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Fieldcraft Making equipment from cordura

S

_Shay_

thing 2
Full Member
Minuteman
Jun 5, 2009
1,804
17
USA
#1
I'd like to have a good quality pack, but I'm not financially set to buy one. I'd also like to have a good drag bag.

Since Im learning how to sew, how hard do you think it would be to make a pack and a drag bag?

How much cordura would it take to make? 4 square yards should be enough for a pack?

Has anyone ever made equipment from cordura or something similar?

What thread should I use to hold this stuff together?

Thanks
Shay
 
#2
Re: Making equipment from cordura

i took up becoming a licenced parachute rigger back in the early 70's....lots of parachute stuff is cordura.....

the nylon thread come in different ply and twist both right and left depending on the machine you feed it through.

there are specs to meet when dealing with life-saving stuff like reserves.....and then there is the imported shit that i would'nt floss my bunghole with.......READ it prolly will not hold up and last long in an out door enviornment......so


chose wisely and seek out a local parachute rigger....he may direct you and help in the making of some great stuff......if he got the sewing machines and uses them.
 
#5
Re: Making equipment from cordura

thanks man.
My mom said she'd help me with the sewing and what not. Looks like I have something to do over spring break. lol
 
#6
Re: Making equipment from cordura

I can tell you this: It's not as easy as it looks! hah! The guys who do this professionally have some serious skill to make what they do!!

My wife has a commercial machine, and I took up the same project as you are thinking about, though no where near making packs etc. I just wanted to make my own rear bags and simple pouches and small type gear.

It's tough! So far all I am good at doing is rats nesting the thread on the bottom of my seams!! I will keep at it but I have to say a formal sewing class or two at the local craft shops will probably go a long way! I will do it at some point!

Good luck and keep at it!
 
#7
Re: Making equipment from cordura

Concur w/ BDKC,

Jumping into building nylon gear is not something to be undertaken lightly. You might be surprised at some of the people I have given sewing advice to on this site. My dear Aunty is/was a sail maker and over a summer or two I learned about sewing. Half of which I can't explain (it's feel) and the other half is just hard to explain.

By all means try to do and learn. If nothing else it will give you a greater respect and appreciation for some of the things that are done on this site.

To your original question. Spend the money you would have on a pack and a drag bag on the pack. A drag bag is the most useless bit of kit you will ever waste your money on. Just sayin'.......


Cheers,

Doc
 
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#8
Re: Making equipment from cordura

I remember talking to ya about your ghillie adventures and suggesting that sewing will suit you well in life. Glad to see you're planning to give it a whirl.

I just got my first industrial strength machine, (no where near as heavy duty as I really want, but its a good start)

Here is my first bit of "gear" that I've done, and it really wasnt that hard. My suggestion, GET A PATTERN (tons of patterns for bags and gear and all kinds of stuff online), learn the basics of your stitch pattern, how to run and thread your machine, thread tension, foot pressure and all that jazz. See what your machine can handle as far as fabric weight and layers. (you mom will be bummed if you try stitching though 2 layers of 1000D and 2 layers of webbing unless her machine has some snort)

I have an affinity for 3 Color Desert gear and not much of it is really available so I decided to start simple and make my own.

Its a reproduction of a GI duffel bag. Not really sure what the REAL name is, I'm sure the military gave it some kind of fancy "M123X Pack" designation.

Mine is nearly identical since i took one apart to use as a pattern, same interior layering for strength on the seams for straps and handles. Mine's about 6" taller, 2" bigger around, ergonomic shoulder straps, double layered bottom. Full length #8 side zipper with Surface mount buckles for QD access. If you want to leave the zipper open and just use the buckles, everything still stays in place.

I say go for it, but start simple. Before you know it, you'll be the envy of all your buddies.


 
#9
Re: Making equipment from cordura

I just wanted to try the drag bag. If it didnt turn out, oh well.

I plan to use coyote tan cordura. Ill try to find a pattern.

She also said her sewin machine would have no problem getting through two layers of the stuff.
laugh.gif


Good thing spring break starts after school tomorrow!
laugh.gif
 
#10
Re: Making equipment from cordura

Unless you have a industrial machine made for doing thick stuff like backpacks then forget it. If you just have a heavy duty commercial grade machine then it takes some good amount of skill in design and layout to not sew stuff too think. My machine bogs down at 4 layers of 1000d and 3 layers of webbing. If its in small spots then its fine but to do something like that for an entire project is just not possible without a industrial machine of the right kind. 4 layers of 1000d sounds like allot but its not. You do a simple fold for front and back panels you are already at 4 layers. Add a folded under pals end and you are at 2 layers of webbing. Now sow over a folded edge with a double overed shoulder strap and sigle pals stripe and you just reached 4 layers of 1000d and 3 layers of webbing.

Expect to waist allot of money trying to make stuff cause you will mess up allot. The only reason I got into rolling my own gear is cause I saw improvments on stuff that would fit me better and I could not get mulitcam stuff as cheap as I would have liked.

If you go on DIY don't ask how to make stuff cause they don't like that. The idea is to try yourself and post then people will give you pointers. There is plenty of info on there that you don't even need to post.

Just to say it again forget doing packs without anything but industrial machine. As for a drag bag, if you keep the layers thin and really think the design out then it will work. Don't do it with a home machine though as it will be toast vary fast.

I have the ability to make stuff neat and nice but it takes me a long time which is why I have extreme respect for the professionals as they do it neat and at a fast pace.
 
#17
Re: Making equipment from cordura

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BigDKC</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I can tell you this: It's not as easy as it looks! hah! The guys who do this professionally have some serious skill to make what they do!!

My wife has a commercial machine, and I took up the same project as you are thinking about, though no where near making packs etc. I just wanted to make my own rear bags and simple pouches and small type gear.

It's tough! So far all I am good at doing is rats nesting the thread on the bottom of my seams!! I will keep at it but I have to say a formal sewing class or two at the local craft shops will probably go a long way! I will do it at some point!

Good luck and keep at it! </div></div>

What he said! LOL

Like Boltripper I took up sewing when I started rigging in 1977. Forget about sewing up a backpack(to start) although a drag bag might be a good 7-10th project. Start with simple items and work your way up. Don't be afraid to take them apart and re-do them.

Start with some pouches, perhaps a camo t-shirt, then go from there.
 
#18
Re: Making equipment from cordura

A good way to learn is on a cheap back pack,something simple and take it apart and use it as a templet.I also pickup old gear and strip out the hardware like D rings,fast-tex buckles and some of the hard to get webbing.

Your going to need other supplies to go with the rifle bag also.A good zipper and a material for the inside lining,also maybe edge binding tape and hardware for a sling.If you want the case to be a little stiff you will need close cell foam.

If your using a home sewing machine your really pushing it,and I would use no less than #69 thread.
 
#20
Re: Making equipment from cordura

I bought 2 1yardx60" pieces of tan cordura, 10 fastex buckles and 10 yards of nylon webbing. I also have a whole bunch of coyote brown cordura at home.

SHould this be enough?
 
#21
Re: Making equipment from cordura

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: _Shay_</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I bought 2 1yardx60" pieces of tan cordura, 10 fastex buckles and 10 yards of nylon webbing. I also have a whole bunch of coyote brown cordura at home.

SHould this be enough? </div></div>

LMAO no disrespect intended. But starting to sew "projects" is like a teenager on crack. You start with one project. Then you do another, then another, and on, and on,.. Eventually you'll have several huge boxes of fastex buckles and fabric of every size. Camo and regular nylon from 250 denier to 1000 denier of every color. At that point you can build almost anything, at any time without going to the upholstery shop.

Then all your "friends" "need" something. Well you get the idea.
 
#22
Re: Making equipment from cordura

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Phil1</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: _Shay_</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I bought 2 1yardx60" pieces of tan cordura, 10 fastex buckles and 10 yards of nylon webbing. I also have a whole bunch of coyote brown cordura at home.

SHould this be enough? </div></div>

LMAO no disrespect intended. But starting to sew "projects" is like a teenager on crack. You start with one project. Then you do another, then another, and on, and on,.. Eventually you'll have several huge boxes of fastex buckles and fabric of every size. Camo and regular nylon from 250 denier to 1000 denier of every color. At that point you can build almost anything, at any time without going to the upholstery shop.

Then all your "friends" "need" something. Well you get the idea. </div></div>
Yeah, most of that is right except for the part of me having friends. lol
 
#23
Re: Making equipment from cordura

Well, Its going great! I have the bottom done, I have two layers of cordura with foam in the middle for padding. Im just waiting on more cordura and Ill get to work again! This is fun. lol
 
#24
Re: Making equipment from cordura

You might want to try this place for material. I got some there on sale (email notices) at a great price and they had free shipping special too.
I get my paracord from there when on sale too.
If you want a small project you can make some rear bags for shooting, I did, with the cordura, turned out pretty good.
 
#26
Re: Making equipment from cordura

once its finished. I had to tear apart one seam because the foam didnt work like I wanted it too, so Ill be picking up some stiffer foam today.
 
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