Making a DIY Courier / Messenger bag

somewhere like this might be good for the foam. maybe offcuts?

Finally managed to find the time to finish my messenger bag project. I didn't find it it too fiddly to make... However the grosgrain edging around the opening & flap was a complete bitch! The bag was too stiff and moving it around the machine was tricky, though I managed to sew it on in stages. Overall I pleased with it, except the cost... its not the cheap to make just the one.

Bag features inner divider and a zipped section with various pockets. Outer pocket has waterproof zip.

Any feedback appreciated!

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What did you use for the inner, truck tarp? if so how much was it and where did you get it?

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.

Looks nice, I couldn´t be bothered on so many details when doing mine... but really appreciate your effort, well done. Maybe you want to share the specs?

really really clean and tidy, nice one.

let me know if you find a binding attachment, i want one too.

FYI PAC use a 250gsm tarp which is very light and malleable. I'm quite interested in findign out whether heavier weight PVC tarp cracks more easily?

I prefer something heavier than 250 as i feel PACs are a little too floppy, i like more structure in the bag so the load is held on your back more consistently. But if it lasts longer then that's what is important.

Bagaboo use 350 for smaller bags 650 for the bigger bags.

www.kayospruce.com does a 400gsm pvc at £8 which I'm on the cusp of ordering. I may even use a 500 dernier cordura next time too.

The adjustable blind hem presser foot that came with my machine seemed to sew on the grosgrain reasonably well. I also used one of those magnetic seam guides. I found a suitable guide for an industrial machine but not for a domestic.

I've just about drawn up the pattern in Illustrator and will post a pdf of the specs up soon.

Yeh i use the 650, but I'm wondering if it's overkill.

magnetic seam guide, are they effective?

The magnetic seam guide kinda helped. once I got more confident I ditched it.

I wondered if the 650gsm tarp would crack. If it will crack anywhere it'd be around the seams.

http://www.profabrics.co.uk/
point north fabrics, for all your outdoor equip needs !

Nice one lucky_pierre

Could people let us know what type of machine they use. My old singer (domestic) has died and I will be replacing it soon(ish) and would quite like to have a go at this bag making malarky. I know I would be best with an industrial machine but lack the space.

thanks in advance.

If only Scott_not_Scot would UNFLOUNCE himself, he'd be the perfect man to give you, and the other budding bagmakers, his sage wisdom.

Oh well.....still hoping.......

I use a Husqvarna, its very sturdy and well made. I bought it new for about £300. Its a good little machine and is able to sew through multiple thick layers. Only downside it the horizontal arm is a bit on the short side making it difficult to squeeze the through larger bags.

Bernina are the best domestic machines available. I'd get a used Husqvarna or Bernin, both are Swedish. Newer machines are made in China but the older ones are made in Sweden.

Thanks - What model Husq do you use?

'Living up to your name again stephen?'
a simple repost reprimand would have been sufficient ! no need to get offensive ! slow refers to my cycling speed !!!!!!!

I use a Husqvarna, its very sturdy and well made. I bought it new for about £300. Its a good little machine and is able to sew through multiple thick layers. Only downside it the horizontal arm is a bit on the short side making it difficult to squeeze the through larger bags.

Bernina are the best domestic machines available. I'd get a used Husqvarna or Bernin, both are Swedish. Newer machines are made in China but the older ones are made in Sweden.

+1 to that - I have an OLD Husqy - from the 60's it weighs an absolute ton as it is ALL metal but its a sturdy old thing that just keeps going.
The problem with domestic machines along with the arm length mentioned above is the presser foot lift isnt high enough to easily get multiple layers/padding under it.

Yeah the presser foot on mine doesn't raise too high, but the motor is powerful and the machine easily feeds the fabric through.

Made another one last night and figured out an easier way of sewing the grosgrain around the flap/opening. Before the bag would catch and jam on the extension table. I just took off the extension table and moved the machine to the edge of the table. The bag dangles of the edge and does needs a firm & steady to support it.

Okay, so this has NOTHING to do with bagmaking, but it is relevant to a certain bagmaker. I call it bait. Bread crumbs aren't working. :(

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Oh Ashe, you do make me chuckle... ;]

Bloody Nora, guys. I'm seriously impressed with what's going on here! I had no idea there were this many people into making decent bags. I've really held off getting into my own designs because I can afford a decent machine and I keep breaking my girlfriend's.

Any suggestions on a cheap machine that could get me started. I think the biggest thing is getting through several layers of thick, tough material. Also I've never really put any time into researching the proper feet to use for things like edging and zips, etc.

I'd just like to say again: Nice one guys!

Bloody Nora, guys. I'm seriously impressed with what's going on here! I had no idea there were this many people into making decent bags. I've really held off getting into my own designs because I can afford a decent machine and I keep breaking my girlfriend's.

Any suggestions on a cheap machine that could get me started. I think the biggest thing is getting through several layers of thick, tough material. Also I've never really put any time into researching the proper feet to use for things like edging and zips, etc.

I'd just like to say again: Nice one guys!

You could pick up a 2nd hand Bernina off ebay. They seem to fetch anywhere between £100-200.

If you need advice on presser feet your best off talking to someone at a sewing machine shop. Different feet are compatible with different models. Newer machines take low shank presser feet and older models take high shank presser feet.

Bloody Nora, guys. I'm seriously impressed with what's going on here! I had no idea there were this many people into making decent bags. I've really held off getting into my own designs because I can afford a decent machine and I keep breaking my girlfriend's.

Any suggestions on a cheap machine that could get me started. I think the biggest thing is getting through several layers of thick, tough material. Also I've never really put any time into researching the proper feet to use for things like edging and zips, etc.

I'd just like to say again: Nice one guys!

I used this one, cheap, eficient (not industrial I know, still....):
SINGER 4220

Would something like this be OK to start with? They seem to be selling at a pretty reasonable price.

Singer on eBay

It would, 'til you fck something and realize there's fuckall for spares. Happened to me already.
Having said that, 24 squid seems ok to take the risk.