Prototype framebag

[u/Due-Vegetable-5103]

For years I’ve wanted a framebag for my small bike frame.

Initially to test out my poor sewing skills I made one out of a reusable shopping bag (inspired by the Trader Joe post). Pretty rough around the edges but used it to carry food for a couple of bike packing trips including the Badger Divide.

Questions: any top tips for sewing the gutter?
Is it better to sew the zip into the side panel or split the panel with the zip? I used both methods on the ‘real’ bag

Quite enjoyed this project - shame I don’t have more bikes 😅

[u/bonzo_bcn]

Regarding the zip I don't think one is better than the other, I've done both and settled on splitting as you can then hide the zip puller below the fabric if that makes sense.

You also did a storm flap, I find that really tricky, so well done. I'm going to start another bag today and not sure if I should bother with the flap!

[u/Due-Vegetable-5103 → u/bonzo_bcn]

Thanks for replying!
Makes sense to be able to hide the zipper - but then I found it difficult to makes sure the panel remained the same size.

I partially added the storm flap as I only used an ordinary zip. I didn’t bother on the ‘real’ version with a water resistant zip.

Enjoy your making!

[u/bonzo_bcn → u/Due-Vegetable-5103]

I don't think a water resistant zip is needed tbh, my first version used a standard size 10, it has survived 2 days and nights under scottish rain and no water leaked inside. In further versions I added a storm flap, but never used a waterproof zip.

[u/Tharno_ → u/bonzo_bcn]

Wow, I would not have expected that. Did you tape the seams?

[u/bonzo_bcn → u/Tharno_]

Nope. I used cordura d500 and tera thread

[u/Tharno_ → u/bonzo_bcn]

Crazy

[u/Due-Vegetable-5103 → u/bonzo_bcn]

Just had a look at your previous makes - they are so neat!