r/myog • • Mar 01 '23

r/MYOG Welcome and Rules [Pinned]

58 Upvotes

Welcome to r/MYOG!

Hey MYOGers! We are trying something new to spur more discussion and interaction in the monthly posts, to help users understand the purpose and rules of this sub, and to make resources more easy to find. To do that we're combining the monthly posts and adding this one as a permanently pinned post. In addition to the content you see below, we'll post any announcements or changes to the sub in this post.

*NEW\* - You can now choose from a few new flair options! Let us know if there are any you'd like to see as an option!

Mission Statement - Join our community to learn and share how you make your own gear (MYOG), including tents, tarps, hammocks, stoves, packs and anything else outdoor gear related. We encourage supportive, collaborative, and useful posts and comments free of advertising.

Resources and Links - The Wiki contains links to a variety of patterns, guides, and information on methods and materials. Answers to many questions can also be found using the sub’s search function. If you’re still not able to find the info you’re looking for, you can post your question in the Monthly Discussion post or create a new post to ask. We ask that you make an effort to find an answer using the available resources before creating a post.

Monthly Discussion Post - This is our recurring post to ask and answer small questions, or discuss topics you think are too small to warrant their own post. Our previously separate monthly post for buying and selling is being combined into this thread to increase traffic to both, and to make room for this stickied post.

Rules - To accomplish our mission, we ask that you respect the following rules for posting on r/MYOG:

1. Excessive self-promotion - Advertising

This subreddit is a community for exchanging information and inspiring creativity. It is not a place to post with the intent of promoting your business.

2. Excessive Self-Promotion - Project Shares

If you are a member sharing your myog work for the sake of sharing, we ask that you limit your project shares to roughly once per week. Information and sharing questions are encouraged, and more frequent posts of this type are encouraged within reason.

3. Off-Topic Posts/Comments - General

Posts and comments not related to self-made outdoor gear will be removed. Exceptions are for things such as kits or commercial products that are targets at the gear making community as long as the Excessive self-promotion rule is not violated.

4. Off-Topic - Which Sewing Machine?

This sub is not intended for open-ended questions about which sewing machine you should buy for MYOG. These post and comments will be removed.

5. Off-Topic - Commissions

Posts or comments relating to commissioned gear will be removed. Commission related posts and comments are referred to r/MYOGCommissions.

6. Off-Topic - Tactical Gear

Posts and comments about gear relating to firearms, weapons, or other types of tactical equipment (e.g. holsters, plate carriers, concealed carry, etc.) will be removed. These posts and comments are referred to r/MYOGtacticalgear.

Thank you! If you’ve made it this far, thank you for reading! Now go forth and MYOG, and come back to share your journey!


r/myog • • 13d ago

r/MYOG Monthly Discussion and Swap

8 Upvotes

Post your questions, reviews of fabrics, design plans, and projects that you don't feel warrant their own post!

Did you buy too much silnylon? Have a roll of grosgrain, extra zipper pulls, or a bag of insulation sitting around that you want to get rid off? Post it below and help someone else put it to use!


r/myog • • 4h ago

Project Pictures after some critics, i did make my bag simpler.

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39 Upvotes

pic 1 and 2 are current patches, third is former version, perhaps it is indeed too much.


r/myog • • 13h ago

Alpaka-inspired wallet

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56 Upvotes

Just finished a new wallet I had done before about half a year ago, but since I used an aliexpress x-pac knockoff for that one, it’s already worn quite a bit.

Also, I recently received some Ecopak 600 in Multicam black, and thought it might look good with this fabric. Which I think it does, I’m very happy with the result.

Edit: I didn’t have any matching cord for the zipper pulls any more, so I had to use this green one in order to avoid using pink cord lol


r/myog • • 8h ago

Question Struggling with 1000D cordura on domestic machine

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13 Upvotes

I working on sewing a set of bikepacking bags. For deciding in material I wanted to try a stem bag out of cordura 1000D with a nylon liner.

My kenmore 158 was struggling with some jamming issues and starting when going through multiple layers. Am I pushing the limits of machine or am I missing something?

Outer fabric cordura 1000D

Thread Guttermann topstick thread spool

Guttermann universal thread in bobbin

Organ Jean needle 110/18


r/myog • • 6h ago

WIP hunting chest pack

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4 Upvotes

My son and my boyfriend both love hunting. I decided I’d like to make them versatile chest pouches. This is my blueprint for them so far after researching various pouches. This is my first time drafting my own pattern as well. Currently in the process of mocking everything up with paper

The “x” piece is for the back and over the shoulders. Webbing and plastic buckles will attach the back portion to the front pouches. I think there will be removable pouches for both sides I just didn’t draw them both on the blueprint

Wondering if anyone else has made one? I plan to use water resistant/proof cordura. Would regular zippers be alright or would water resistant/proof zippers be a must? Lined is best I imagine?? First gear project.


r/myog • • 8h ago

Question Foam (straps) + Juki = fail

2 Upvotes

Hey all. I’m hoping someone has an idea I can’t think of to troubleshoot this.

A few weeks ago I busted a needle sewing through some foam + Ecopak + spacer mesh. The needle ended up breaking my fixed counter knife (Juki 9010-SS) and messed up the timing. I was able to replace the part and got the timing dialed again and it’s been sewing fine except …

When I try to sew through foam + strap layers now, it immediately breaks the needle (keep in mind this was working before the first break). In addition to that, if I manually turn the wheel on this foam + strap layup, the needle thread starts but then the bobbin just doesn’t pick anything and no threading occurs. If I do the manual wheel on just a couple of pieces of scrap material, it works fine.

Could this be the presser foot tension needing to be increased? I’ve messed with tension settings through but I’m sort of spinning at this point.

Other troubleshooting ideas for potential mechanical issues?

Thanks jn advance 🤘


r/myog • • 3h ago

Finding a quality backpack manufacturer

0 Upvotes

I am developing a travel backpack and looking for a high-quality cut-and-sew manufacturer. The bag will be constructed primarily from 420D Ripstop Robic Nylon. I am looking to partner with a manufacturer to build the final prototype first, with the goal of moving directly into a 300-unit production run. Can anyone recommend a manufacturer that is capable of capable of this quality and MOQ? I would love to connect and share my designs. Thank you!


r/myog • • 1d ago

Project Pictures Commuter Bag

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261 Upvotes

This might be my favorite pattern that I've come up with. It comes together relatively easily and the pack is a really nice functional size.

Once I get my new shop up and running, this is going to be the pack that I am going to have students make in the shop for their first project.


r/myog • • 1d ago

First real project - throw bags

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106 Upvotes

First real project using cool fabrics from RTBTR. Took inspiration from the Sockdolager throw bag for the shape and then made it a little more beginner-friendly to make. Has 70ft of polypro rope in it. Gave the two white ones to my packrafting buddies and kept the yellow.
2nd project was the learnmyog tech pouch. Want to get into making backpacks but a little hesitant with my Singer HD.
Thanks for all the great inspo posts in this sub - I’m loving the MYOG community 🤘


r/myog • • 1d ago

Project Pictures New wedge framebag

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34 Upvotes

Just finished up a wedge framebag for some upcoming ultras this year. Volume came out at about 9l. Historically, I wrote these off as a poor utilization of space, but being able to carry all of my water on-bike has been incredible. The bottles on my down tube are mounted onto the Botched Bikes dragonfly, which is an incredible product.

I used a combination of evazote foam, 400d EcoPak and ultragrid from challenge, along with some scraps I had lying around for the top stripe. Zipper are #10 molded from YKK. Stoked to test it out!


r/myog • • 2d ago

Project Pictures Small Bags, Big Smiles: Halloween MYOG for the Kids

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611 Upvotes

Wanted to make something fun for the girls and my nephews, so I made four Halloween bags: Frankenstein, ghost, shadow, and pumpkin! All made from 420D Robic with ripstop and packcloth linings. Getting the gusset measurements right took some trial and error, but digitizing the pattern and following Ryan’s advice to sew with the gusset underneath and the panel on top helped a lot.

My nephews were so pumped—their smiles made all the hard work worth it!


r/myog • • 1d ago

Canvas tarp for fabric?

3 Upvotes

Im planning on making a waxed canvas messenger bag. Is buying a waxed camvas tarp from amazon, or local hardwars store ne a decent way to get fabric? Local stores dont stock any.


r/myog • • 1d ago

Question 2 person Bug Tent for Tarp.

1 Upvotes

A tarp with bug bivy is one of my favourite solo setups, but I'm thinking that I'd love to make a 2-person mesh inner for camping with one of my kids.

Something really similar to this one from Sea to Summit: https://seatosummit.com.au/products/escapist-mesh-bug-shelter?srsltid=AU7gw4UQCPIsAYzwOAjL-TIXJat9ToPz-Gr5WO6nXOchDWBLpW-2N6hz

I have a 3Mx2.8M Sil-poly Tarp I'd use with it.

Has anyone made one of these before and happen to have a decent pattern setup? Or could direct me to one. I'll jump on Sketchup if not.

Thanks heaps.


r/myog • • 2d ago

Project Pictures Absolutely loving my Singer 201k + Tiny pouch

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88 Upvotes

It's been a couple of years since I've had a machine, but found this for £15 at a charity shop. A set of bobbins later and I've made a tiny zipper pouch for my wife to keep her keys and headphones in so they don't get lost in her bag!


r/myog • • 2d ago

A way to dry my soft flasks so they don't get gross

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209 Upvotes

I printed it in two pieces to allow it to print flat-ish and take apart for storing, I've seen some other designs for these, but I think I've solved some of the issues like not having a large enough base so they don't tip over


r/myog • • 1d ago

Question I need a very abrasion resistant. Fabric material. For my skate shoes and my baggy pants

0 Upvotes

I skate and work a lot and it takes a toll on a lot of my jeans since they are usually longer than my legs I just need a very resistant material I dont necessarily care about price(ANSWERED)


r/myog • • 2d ago

Project Pictures Simple equipment bag

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11 Upvotes

I'm still relatively new to the craft, but here a custom size bag for some devices for my work. I already made a laser-cut storage rack (not pictured) and the whole thing needs to fit snuggly to stay nicely ordered, so I decided to make a bag of just the right size instead of buying one. Probably not a gain in terms of work hours/budget, but it's also for the learning experience. Inner dimensions are ~300 x 100 x 40mm. I didn't use any pattern, just cut on the fly with a cutting mat and disc cutter. I added 3 layers of felt padding in the front and back to make sure the contents are nicely pressed against the wall.

Because that fabric I never worked with before frays really easily at the edges, I misestimated the inital seam allowance and had to improvise and fix. It wored out, but it does emans there is some fluff on some edges, and not very regularly.

I as abit scared with the piping as some research suggested it's tricky, but having bought a piping foot it went well and actually helped with the fixes and guiding some other seams.


r/myog • • 2d ago

Underquilt from an old sleeping bag: advice wanted

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5 Upvotes

I want to make an underquilt for late-fall car camping in my hammock, mostly in the Colorado mountains (I’m guessing lows in the 20s°F), and I’d like to keep using it in Virginia after I move in December. I’m repurposing an older, heavy synthetic Eddie Bauer rectangular bag (35 in. wide zipped, 70 in. when opened flat) plus its thinner liner (35 in. wide when opened flat). I’ll sleep in my REI Igneo 17 on top.

My plan:

  • Sew eight 8 in. × 2 in. webbing loops with a box-X stitch, four at each end.
  • If I open the bag flat, sew the liner down the center for a double layer under my body.
  • Cut the ring off a six-legged bungee “spider,” tie two of the cords into loops (one per end) through the four loops, and clip them to the tree strap with a carabiner.

Questions:

  • Can I leave the bag zipped closed, or should I plan for it to be open? Open would need different placement for the webbing.
  • Is gathering each end with a bungee a good approach, or is there a better suspension method?
  • Would a mylar layer on the outside as a windbreak be worth it, or would sliding it inside (between the liner and bag if left open) add warmth?
  • Anything you’d do differently or that I haven’t thought of?

Thanks in advance for any advice!


r/myog • • 3d ago

Project Pictures Laptop Sleeve Made from Scraps

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546 Upvotes

Put my box full of scraps to use and made this laptop sleeve to take on a work trip. Holds a 16 in laptop, an iPad, various cords. This was my first time using Fidlock snaps, what a cool piece of hardware.


r/myog • • 2d ago

Best lightweight insulation for packable pogies above 0°C: Alpha Direct vs Apex 67 vs Thinsulate CS100 vs Solarize?

2 Upvotes

I'm planning to make a pair of lightweight pogies for cycling, using 20D silpoly for the outer shell, and I'm trying to choose the best insulation.

The main priorities are:

  • Lightweight: I want to keep the overall weight as low as possible.
  • Packable and compressible: They need to pack down small when not in use, so bulky insulation isn't ideal.
  • Warm enough for temperatures above 0°C: I'm not planning to use them in freezing conditions.
  • Suitable for DIY pogies: Ideally, something relatively easy to work with when sewing them myself.

The insulation options I'm considering are:

  • Polartec Alpha 60
  • Polartec Alpha 90
  • Climashield Apex 67
  • 3M Thinsulate CS100
  • Fairfield Solarize

Has anyone here used any of these materials in pogies, mittens, or similar lightweight insulated gear?

I'm familiar with Polartec Alpha but being a 'breathable' fabric not sure if it would be ideal for this application. I guess the advantage is that I don't need another inner layer so it could be shell + alpha whereas for the other options I'd have to go shell + insulation + liner

Thanks!

Edit: I'll carry these when bikepacking, they'll live in the framebag except when needed.


r/myog • • 3d ago

Repair / Modification Modified hiking backpack with internal organization

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82 Upvotes

This Colombia bag that I bought last week feels nice but I wanted some internal organization for my flashlights mainly if I’m being honest.

I was going to just do the main compartment but my big complaint was the lack of organization in the front pocket so I took the divider panel completely off and made 2 copies from 210D venom Gridstop and then used some xpac scraps for the pockets themselves.


r/myog • • 2d ago

Back with helmet pocket?

1 Upvotes

Anyone know of a pattern for a backpack that has a pocket for a ski helmet? Or has anyone ever made one?

I’ve been trying to think it through and looking at bags for ski touring or boot bags, and I can’t seem to figure it out.

I want to make a backpack to hold all my ski stuff, including boots, to make packing for the mountain easier.

EDIT: I do want the helmet to be *inside* the bag, not outside only with a mesh pocket. It’s not for climbing the skin track, it’s for throwing in the back of my car or wearing on the shuttle to the ski hill.


r/myog • • 3d ago

Pattern J Strap Pattern

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21 Upvotes

Hey, striving forward with patterns and big things. As requested, I have a new J strap pattern available. Its ambiguity resides in the ability to adapt to removable style straps. That’s up to you.

The straps fit a phone or bars. Nothing new, just free!

https://runbydefault.etsy.com

Love the curiosity 😄

If you have a desire for removable and adaptable straps, I’d love to hear your thought. Nothing is permanent. Progress is gradual.


r/myog • • 3d ago

Some testing of my recent running belt.

207 Upvotes