To all you sewing lot...

obviously somewhat machine dependent and difficult to describe, but, how easy should it be to pull the thread once it has gone through all the ins and outs and ends up down by the needle?

If the thread corresponds to the needle hole (ie thick thread = big needle), it should be possible when the foot is up.

The foot up/down mechanism also compresses the thread tension dial; When the foot is down, it compresses a spring in the dial, giving the true rate of tension for the thread. When the foot is up, it releases the spring/tension, allowing you to pull the work away from the needle after sewing, or thread the machine.

thanks

with the foot up i can pull it through, but its not a delicate pull between finger and thumb, more of a grab it firmly in the fist and pull hard

Binder update: I wasn't sold on the swing away binder, it still got in the way so I found myself removing it when not in use, meaning the swinging mechanism only made it harder to adjust and keep in place. And it offered little clearance in tight corners etc. So I've bought a right angle binder and it's great, the vertical clearance isn't quite as good so I can't bind over zippers, but I don't see that being a huge problem. It feeds nicely and it's clearance makes it easier to keep everything aligned.

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any of you sewing folk interested in this? thinking we could do a group buy?
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Polyester-webbing-200kgs-Pallet-Off-Cuts-Seat-belt-48mm-Black-Upholstery-/164894586397?&_trksid=p2056016.l4276

Ooh yeah that looks good!!

on my watch list, if we can get a few more in on it would be good, 200kg is alot

Which binder did you go for? Any link?

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32951682108.html The 26mm size as I use 1" tape, which works well enough. There's some skill to it but I'm starting to get the hang of it, keeping my index finger against the edge of the fabric to push the binding in place and keep everything aligned helps a lot. If only I could find the funds for / convince my partner of the decorative value of a cylinder arm sewing machine with binding attachment...

Thanks, I'd love to try one of this kind of binder for neat edges. I really need to convince myself one day to order something on aliexpress though. Lol
Your stuff are excellent, really well done.

Finally got around to making a half framebag for my rockhopper, still wanted the bottles cages to be useable so made this that goes around them.

A few issues here and there but really happy with how it came out even with the slightly tricky shape of the bottom.

Just need some form of padding on the bottom to protect any gadgets from smashing around.

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My jeans are falling off me and wanted something with more movement and features, so having a go at making my own.

Been a longtime since I’ve made trousers, and don’t have some machines that would be used, so getting creative with both classic and modern techniques and materials. Picked up some selvedge denim with a small % of stretch from Black Horse Lane in Coal Drops Yard. Big selection & v helpful staff. The narrow loom and big legs means I bought 3m which is slightly more than I’ve used, so prob spot on for this first time make.

Rusty user of IG, but posting the making on Stories + stuff from weekend is now on Stories Highlights here
https://www.instagram.com/Graeme_Raeburn

Very much ‘non-traditional’ denim make, so apologies to the purists. Going for a low-profile, with a few technical/functional details, cut for loads of movement on-bike. Will post finished photos, hopefully this weekend coming…

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Look forward to seeing how these come out, best of luck!

Apologies in advance if this has already been covered but it would be great to get some advice on a couple of things!

Firstly regarding edging tape. At the moment i'm using a Grosgrain I picked up off Ebay, it's alright but I've seen some other bags edged with what looks like a softer (maybe herringbone?) material and I was wondering if anyone has any experience with that? What they prefer about it etc?

Secondly around inserts particularly for handlebar bags. Again I've found some thin plastic on Ebay as well as some 1mm foam and bonded them together. The structure is pretty good once in the bag but the finish of the foam/plastic isn't great.. Does anyone have any experience with bonding foam to plastic or other techniques they use?

Thanks!

Does anyone know which god you have to pray to to run seam tape around curved seams? Seam grip would obviously be easier but i wasn't exactly patient in pinning the fabric within the seam allowance, and I think I might need the width of seam tape to comensate. I also think I might be overthinking it. any thoughts would be appreciated.

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^Maybe cut a wood jig to go on interior, and press seam tape on from the 'flat' side first, then snip/fold the section extending out, and press this into and around the curved section? Failing that, masking tape + silicon sealant gun?

Came here to post a link to my IG stories, for a detail about the custom Burners for Pan Celtic Race - also posted pics in the Burner thread, but some more detail in here;
https://www.instagram.com/stories/graeme_raeburn/2613212327571666144

Blimey, seam grip it is then!

Are you selling them, and so putting tape on it for aesthetic purposes?
If not, I'd trim one seam allowance enough that you can fold the other over it, and then sew through that.

Edit: just realised you meant waterproofing.

There is a youtube video i can't find anymore that shows you how to seam tape around sewn corners. It basically involves using the edge of an ironing board to do what @Chopsicle suggested to flatten the seam sew you can lay the seam tape flat. I'm just gonna use seam grip and the process shown here.

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Not sure if you were already going to do this, but, might do well to topstitch the seam allowance down to get sharp edges

I’d say unpick (gah!) a large section opposite the zip to make is super easy to manipulate and accurate, and then sewup the unpicked seam, with final topstitch accessible from the open zipper ….in a perfect world, do as much of the fiddly top-stitching and seam-seal before joining the two sides, even joining the two sides/seam-work in stages, to avoid wrestling with tiny dark corners!

Made this, not perfect but getting there. Shouldn't have left the top stitching of the zip until last.

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Wehay - looking good! What are the slider buckles for?

That looks amazing

Vague idea to somehow strap it onto handlebars or to another bikepacking bag for extra storage.

Mainly just wanted to practice a lined bag.

Did this one too, neater, but a bit large.

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