Rolltop messenger bag

So if been meaning to make a few bags for quite a while.. I got round to making a leather and canvas tote for off the bike a few months ago, but now I'm feeling like something a little more ambitious.

First drawings

I basically want to make a bag that definitely fills a need that i have. i used to have a chrome metropolis, which occasionally got filled to the brim and was great, but more often than not was half or near empty. so i want to make a bag that can handle any sort of size.

Features-
roll top, securable at any point.
U lock holster
Padded strap and backing
Mesh side pocket

Updates will come as they happen! Feel free to add any ideas you think might be useful additions to my design.

http://missionworkshop.com/products/advanced_projects/vx-messenger-bag.php

Another reason I'm making a bag is that I don't have $290 to spend aha. Going for more of a round body hugging shape than theirs too.

Are you going with a back support? Or at least something to protect sharp stuff sticking into your back?

Done some more drawing, here's the design more or less

Lovely project!

Nice sketches!

Are you going with a back support? Or at least something to protect sharp stuff sticking into your back?

Good point, main problem I have with my chrome bag

Are you going with a back support? Or at least something to protect sharp stuff sticking into your back?

The padding on the bag is provided by a rectangular bit of foam on the back, which I will probably back also with a thin piece of flexible plastic sheet. I had a chrome bag in the past and really noticed that problem.

Great project. I'd recommend rounding off the bottom corner as the big top messenger bag i have has a bit of a point here and digs in to my back meaning that i dont use it unless i absolutely need to

I likes it. Make two and sell me one tia

Looking forward to seeing how this turns out, quite fancy giving it a go myself.

have you thought about making it a roll-bottom? So that unless it's totally full it will sit and behave as a 'regular' messenger bag and then if you need extra capacity it would expand from the bottom. If the bag is normally worn high on the back it won't compromise stability or visability by getting any higher.

I was going to make a bag along those lines, but never got round to it cos I am way too lazy...

https://www.lfgss.com/thread35064.html

Great project. I'd recommend rounding off the bottom corner as the big top messenger bag i have has a bit of a point here and digs in to my back meaning that i dont use it unless i absolutely need to

I'm hoping the padded ad on for the back will I've the corners a bit more distance from your back

I likes it. Make two and sell me one tia

Will hopefully make a few if all goes well. Other bags planned but this ones first. And I need to sort out a new studio.

have you thought about making it a roll-bottom? So that unless it's totally full it will sit and behave as a 'regular' messenger bag and then if you need extra capacity it would expand from the bottom. If the bag is normally worn high on the back it won't compromise stability or visability by getting any higher.

I was going to make a bag along those lines, but never got round to it cos I am way too lazy...

I had thought about the stability thing, but for me the full capacity of the bag is more of a back up if that makes sense. The top entrance is a bit handier for quick access etc. possibly trying to design some moveable straps to get round this though.

Nice project!

Got the foam padding, fabric, webbing and clips! The fabric I'm using is a cordura style PVC coated black. 100% waterproof with a nice stiffness. Started with the shoulder strap..

http://img21.imageshack.us/img21/2349/50kd.jpg

Havent got any further with the messenger bag, but i made a record bag for a DJ friend with a roll top..

thats great work there 12ounce

Looks great!

Havent got any further with the messenger bag, but i made a record bag for a DJ friend with a roll top..

thats great work there 12inch

surely ... ?

that rolltop bag looks mega, liking the colours too

that rolltop bag looks mega, liking the colours too

cheers! May be taking custom orders once my industrial sewing machine is sorted. Lots of fabrics to sort through first though so its early days.

Beautiful looking bag, want.

They look really nice, well done! Now start a business and make me some panniers that look like Mondrian paintings, please:
http://www.lfgss.com/thread110582.html

Thanks in advance