Hi folks
I've still not learned how to use a sewing machine and in any case the canvas was so tough the needle had to be pushed and pulled through through with pliers, so this sucker is all hand sewn, in very heavy linen thread, back stitched where the seam isn't visible on the out side and saddle stitched where it is like on the strap. No excuses for the uneven stitches but this is a user so strength was more important than beauty!
I looked about the interweb at commercial and home made examples and adjusted the design to my own requirements and size ( tall and very fat but getting less so in the lard department I'm happy to recount ), The strap is 58 inches long as opposed to the 47 on a certain well known commercial example as it is to go over some bulky clothes in winter as well as me and it's obviously easier to make it shorter with a pin or two than longer as required.
The bag itself is 16 inches long with a 8 inch flap/ pocket and 12 inches wide.
If needed I'll add Xs of saddle stitching where the straps attached but it seams very strong as is and in some places I was stitching through 6 layers of army surplus canopy grade waxed canvas and my hands hurt like blazes from just doing the squares of stitching you can see!
The bags like a lopsided market wallet with the smaller half forming the flap.
Rather than use pins I used impact adhesive to hold it together during stitching. It's powerful stuff and would probably done the job on its own.
With a suitable sewing machine it would have taken 10 minutes start to finish but ended up taking three long evening sessions. I highly recommend Maun smooth, parallel jawed pliers for the stitching as they do not chomp up the needle and make it difficult to draw through the cloth ( a chavelled up needle can also wreck the threads its passing between). I got through 4 of my dwindling stock of pre 1960s high quality needles making this thing the stitching was that difficult.
Finally I wet the stitching and got it to shrink some to tighten up the thread.
I realised i needed something for gathering dry twigs etc that was strong and light and could be washed ( I can always re proof it if required) Its main use will however be as a ration bag to go along side my tarty Helikon Tex essential kitbag which doesn't have the capacity to hold a full days snap and a pair of leather gloves. If I want to carry more I can use a satchel or some such but I wanted a minimalist option.
I may add a eyelet or loop of paracord to clip the gloves to in the flap but doubt I'll add any other buckle or closures'
ATB
Tom
I've still not learned how to use a sewing machine and in any case the canvas was so tough the needle had to be pushed and pulled through through with pliers, so this sucker is all hand sewn, in very heavy linen thread, back stitched where the seam isn't visible on the out side and saddle stitched where it is like on the strap. No excuses for the uneven stitches but this is a user so strength was more important than beauty!
I looked about the interweb at commercial and home made examples and adjusted the design to my own requirements and size ( tall and very fat but getting less so in the lard department I'm happy to recount ), The strap is 58 inches long as opposed to the 47 on a certain well known commercial example as it is to go over some bulky clothes in winter as well as me and it's obviously easier to make it shorter with a pin or two than longer as required.
The bag itself is 16 inches long with a 8 inch flap/ pocket and 12 inches wide.
If needed I'll add Xs of saddle stitching where the straps attached but it seams very strong as is and in some places I was stitching through 6 layers of army surplus canopy grade waxed canvas and my hands hurt like blazes from just doing the squares of stitching you can see!
The bags like a lopsided market wallet with the smaller half forming the flap.
Rather than use pins I used impact adhesive to hold it together during stitching. It's powerful stuff and would probably done the job on its own.
With a suitable sewing machine it would have taken 10 minutes start to finish but ended up taking three long evening sessions. I highly recommend Maun smooth, parallel jawed pliers for the stitching as they do not chomp up the needle and make it difficult to draw through the cloth ( a chavelled up needle can also wreck the threads its passing between). I got through 4 of my dwindling stock of pre 1960s high quality needles making this thing the stitching was that difficult.
Finally I wet the stitching and got it to shrink some to tighten up the thread.
I realised i needed something for gathering dry twigs etc that was strong and light and could be washed ( I can always re proof it if required) Its main use will however be as a ration bag to go along side my tarty Helikon Tex essential kitbag which doesn't have the capacity to hold a full days snap and a pair of leather gloves. If I want to carry more I can use a satchel or some such but I wanted a minimalist option.
I may add a eyelet or loop of paracord to clip the gloves to in the flap but doubt I'll add any other buckle or closures'
ATB
Tom
