, and 2" panel for the rest, whatever seam allowance you're comfortable with.

Putting a zip in is the hard bit. I'd suggest figuring out how long it needs to be, then fitting it complete with storm flaps, garages, and anything else before cutting the panel out. Otherwise you'll make a seam allowance in the wrong place.

I've done it twice as winter projects. Takes quite a while to get right, along with all the planning material and everything. It was fun, but I'm not sure I'd do it again. I'd probably get someone else to make it for me.

Coincidental timing. Jon uploaded this video last night -

it basically says what the other people have already explained, but it's quite nice to see him working through it all.

I made myself a stem bag out of a deliveroor bag, bits of old rucksack and some jacket. The only bits I bought were hook and loop tape to hold it onto the bars.

Thanks to Mr Veer ( if you are reading) for a donated sewing machine : )

It was a lot of work, but most of it was learning how to use the sewing machine.

I’d suggest a small mini bag first a I learned loads along the way.

I've got a bit of ventile knocking about so I'll practice with that. Thanks for the links and tips. I'll try to remember to update.

We'll I've looked in the craft boxes and found cordura, heavy and lighter weight, denim, zips, polyester thread, bias binding, loads of old buckles and even a couple of heavyish needles.

Just need to try making something simple to refresh my memory of how to use the machine...