No_Minkah

For the people who make or mod bags, can you help me with this? I'd like to sew some sneaky slots for things like pens and a calculator into my new reload. I'd do it on the inner pocket flap, which is unlined and thus thinner and easier to sew through. No zippers or anything. Can someone point me in the direction of:

-the thin fabric, nylon I think, which is commonly used for this task? Where can I get just a little bit of this? Hell, maybe one of you has like a square foot of the stuff you were going to throw out, and would much rather share with me, who knows.

-what type of needle and thread do I need to do this? What would be best?

Thanks for all your help,
NM

sashae

For the fabric, you can search for "cordura fabric" on ebay and get a whole lot of different options...

MKRG

I don't think anybody will help you out until you change your user name to "Seamstress".

No_Minkah

I think I can figure it out. I got a yard of cordura on ebay for about $5.

sherbert tights

sounds like you are going to hand sew it on, so i would go buy some stitch witchery - a fusible adhesive that can help add extra security to seam and glue it in place while you are sewing. You can find this at any fabric store in tape or bolt form. Use the tape, sandwich between 2 layers, use lite heat from iron to set. Be sure to test fabric first so you don't melt it. You can also burn the raw edge (selvage) of the fabric to reduce it from fraying.
If that sounds to daunting- Draw with whatever to mark out your sew lines, using safety pins or straight pins, secure panel and all seams to inside pocket. I would use a rather heavy weight thread, like waxed button thread, to sew, just cause you know you will put it thru a beating. Sew in a stitch that will double back over itself at least once and is roughly 1/4" in length from stitch to stitch. I would use a stitch to secure the edges that will look like an embroidered patch edge (darning). It may take alittle time, but having it secured well will save you time in future.

edit: oh and you may want to look for a curved sewing needle, as it will make getting into tight spots easier, make sure its new and sharp to save your thumbs.

SamHouston

nice colour choices on the Reload, Minkah! Try for 500D if you find you've got 1000D cordura and it ends up being to heavy to mess with effectively, and you can get a small amount of Nylon69 thread from any leather shop, less than a spool and less than a buck, the keep it around for repairs to luggage and such. Sherberts suggestion of a curved needle for working on something already constructed is an excellent one, have a thimble handy too, for shoving it through when it gets real tight.

No_Minkah

Thanks sherbert and Sam! Knowing what I know now, I would have totally mangled the job...I appreciate your help!

FlippingHades

Good advice already - you're definitely going to want a thimble for pushing a needle through Cordura!

Some other bits:
1) I've actually tried Stitch Witchery on Cordura, and it doesn't adhere to it (I tried using it keep small pieces in place for an applique design, trying to adhere the coated (back) side of the applique to the outside of a flap -- no love). Sailrite sells these basting tapes which might work better, and might even be all you need. I haven't been able to find them at any of my local fabric stores though.

2) A lighter weight nylon cloth that's often used for inner pockets is 420D "pack cloth". It's generally pretty slippery though, 500D Cordura might be easier to work with.

No_Minkah

Thanks Hades, I got a yard of black 500D on ebay for about $5. Now I need to find a crafts store...