Making a DIY Courier / Messenger bag

ha.
Apparently 'you never go back' either.

rapha

Hi, just seeing if anyone knows where i can get old used or scrap vinyl/pvc banners for free?! cheers!

Right-o, about to delve in to the world of bag making so have some questions before I buy stuff, if anyone has some time.

Thread, does it have to be the 'v69 dabond polyester' as recommended or will any polyester thread do?

What's the thinnest cordura I can get away with as I have a domestic machine.

I'm confused about the lining (would like to get all stuff from Profabrics, so looking at 'lining' this is the only waterproof they have. White can't be a good idea.
http://www.profabrics.co.uk/shop/show_product_info.php?id=DLP31-136

The edging tape should be polyester also right?

Is my plastic domestic machine going to handle this????

What else do I need to know?

Nervous / excited.
It's going to be a present (if it holds together) so don't want to foo this up.

Cheers guys!

May not be of use to anyone, but just in case, this is just about to be throw away

2 rolls (1.5x5 metres each) of a material simial to tarpauline, basically they are old banners from an exhibition, it's coated so should be waterproof. White plain on one side the other has some of our event details, but is mainly white. Not as heavy duty as the stuff used on lorries but should be OK for a lining or material to practice on I guess (I really have no idea what i'm talking about here)

Collect from Holborn, its a bit akward so not sure about carrying on a bike.
Anyway I'll probably have to bin it by the end of the week.

does anyone have a simple pattern for a musette style bag with a support strap?

i dont have much use for a full size bag, and only need it for short trips with some small things with me.

^ My pattern works on any size as long as you (literally), take off a few CMs from the original spec.

Decieded seeing as I have some time on my hands to start making more bags.
So to that end I have set up Levrier bags http://www.levrier.co.uk
I have literally just finished the first prototype of the medium/large bag (approx 30l).
My stiching isnt great yet as I need more practice and a better machine but its getting better :)

Some features:
Bag straps double up as compression straps (plus side compression straps)
Padded shoulder, rib and stabilising straps
Padded back
Single large expanding pocket
Truck tarp liner

Very well done.

Looks very nice.

that is your first bag? FUCKING HELL WELL DONE!!!

First bag as Levrier bags - I have made 2 before - but different patterns

that bag is awesome. any idea how much you'd be selling them for when you get set up? Appreciate you're in the early stages, but they look great!

Thanks - I have had a few people pm me about them re prices.
It is likely going to be in the £150 region due to the time required and the raw materials cost.
I am hoping to have finished beta testing bags within a month or so and will then be entering (limited) production :)

Keep an eye on http://www.levrier.co.uk as I will be posting updates etc on there along with some shots of the bags in use etc so people can get an idea of size and fit.

How much seriously are the materials for these bags and where can you buy them?

I used PVC tarp for the inner and got it from www.profabrics.co.uk. They do heavy weight tarp and its cost about £8 per metre.

www.kayospruce.com do PVC in various weights, but seem to be more expensive.

The heavy weight tarp I used made the bag quite stiff and it was difficult to move around the machine when I came to sew the edging tape around the flap/opening. So I may get some lighter weight tarp for my next bag.

I'm also on the hunt for a presser foot that will make it easier to sew on the grosgrain edging. I can't seem to find one for my husqvarna machine. I did a near perfect job with the regular foot... but it involved too much concentration.

From here.

kayospruce, pointnorth and ace supplies are where I have been getting most items - as I am not buying in bulk it is expensive - cordura is around £12 iirc a metre (plus delivery and vat!), approx same for tarp - and I am using around 1.5-2m of each for each bag I recon. Then you have to add in the cost of buckles, webbing, padding, thread etc - I havent worked it out exactly yet but I recon around £50-60 per bag on materials. Then add in a whole day (7-8hrs) of measuring cutting, sewing etc.... of course this all may change if/when I scale things up and start making more but thats my working out at the moment.

I know that it sounds crazy to charge that much but if you are a 1 man operation making bespoke bags in the UK (with exchange rates as they are) then they are going to be expensive. If you need a cheap bag then you have to start compromising on either features, quality or buy on made abroad (China,Vietnam etc) where labour is cheap :(

I made a messenger bag for the other half. I thought it would be a cheap alternative, but it isn't. Unless you're a large company with large machines, this is hard damn work.
Mine has a few pockets and zips and things, cost almost exactly £60 and I did it every night after work for 5 days. Doing it on a domestic machine makes it very hard because of the buckles fitting through the gap, etc.
£150 is IMO exactly the right price.

Never again.

I have to say I love the above bag so much I have it under my desk right now. Only been useing it for a day but its great. It takes so much stuff its crazy however it also packs down small with the side straps.
Looking forward to seeing all the rest of the ideas you have danb and good luck.

You don't mean the above bag, unless you're my g/f.
In which case, get off the forum immediately please.

Hi, I like the look of your bag it looks strong and serviceable well done. I do a bit of sowing so I know how hard it is to get it right. I have been looking at saddle bags for my bike but the price has been rather daft when you look at sites like Velo Orange and then you have to pay duty and postage from the states the bags from brooks are just as bad. I shall be looking out for some from your site. Good luck.

I do a bit of sowing so I know how hard it is to get it right.

Well thats just marvellous. ;)

Back to bags eh, and we'll leave the agriculture alone? Just a thought like.

all these bags are awesome!
well done :)

http://eeio.blogspot.com/2004/12/recycled-banner-golden-mean-messenger.html

people have probably read this but it has got me interested in trying it out. stumbled upon through searching for fibonacci sequence stuff...

Keep an eye on http://www.levrier.co.uk as I will be posting updates etc on there along with some shots of the bags in use etc so people can get an idea of size and fit.

The bike on the banner is missing a chainring bolt :O

The bike on the banner is missing a chainring bolt :O

Indeed - thats PJ's bike - after winning the Bath annual Hillycat

Anyway - I have been having a bit of a saga with my sewing machine - the hook driver had worn out and was causing all kinds of problems - managed to find a replacment on ebay for £8 and its now all sorted - have finished bag #2 - basically the same but with a few refinements.
I am getting better and neater at making them - but not any quicker lol.
I have posted up some shots to my flickr including some of me wearing the bag and some shots of the inside with items (laptop/d-lock) for scale - I have also measure it and worked out the volume of the main compartment is approx 36l when expanded.

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