Advice on making a messenger bag

fract · Joined: 17 Jun 2004 Posts: 2

I bike a lot & want a messenger style bag. I have looked at 200$+ models on various websites & think, even with expensive materials, I could make my own.

Based on what I've seen I'm going to cut a pattern out of newsprint, tack it together and go from there.

Any advice for using ripstop nylon, or fabrics that are rubberised?
My sewing machine is tempermental at best & I worry it can't handle heavy duty materials. I'm not sure what sort of thread to use either.

All this is in the planning stages so any advice is welcome.

doxielove · Joined: 27 Apr 2004 Posts: 6

Here are a couple of things to consider-
1. get needles for "denim" or even "leather" for your sewing machine.
2. Consider a ligtweight canvas ( they make canvas coated for a weather proof bag- the stuff used for back packs) -you don't want heavy fabric- it will be a heavy bag- as you'll be schlepping it on your back.
3. For the strap- Basic nylon webbing is really strong and shouldn't be a problem to sew through with the right needles.
4. When sewing, if the material isn't sliding through the sewing machine smoothly, sandwich your work with some paper- it should slide through easily- then peel it off when your done.

You've just inspired me to make a bag!!!!

Pam
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Better to make your own stuff than buy it from the big boyz!

Miss M · Joined: 12 May 2004 Posts: 168 Location: Plano, TX

great idea!
A tip for buying strap webbing - try your local army surplus store. They usually have lots to choose from at great prices & also you can usually find hardware there too(plastic buckles, d-rings, etc.). I've been buying webbing there since I was a kid - we used to make loooooog dog leashes out of it for taking the doggies to the beach!
Also, tape - just regular old office supply tape - is very handy when sewing slippery or hard-to-sew fabrics. It cames of pretty easily too.
Good luck & post some pics when you are finished!
: miss m
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"don't let the world get in your way; make your mistakes; go on your way"
~the jayhawks

empressCrash · Joined: 04 Jun 2004 Posts: 78 Location: Pacific NW

What do you mean by tempermental? If it tends to jam easily you could give it a good cleaning and oil. Or you could play with adjusting the stitch tension and length. On my machine, once that is set correctly for the fabric in use then I can sew all day without a problem. But if it isn't heaven help me - I'll be cursing the machine the whole day. If it doesn't hold its tension settings then maybe a part is worn out and should be replaced.
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Every year, back comes spring, with nasty little birds yapping their fool heads off and the ground all mucked up with plants - Dorothy Parker

bookish · Joined: 04 Jun 2004 Posts: 108 Location: denton, texas

All of the above are good tips. If you hesitate to create your own pattern, I think Vogue or Simplicity might have a good one. For thread use upholstery thread or hand quilting thread. It doesn't come in a lot of colors but it's incredibly strong.

Keri
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http://www.bookishquilts.com

fract · Joined: 17 Jun 2004 Posts: 2

thanks for the tips everyone!

empressCrash:
re: tempermental machine
Sometime it will wind bobbins, other times not. I should get it checked out, though it's hard to physically move the machine somewhere & I'm afraid it'll cost a lot. No excuse, right? I think it's to do with the motor or whatever mechanism keeps the bobbin pushed to the side

Miss M: wouldn't the gun from the tapegum up your needle? I tried to hand sew this sticky velcro stuff on something once (even though they said not too) & that was a mess.

Miss M · Joined: 12 May 2004 Posts: 168 Location: Plano, TX

I actually use tape a lot - for a little "help" when sewing zippers - and I haven't had any problems other than a little struggle now & then getting the tape off(but that is probably more me than the tape). If you don't use, say masking tape or duct tape, I don't think you'll have trouble. Really, it's just to tack things in place because I'm too lazy to baste. It doesn't really "stick" all that well, just enough to hold your fabric/zipper/whatever in place while you sew.
Oh I tried to sew that kind of velcro once too - yep, they were right, don't sew that stuff! :) You can buy velcro that is sew-friendly.
Another tip is investing in glass-head pins. They are a little more expensive, but worth it because they are very durable. Pin a lot & sew away - you can do it!
_________________
"don't let the world get in your way; make your mistakes; go on your way"
~the jayhawks

empressCrash · Joined: 04 Jun 2004 Posts: 78 Location: Pacific NW

fract - what machine do you have? I'm willing to bet that someone on this board has or has had your brand machine and knows if it is an easy fix or not.
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Every year, back comes spring, with nasty little birds yapping their fool heads off and the ground all mucked up with plants - Dorothy Parker

lucimama · Joined: 13 Jun 2004 Posts: 2

My sewing machine guru/repairman told me NOT to use quilting thread in my machine, because it throws off the tension.