I love a bag. Its has been said that I have too many bags (and shoes). These people are wrong, it’s not possible to have too many bags (or shoes for that matter). Having taught myself to sew last year, it was a natural progression to start making some bags and of course, that leads to making bike bags.
As with any creative project, it always starts with a sketch. It’s important to get the ideas out of my head and onto some paper otherwise key features get forgotten once the sewing starts. The zip placement, where pockets will go, will they be open, use velcro or elastic? Does it need a key loop? How will it be attached/carried? In this example, I wanted a long top tube bag to store my phone and food for longer rides and primarily for the Porteur 200, I’m please to say it did the job very well.
It then becomes a bit of a puzzle to work out how to actually build it. So I normally then try and draw each part of the bag and put in the measurements using CAD (cardboard aided design) templates where needed so I know it will fit. This is transferred to a template or directly drawn onto the fabric and away we go.
We don’t own any fancy sewing equipment other than some amazing clear rulers that are so good! Other than that the machine used is an 80’s home sewing machine and very basic. However it works, and works well. I’m sure it would be easier with a professional machine although like many of us, I don’t have access to one. It’s likely you will have a machine in the cupboard or attic or can borrow one from someone, so don’t fall into a trap of not trying to sew as it’s not a fancy pants machine.
Mistakes were made of course. Features were forgotten despite drawing them, fabric was cut too big or too small, fabric wasn’t properly aligned so things got wonky. But that’s part of any creative process, you learn by your mistakes and this adds to your experience and knowledge leading to better and better results. Failure and mistakes are all part of learning and I do need to remind myself of this and looking back, I am a better maker due to this, and you will be too.
Material choice is way more important than you’d think. Yes you can use anything and I wouldn’t advocate you didn’t make something if you don’t have the special fabric, however do try and get as good a quality fabric as you can. I made some lovely totes from waterproof canvas, however the fabric disintegrated after only a few months. This was disappointing as I was very proud of the creations and the just didn’t last, if only I’d spent a little more.
I’m proud of this bag. Yes its not perfect but now lives full time on my bike so feel free to come have a look or ask me questions on it if you see me about.
Looking at all the things I’ve made, some we use every day, others service a specific purpose and others have been given and presents. The satisfaction of using something I made myself its immense, and I love seeing others creations and getting ideas. So come and show me your bags! I want to hear your stories and try and see what I can improve in mine. Bag making workshop anyone?
Here is a small selection of bags I’ve made over the past few months, turns out it’s addictive!:
