I'm interested in getting my first sewing machine. Any tips on what to prioritize or avoid or where to get one on a budget?

The reinforcing and/or stiffening rolled-up looking part that runs along seams on a lot of gym bags, I mean.

So as many of you know, I've been researching and planning a couple UL backpacks for myself and my wife. Most of my materials are in and I made a basic prototype out of tyvek to test the overall shape and size which I'm happy with. So now I'm setting out to start on the prototype for the back piece. I delayed the decision for frame stay shape and design, but now I need to figure it out. The most common stay shape seems to be a contoured shape, viewed above in "A". I have some initial concerns about this and I would like to see what type of feedback I can get.

My first concern is about ergonomics - given that this shape contours the back, I'm a little bit concerned that there might be some hot points on contact, especially when bending over or scrambling. While this likely won't bother me too much, it will likely bother my wife. The second concern about this particular stay design is based around weight distribution and compression. Since the stay is curved twice, what should be a linear compressive force, becomes a sheer bending force between the upper vs lower portions of the stay. Essentially that the straight part pointing upwards from the bottom will always want to remain straight and push that direction and the straight part pointing from the top downwards will always want to remain straight and push its direction, creating a bend zone in the middle.

Where my head goes is the style of "B", essentially a bow. I haven't seen a lot of people use this type and I'm wondering if I'm misunderstanding something. My logic behind this is that I would essentially use two external straps to hold the shape in positive tension, then the contents of the bag would essentially support the other side of the bow, which should require very little, as wearing the bag essentially keeps the frame from compressing too much. From a weight distribution standpoint this seems like the far more appropriate shape. It also seems to make a lot more sense from an ergonomic perspective creating a channel where there is no additional contact between the bag and the wearer. I would likely have a panel of mesh between those two straps I mentioned earlier that would provide some sort of back, but beyond that there shouldn't really be any hot spots. Then lastly because of the external features holding this curve intention and the contents supporting the bow, the shape seems like it would adapt well enough when and if the wearer's back bends. In terms of shape my goal with this would not be to use a symmetrical curve, but slightly more exponential curve than what you see above.

I have seen some production level bags that use this type of system, so I know it is something that works. I'm just wondering why people don't do it often in the myog community, or do they?

I've working on developing a pattern for a pack, prototyping with tyvek. The final seam will be attaching the "tube" to the bottom panel. The bottom panel has some corners and curves. The stitch lines match up but perimeters of the seam allowance do not. The only way to get crisp corners and clean curves I've found, is to cut relief cuts within the seam allowance to allow the fabric edges to line up.

I am worried that each relief cut will allow for more stress and strain at the stitch line. The bottom seam is a fairly integral one on a pack. I might be overthinking this but how much does this change the integrity of the fabric/seam? What about for laminates?

edited: to add screenshot of bottom panel pattern

https://preview.redd.it/3v87ic9zvzge1.png?width=1578&format=png&auto=webp&s=93ddf87b9c1c937092c893684710006ecd08de19

I am waiting for some Kydex and Foam to make a proper frame........That's a cut up piece of an old tote and it's pretty friggin flimsy......The alum bar is also a bit too thin, but I will eventually sink it into a piece of Kydex using that center channel......I'll post when complete

https://preview.redd.it/7ieo2l4yczge1.jpg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f77f86d3f0d1e4173ff79bfd6fdcd2a10542f2da

https://preview.redd.it/kw01jm4yczge1.jpg?width=1960&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=629799cce9d19038ba4790642119f55cef157e9e

Hello, I'm in search of a specific buckle and did check out some of the sellers listed in the wiki but the issue is actually that I'm unsure what this type of buckle or perhaps special piece should be called so I've not had luck finding it - I've also searched the code listed on the item with no luck. The (broken) receiving end of this buckle is not attached to the backpack with a strap. It was connected to another plastic piece [LM2 0LV] with fabric and padding between them. You can see the sort of legs that stick out of the piece (left side of the last photo) are coming through the big loops in the 3rd photo. Any chance someone knows what this style of buckle or extra piece is called? Thanks!

Outside view of broken buckle half

https://preview.redd.it/bhm9m3rs3zge1.jpg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=9d27bc2d6781c58ebc0b00443eff0adaa7a8d512

Sewn inside of the bag [LM2 0LV]

https://preview.redd.it/cepgonto4zge1.jpg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a5b25781ee53d53096867a14c9fbe6deab3bd188

https://preview.redd.it/6a28ioto4zge1.jpg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=34f92d2e3a28af63fb85538e13d25a8c59af7c67

I‘m currently working on a skitouring pack and like the way the daisy chain on this pack is done. In this case the webbing seems to go in and out of the pack but it’s still a long piece of webbing, I’ve also seen a variant where small pieces of webbing are sewed like this. How would I go to do this the best way? I imagine it’s a small cut in the fabric that’s burned to keep it from fraying, then bartack through both fabrics and maybe even use another fabric piece behind to strengthen the seam? I’ll use ultra400x on the outside and sew in dyneema webbing, the plan would be to use adhesive ultra100x psa on the back for strength and then put a strip of ultra tnt tape over everything to seal it up. Anyone got any tips for this?

I have a couple of questions that I want to clear up before I dive into making bikepacking gear.

What kind of material is everyone using? Is Dyneema, nylon, and polyester all sort of the go to for durable material?

On the topic of materials...best place to source/order? Shopping local/sustainably online versus cheap online options.

How do you create your own templates? Do you typically use cardboard or other fabrics etc.

Do you recommend a sewing machine? I have on in the house I just don't know how to use it honestly.

Is making your own gear reasonable for someone with no experience working with fabrics before?

Answering any or all would help, super excited to take on this project and hopefully go on a couple trips this summer.

Hey folks! Posting here for the 1st time.

I’ve been a camper for 5 years and have used many types of tents—cabin-style tents for 13 people, backpacking tents for 2, and the NorthFace Wawona 4, which barely fits what I’m looking for.

I’ve found that a tent with standup height, a decent awning, aesthetically pleasing, easy setup, and can hold up in bad weather would bring me the best experiences car camping at different campsites. The Wawona 4 gets close, but it’s not perfect. It has standup height, but the awning is small and I had to buy extra poles just to get it to work as a proper canopy. Plus, the front porch doesn’t give much protection from UV which is killing me.

I’m not a huge fan of dome-shaped tents but most tents seem to be like that. The Wawona’s dome makes it a pain to set up given its high arching poles. On the other hand, A-frame and instant tents seem really easy to set up, but they have their downsides. The closest option I found is the Snow Peak Alpha Breeze, but $500+ for a tent seems a bit much (I got my Wawona 4 on sale).

There are definitely good tents like the Alpha Breeze and the Spring Bar tent that come close to what I’m looking for, but I feel like there should be more affordable options that fit the bill and still don’t compromise on quality.

I thought it would be interesting to try designing my own tent so I started around Christmas last year. I sketched out some ideas and used sticks to test how different structures hold up. I’m now working on my first prototype, and I’d really love to hear what other campers think. I’ll be sharing more design details and updates soon, but for now, I just wanted to throw the idea out there and see what people think!

Hello everyone!

My name is Daniel, and I am an industrial design student in the US whose assignment is to design a lightweight backpack (a daypack with a 15-25 liter volume) for the European market*. For this assignment I also need to make a paper prototype and then a working textile model. That is why I am using this survey to learn a little bit more about my target audience and gain insight into what design decisions I am going to make throughout the design process.

*European market was the original prompt, although I am considering narrowing down my region to Western Europe - after survey results are in of course.

Here is the link to the survey: https://forms.gle/11wqXb7u7scojZzr9

If anyone has other input that did not have a spot in the survey, please let me know in the comments! In addition, if anyone has any tips for designing backpacks or information that I should know in regards to European trends or knowledge, feel free to drop it in the comments.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this post and fill out the survey!

Does it affect functionality at all?

I’m making a new 35 liter frameless pack. I thought punching some vent spacers in the strap foam would be nice for long days. I like the idea of added ventilation through the 3d spacer mesh, I like how the foam is more pliable when forming over the trap/shoulders, and I guess like that it’s saved 1-2 grams total from the combined foam pieces I’m not worried the straps will break as the strength is in the casing material, but I am worried about deformation and compression of the foam over the course of 2000 miles especially since it’s a frameless pack and the shoulders will carry upwards of 20lbs on a resupply (my current base weight is 9.5lbs). I will have a detachable hip belt to help with some heavier days. Anyone have experience with doing this to their straps and if it worked or not?

I’m heading to Japan in March and I know there’s the fabric town with lots of shops that I’d love to visit. Does anyone know if these are mostly dressmaking or if I’d be able to find fabrics for rucksacks and bike packing kit? I’m not fussed on brand names I just think it would be a cool souvenir to have from a trip.

What are some material alternatives to make a basic flat tarp. Obviously silnylon or poly are the go to but has any one made a flat tarp of anything else? Just curious

I have seen this on various types of clothing but the most common I have seen is on mousepads. It is almost like seam tape in how it covers the entire edge.

Does anyone know what the type of overlock stitch it is and what kind of machine is necessary to stitch it? It appears to use 1-2 thick threads.

I did the learn MYOG hoodie. Hated working with alpha fabric so I did the polartec grid. Still missed some seams on the serger and had to go back with the regular machine to close it up. Also I completely serged the left sleeve on upside down and had to seam rip two seams. I will do again, and hopefully much quicker. Really excited to do more garments then try my hand at a small day pack

Hello! I'm exploring methods to lock my rolltop backpack.

I'm aware that a person can still find a way to unfurl the rolltop to reach inside, so perhaps the lock just acts as a 'visual deterrent' haha.

Is using a zip for the width of the enclosure the only viable method to secure it?

I have yet to find any plastic buckles that offer a way to use your own luggage lock either.

Hi, I’m looking for recommendation to source 1/2” wide elastic webbing to be stitched to hold pen & pencils on outdoor gear that will experience sunlight, temperature extremes and abrasion.

I’d sure appreciate recommendations from the myog-ers out there!

Something similar to this flat elastic from ripstopbytheroll

Thank you!

Hi guys,

So, I'm currently designing/building a bag that above all else needs to be scratch and abrasion resistant. I've had a look at a few different fabrics and I think Cordura ballistic nylon is probably going to be the best for my particular size, style and use of the bag.

However I cannot seem to find a retailer here in the UK for it. I can import it from the US or South Korea, but it really doesn't make sense to for the length I need. The closest UK seller I can find is someone selling 1000D Cordura Nylon which I don't believe is the same thing (please do correct me if I'm wrong but ballistic nylon is 1680d according to the internet).

Does anyone on here know of a reputable seller of ballistic nylon fabric in the UK I could reach out to?

Thanks in advance!

I'm only a hobbyist, but the amount of time it takes to cut, especially new designs, has been aggravating. Given the proper material, are laser cutters worth the investment?

I have experience with cad and cnc. I believe it would be more enjoyable to spend time on those aspects if it will lower the time spent hands on cutting. I would like to hear from others who use cnc fabric cutters.

some initial questions I've been researching:

1. what price point? 2x4' cutting area minimum.
2. how important is customer service?
3. Are there significant operational or maintenance costs?

4.what other questions should I ask when selecting?