r/myog • u/Objective_Cattle_278 • Feb 25 '26
Repair / Modification Insert Zipper into front of backpack
I had a sailmaker add this zipper into my bag how did he do it? I want to do the same thing with this serving identical bag.
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u/adeadhead Feb 25 '26
Looks like a great job, interesting that they brought it all the way up to the zipper tape at the top which required unpicking that seam as opposed to a welted zip, but it looks great
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u/Objective_Cattle_278 Feb 25 '26
How do I do a welted zip?
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u/boulderv7 Feb 25 '26
Plenty of tutorials on YT, search welted zip pocket. Easier to see than explain it. That's how I would have done it.
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u/Objective_Cattle_278 Feb 25 '26
I’ve definitely seen and made those. But do you think he removed the entire front panel to add the zipper?
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u/adeadhead Feb 25 '26
The way he did it, he seam ripped just along the bottom seam of the horizontal zipper.
Unless the zippers he added go all the way to the bottom of the front panel onto the seam, in which case he ripped that seam too. There wouldn't have been a reason to do the side panels though.
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u/Objective_Cattle_278 Feb 25 '26
You’re right. He “welted” the bottom of the zipper.
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u/adeadhead Feb 25 '26
Oh, neat, I didn't realize that bag was made of Ultra and I was trying to figure out what it was.
Sweet stuff.
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u/Objective_Cattle_278 Feb 25 '26
Such a great bag. It’s the best (not prettiest) bag I own.
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u/BaerNH Feb 25 '26
Yeah, I’ll eventually be using mine as the base pattern for a pack without such ugly water bottle pockets. Love the bag, but it’s fugly in its stock form.
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u/Objective_Cattle_278 Feb 25 '26
I thought the same thing about the water bottle pockets. But they’re actually the best part! So accessible and stretchy.
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u/Objective_Cattle_278 Feb 25 '26
Share the pattern when you make it!!
And add a vertical zipper to the front pocket 🤣
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u/Objective_Cattle_278 Feb 25 '26
So you think he cut a slit from the bottom of the top zipper down to near the bottom and then splayed open those two flaps to sew the zipper tape onto each of the edges? How did he sew across the bottom of the new zipper? How did he re sew the top horizontal zipper?
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u/boulderv7 Feb 25 '26
I do think he did, or at least that's what I would have done. Wayyy easier than trying to wrestle the whole thing around on the table. He might have had a patcher machine, in which case he could have done it without ripping all 4 seams. I'd have to look at the inside. You might be able to tell by looking at the binding....does it match? Does it look the same quality as the rest of the binding on other parts of the bag?
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u/boulderv7 Feb 25 '26
Well he didn't rip the bottom seam at least. Because he welted that.
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u/Objective_Cattle_278 Feb 25 '26
Maybe he has a machine with a narrow “nose” that he stuck into the pocket? It’s a pretty big opening.
Looking at the stitches, I’m pretty sure he only opened the seam at the bottom of the horizontal zipper.
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u/boulderv7 Feb 26 '26
He probably has a patcher. Those are dope ass machines...it's a cylinder bed, but there are no feed dogs, and the presser foot and sewing direction can be swiveled 360*. He could easily get into the pocket and make this mod without ripping any seams.
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u/Objective_Cattle_278 Feb 25 '26
He actually did it on both sides. You just can’t see the other side. I did that so I could reach into that pocket from either side.
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u/mobilecabinworks Feb 25 '26
Inserting a zipper in an already finished product is tough. Well done.
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u/ludwigjager Feb 26 '26
Nice!
How is the overall "waterproofiness", I ask in general and also after the new zipper.
May I ask how much he charged you?
I am considering buying something similar or even the same bag.
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u/Objective_Cattle_278 Feb 26 '26
The material is definitely waterproof. The bag was pretty water resistant because the seams are all well sealed with tape. It’s made for hiking.
They are even careful to seal the back of the brand patch.
The new zippers have no sealing.
The guy charged me a lot. Like $300! I know that probably sounds bonkers. But I’ve paid more for stupider. Please don’t judge.
I want to buy the bag in black … I’d rather add the zipper myself for that one 🤣
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u/ludwigjager Feb 26 '26
No shame in paying for good work that you will enjoy a lot.
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u/ludwigjager Feb 26 '26
So, lets say you are walking and there was rather heavy rain, for lets say 1h (no umbrella or cover for the bag) Would it leak inside?
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u/Objective_Cattle_278 Feb 26 '26
Not the main compartment.
The rear sit pad sleeve is mesh so definitely.
Old front pocket no. The new front pocket yes.
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u/Objective_Cattle_278 Mar 02 '26
Hey! I think I figured it out! The pocket is huge, the zipper is giant, and the bag is very compressible. The pocket can be turned inside out and the entire bag can easily be stuffed in there.
See pic here
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u/Goblinstomper Feb 25 '26
I thought that was a bag with ogham writing on the front.