The Process of Making a Bicycle Frame Bag

Go check out my bike bag company at beaconseattle.com
Instagram: @beacon.seattle
Happy riding!
Materials used:
X-Pac VX21 - Black - amzn.to/3JrsBse
Orange ripstop for lining - amzn.to/3h0vV13
YKK #4 zippers - amzn.to/3BvvVzN
Paracord for Top Tube lacing - amzn.to/3uYCeu...
Zipper Pulls - amzn.to/3sLb5s5

[@JeffRevell]

If you wanted to do a more in-depth video on making frame bags I certainly wouldn't object. I would love to hear you narrate through the process and explain what and how you are doing some of the steps. I'm looking to make a frame bag soon and yours is one of the better finished results I have found. The eyelets were great but I would love to hear your process on marking and alignment when sewing them in. Thanks for all the great content.

[@CowboyTomi]

Thank you! That's good to know. I was somewhat in a pickle deciding if I should narrate each step or not, but I felt it would've been a longer video than it should. So I just went with the shorter version I guess. Feel free to DM any questions you may have about making the bag yourself on Instagram if you're a user. @cowboytomi

[@JeffRevell]

I just watched this again for like the fourth time. Every time I notice a new detail. I would really love a breakdown on how you made the different compartments and the eyelets for attaching to the frame. Such a great build!

[@CowboyTomi]

Let me get back you soon! Thank you so much!

[@grtchldy6561]

Note - don’t cut any side panels diagonal to the grain. Why? It’s called cutting on the bias and will cause the fabric to stretch. Coated fabric won’t be as effected but it still could effect it. For stability line up your side pieces with the grain of the weave. This means with the thread direction. Just thought folks need to know this.

[@CowboyTomi]

Thanks for the heads up!

[@samt.1369]

how are we supposed to cut it when the bag has angles?

[@catherinekrawiec8914]

I think the commenter meant that the panels should be oriented along the grain. So imagine the direction that gravity would pull on each panel when it's formed into the bag and align the grain parallel or perpendicular to that direction. Some of the lines themselves may be at an angle, but the overall orientation of the panel will be along the grain. The same principle guides garment making so that your clothes don't twist funny as you move around.@@samt.1369

[@samt.1369]

@@catherinekrawiec8914 Oh! I get it! It totally makes sense now. Thanks for your input :)

[@GaryMarsh2]

I haven't sewn for over 13 years and watching your grace with material inspires me to want to go out and start sewing again. It's funny how some inspire others to create and you my friend have inspired! Thank you. BTW, I live up north around Mount Vernon and love seeing fellow Washatonians here on the Tube... Keep it up!

[@CowboyTomi]

That's amazing, thank you for sharing your story! It's just a never ending cycle of folks like you who keep me doing what I enjoy doing. I've been up there a few times! I have a buddy who grew up there that I went to woodworking school with. Happy new year!

[@virgilei.8264]

What material are you using to get the top and side panels firmer? I just completed my first bag last month and it does not hold its shape that well... You make the whole process looks easy, great work !

[@lindse.9241]

Following here to also find out! Would love to know the material!

[@winterwatson6811]

i’m not sure what to toni used but your local fabric shop should be able to help you find an appropriate backing material

[@alexmilne966]

Yo, how did you make that handlebar bag?

[@owenfidler2115]

Super neat and clean sewing, that Juki sounds beastly. What are you using for a stiffener on the front, back and top panels? I've tried using a variety of plastic things I've had at home (table place mats were one of the best) but still not happy with the result.

[@CowboyTomi]

Thank you! The stiffener is an ultra firm interfacing made of a thin foam, so not only is structural, but also insulated. you can find it at a Joanns or sewing store.

[@owenfidler2115]

@@CowboyTomi thank you for your response mate, much appreciated 🙏

[@dk2428]

I wish i had your skills! Really enjoyed this one, thanks for sharing!

[@CowboyTomi]

Thank you!

[@rupanprobhat6420]

Bonus kudos for the amazing selection of BGM.

[@WillH0724]

Awesome ... thank you for sharing your skill!. Really cool using bottle cage lugs to hold the bottom of the bag! Questions : Will it be good to also set a "drain" hole at the bottom of the bag? ... for airing when storing damp kit by chance. I'm also a little sceptical using "lace" ties on top frame iro scuffing ... could you suggest [perhaps velcro attachments] a material that may be softer on the frame paint work?

[@CowboyTomi]

Thanks! A grommet could be set at the bottom for more ventilation. For the lacing, it doesn’t scuff as it’s pretty soft. Velcro straps are the true culprit for scuffing as I’ve had one on my other bike, so I had to use tape to cover up strap sections.

[@outtatrex]

wow, very cool to see you make this by yourself. Congrats on the finished framebag, looks amazing !

[@MartinTkáč-x9r]

Nadzar zdravime vás ako urobíme šiť na taške bike prosím vás pomôžte mi pre mňa ukážte nám ako vysvetlit😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊

[@CowboyTomi]

i’ll make another video that’s more detailed!

[@lucasdanielparedesjimenez94]

Hi Tomi, I love your videos! There's something I couldn't find, did you put something between the outer and inner fabric? (the orange fabric) Wich material is it? Greetings from Chile!

[@CowboyTomi]

Thank you! yes, i added some interfacing foam in between the liner and exterior so that it can keep its structure when fitted to the bike!

[@autokill225]

I think I know the reason, but just wanted to confirm why you use two different sewing machines? I'm tempted to try something like this on my own with basically no experience. I have access to a Singer M1000, but I'm thinking it might now have the power to punch through stiffener panels? What's the reason why you switched between the two? Great video btw.

[@CowboyTomi]

Thank you! Great question, the stiffener is soft enough for the portable sewing machine to sew through, I used the industrial to bind all the panels together. The bias tape to bind everything is the toughest material used.

[@truongnguyenquang93]

No issues with assembly for me kzbin.infoUgkxHL1v1R3NE5x4KiYfyt8dnQmyNYz7qi5L but I could see where some might benefit from using an experienced bike assembler/mechanic. I'm an older rider starting back after a 10 year break. This bike exceeds my capabilities and has been easy to get comfortable riding. I'm mostly on easy trails with almost no street riding and have not been disappointed with the performance of the bike. My fitness level is far below what I previously rode with and because of that the mileage is going on the bike slowly. While I'm losing weight slowly, the bike seems to tolerate my 220 pounds just fine. The bike has been used by several family members ranging from 5'5" - 5'9".

[@CowboyTomi]

Yes it will!

[@dutydruid9375]

Good video but also frustrating as the bag you are making is not the bag you fit at the end. No pocket deviders and no twin sided zips. Putting the devider in would surely be the hardest bit? Would be great to see.

[@CowboyTomi]

The bag I made is indeed the same bag i fit at the end. Making of dividers wasn't filmed, they were put in using velcros on each side so that you can remove them! Thank you for watching!

[@IlyaVolnykh]

Hey, Tomi. What is the name of fabric you using in this video?

[@CowboyTomi]

x-pac!

[@yannisquemere6168]

Really nice ! What foam did you use for the contour panels?

[@CowboyTomi]

Thanks! it’s an ultra firm interfacing that you can find at any fabriccraft store

[@Steveshupkins]

Awesome bag. How did you get the structure on all of the frame walls? The material inside the rip stop?

[@SteezerZimmer]

thanks for the video, what did you use for the top pieces to give it rigidity?

[@Musterdavid85]

I'll pay for that anytime, beautiful

[@CowboyTomi]

Thank you!

[@gaspardcarnet6617]

What do you put on to stiffen the bands all around the bag?

[@CowboyTomi]

ultra firm interfacing!

[@gatheringmeyoutube]

Super slick! Haven't seen the cording tabs done in that way before! Nice protection and you don't get the bulkiness in the seams. Just found me some waxed canvas here in Oaxaca, and am working out bag patterning for a 1991 Haro Extreme. Thanks for the share!

[@CowboyTomi]

Thank you! waxed canvas is so nice!

[@HannesNeuner]

what did you use to `stiff` out each element?

[@CowboyTomi]

Its a layer called interfacing and its an ultra firm foam about 1/8" thick

[@cheesetownboatrepairmainte2101]

Hey man, great video. One thing I will say is that if you ever decide to do another sewing process video it would be great if you added narration about your thoughts, and trials and tribulations when sewing. I will say though that I am not a bike enthusiast and just like seeing people sewing stuff and talking about it.

[@CowboyTomi]

Thanks! Yeah i could’ve narrated and explained the process more in this video. I didn’t have the capacity to do it at the time. Thanks for watching!

[@notgaryoldman1178]

Hi, I like your video, but I have a few questions if that's ok. - I'm puzzled about what happened around 4:02? The edges of the black ripstop have been sewn before being sewn to the orange material. What was that for? Sorry if it's obvious, I'm new to sewing. - What is the name of the rolled material at 5:15? - The intermediate dividing section at 10:22 looks neat, but I don't see that step in the video. Is it held there with Velcro strips?

[@CowboyTomi]

Hey! Yeah I had sewn some firm interfacing onto the black fabric then sewing on the orange lining next. The black roll is 1" nylon webbing. And yes I did sew on velcro strips inside for the divider to be added and removed.

[@notgaryoldman1178]

@@CowboyTomi I see. Did you sow interfacing where the black fabric meets the zips at 7:12? Those edges look firmer when compared to the blade cut edge of black fabric at the bottom.

[@f1hotrod527]

You could still have the in frame bottle cages if you wanted. They would just be inside the bag. What a cool project.

[@CowboyTomi]

thank you!

[@PureCycling1]

Really nice! Amazed by the bottle screw-on detail. Such a clever thing to do! Which front rack ist that? Looks sharp aswell

[@Sekhmet6697]

So cool! Love the green lacing and orange touches. One question though, why do you use the Juki for some things and the smaller machine for others? I also love cycling and making my own gear, and was thinking of getting a Juki.

[@CowboyTomi]

Thank you! Great question, I was going back and forth on both machines because the Juki was great for sewing down some of the tougher stuff and sewing the binding in. The smaller machine was great for sewing most of the x-pac and it's lining as it has a smaller needle size.

[@BrianRPaterson]

Excellent. We have a sewing machine in the house, so I'll have a go at making a frame bag. My old high-school engineering teacher always advised making three of anything. The first will be awful, so give it to someone you don't especially like. The second will be better, so give it to a friend. The third will be the best -- keep that one! Cheers

[@rdoody2067]

Three of anything to get it right applies in manufacturing just about anything.

[@nickjacksonaudio]

Really lovely work.... Simple video for anyone interested in making one. (but it might not turn out as nice as this one..iom)

[@cankeco]

like the juki and the sailrite swing binder. great work!!! inspired!

[@CowboyTomi]

Thanks!!! I'm glad!

[@sabreteched]

Amazing Video! I'm off the fabric store to start mine!

[@간고등어-m1n]

Hi ! Its nice videos I wonder What is this ? Between ograns febric and black febric Is it form ?

[@nacho2993]

9:39 song?

[@noyarttt]

Wow I have never sewed anything in my life, and you make it look so easy. I wish I could do a bike bag for mine :D

[@danandkiko]

This is beautiful. You make it look so easy. I can tell you have plenty of experience. I learned a lot just from watching it. Thanks.

[@CowboyTomi]

Thanks!

[@BigRayH]

Looks like you used some sort of padding for the top, back and bottom section, what type was it?

[@CowboyTomi]

Yes, Ultra firm interfacing!

[@lindse.9241]

Rad!! Did you use the ultra firm interfacing on the gusset as well? Or a thin plastic (if so, what type?)? Thanks 😀🚴

[@CowboyTomi]

Thank you! Yes I did use the ultra firm for the surrounding edges!

[@ascar77uk]

a bit confusing at the end as the bag you showed making is not the same bag as is on the bike and when did the velcro internal spacer get fitted

[@naomiaprillopez]

Hi there! What a good video, thanks for sharing. Do you mind sharing what kind of binding you use for the inside edges? I like making my own bike bags but I have no idea what that material is called but I’d like to try using it! Also could use some advice for stability inserts. I want to make a small/medium handlebar bag that will be pretty firm so it can hold its shape and hold stuff like my lil camera and snacks, do you know what kind of material might be best to use? I’m not sure what the industry people call it and how to find it 😅 Thank you so much in advance!

[@CowboyTomi]

Thank you! The binding is called Bias Tape, the type I'm using is made from a waterproof material called sun-brella. As for the insert, I used a thin foam called interfacing, there are different levels of firmness. for bike bags, I would ue an ultra firm interfacing. Good luck!

[@Grabyourshoes]

hi ! nice work ! what is the black line at 4min27 ?

[@josearias1895]

Love it! I made my own frame bag few months ago and almost destroyed my mom's sewing machine lol

[@CowboyTomi]

Nice!!! Cheers to making your own gear!!

[@daniellarson3068]

Thanks for the video. I liked the background music. That bag looks mighty useful. Perhaps someday, I'll see a lone cowboy heading into the sunset on his Surly bike.

[@CowboyTomi]

Thank you so much, perhaps you will!

[@seni0rbid0n]

hoho I THINK I can make it myself. but i need thousand dollars to buy a machine. And try to learn about how to use it.

[@CowboyTomi]

I think you can get away with using a portable sewing machine!

[@panyalim599]

Perfect fit. Great job. We have the same beanie. Lol. I like to order one for my bike if you decide to make more? Lmk. Thanks.

[@CowboyTomi]

Thanks! that’s funny haha! You can email us at [e-mail] for any inquiries!

[@skatelordtheo]

what the! Been following you on instagram for many months now and just found this video and realized it was you haha. wow

[@CowboyTomi]

The internet can be a really small place! Thank you for the support!

[@JeffRevell]

Hey Toni, you inspired me to make my own bag. I do have a couple of questions since you are obviously someone who does this on a pro-level. First, is that a Brother ST machine? I just bought the ST150HDH and yours looks almost identical from the angles I can see. Second, I what needles do you use for the X-Pac and the webbing? I tested a 90/14 but it sounded really clunky. Do you use a 100/16? I have some 100/16 Denim needles but I haven’t tried them yet. Finally, what thread are you using, if you don’t mind me asking? Thanks again for the inspiration!

[@RadioSaladStudios]

Anyone ever call you a talented genius? Just checking. Beautiful stuff.

[@CowboyTomi]

Never until now! thank you!

[@meatballspear]

Great video. Your channel totally rocks. I am a fellow mechanic and seamster. All of my sewing has been altering things up to this point; I'm excited to actually make things!!

[@CowboyTomi]

Thank you! Have so much fun. Cheers my fellow mechanic and seamster!

[@Thomas..Anderson]

Actually very little is shown. Almost all of the details are omitted. Therefore, thumb down.

[@CowboyTomi]

thank you for watching!

[@anniesing261]

daaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaang this is dope

[@SonnyDarvishzadeh]

Thanks for the video. It actually looks more intimidating to us that never used sewing machine, but at least it's a great reference if I find someone experienced. Something like this would be great for my e-gravel bike since the downtube is much thicker where the battery gets attached from the bottom (Fazua 50), so screwing the bag to the bottle cage mounts would be the best and only option. Probably I should add a long flat and stiff strip inside the bag to keep the downtube side from swinging sideways and crumbling.

[@louishansen2370]

Awesome video, particularly loved the ingenious bottle cage mount grommets. Never seen that before, so practical. Haven't done any sewing since school but gonna give it a go! Cheers for the inspiration! Would you be open to answering a couple of questions regarding a few of the steps?

[@CowboyTomi]

Thank you so much! Good luck on the project! Cheers.

[@booiscycling]

That is high level genius, very satisfying to watch as well thank you mate

[@CowboyTomi]

Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed it.

[@tloz3]

Will the bag be waterproof where you bolt it to the bike? Would you put some sort of material there as a gasket?

[@CowboyTomi]

Definitely! Especially with the rubber gasket.

[@12villages]

You're a professional. I can barely stitch straight lol.

[@CowboyTomi]

Thank you! I am not a professional, just someone who learns from their mistakes daily 😄

[@ShonTolliverMusic]

This is a product and brand I would love to get behind, and vest, and market for.

[@CowboyTomi]

Thank you so much!

[@gator3-234]

Okay, that's just money right there. Do you do custom orders? Asking for a friend 😉. Mad skills bud.

[@CowboyTomi]

Thank you! We do take custom orders. email [e-mail] for any inquires!

[@gator3-234]

@@CowboyTomi I was going to get a standard frame bag for my 97 Specialized Hardrock GX. How much do you charge for these high speed bags?

[@denisbelya3079]

that was great, glad to find your channel. very chill video too

[@CowboyTomi]

Thank you!

[@ihaliramirez3198]

Me encantó, gracias.

[@francescadefrenza-v6e]

hey, currently in the process of making one myself and got a question, the front and back strips look harder than just two pices of fabric put together, did you put something in between? thank u so much for the very helpful video :)

[@user-py3nl4bb3t]

Super Like 💪💪💪💪💪🙋

[@CowboyTomi]

Thank you!

[@MartynenkoVitaliy]

Хочу такую же

[@Wydliez]

Love this project!! What diameter for the eyelets is used ?

[@CowboyTomi]

Thank you! They are 1/4" Grommets

[@25inspector]

So awesome! Where did you learn how to sew bags?

[@CowboyTomi]

Thank you! I was actually self taught! Ive always sewn other things growing up, but bike bags were definitely a trial and error project as that's how life goes.

[@zeguinhoaventura]

espetacular

[@CowboyTomi]

Thank you!

[@letsgoletsgoletsgoletsgoletsgo]

you know... i really think sewing is such an awesome and practical skill to have

[@NGH-pf8jf]

Great work! I love the paracord fastening system. Looking to make my own bags at some point soon, and would love to shoot you a message to ask some questions when it comes time! Cool to see another Seattle person as well.

[@juanaq]

great build! looks amazing. i'm about to build one for my bike, but i'm not sure about the top securing method, lacing or velcro. Why did you go with lacing?

[@GingerBreadMomo]

I would also like to know that :)

[@CowboyTomi]

Thank you! Lacing is a good option for bags that will stay on somewhat permanent, velcro is good if you plan to use it for trips here and there.

[@nnamedit]

Such nice work. The bottle cage bolt mounts are such a nice touch. I need to get making again

[@CowboyTomi]

Thank yoU!

[@Mefnv]

これはいいな

[@CowboyTomi]

Arigato!

[@jmkc740]

Nice bag man, most custom, best fitting work I've seen! Excellent stuff man👍

[@CowboyTomi]

Thank you!

[@tub5190]

Nice job

[@CowboyTomi]

Thank you!

[@antonioZaRasFiNaLbOsS]

That is my dream bag 😄. You can store pretty much anything for a 2 day bike packing tour

[@jai2724]

Hello i have a quistion wher did you buy the front rack on your bike and this is a good video how to make it on your own tank you

[@CowboyTomi]

It's a Surly 8-Pack Front Rack! Thank you for watching!

[@jai2724]

Thank you my man

[@JONHWAR]

You have mad sewing skills . Great job . In the beggining of the video i was thinking maybe i could do this ... lol

[@DocBlasto]

Beautiful work! What is the second machine (not the Juki) that you're using in this video? Additionally, do you think the Juki is necessary for the really heavy seams, like attaching panels to one another, or could that be done on a sturdy consumer machine like a Janome HD3000 or HD5000? I know that my basic mechanical zig-zag machine is not up to the task.

[@wherehumanscycle9859]

Yo Tomi, love the channel. Quick question, do you have to use a special needle for the sewing machine?

[@CowboyTomi]

Thank you! No special needle needed, just a needle thats not too thick.

[@wherehumanscycle9859]

@@CowboyTomi thanks 🙏🏻

[@will-simons]

that's a secured bag! top tube laced and secured to the frame

[@CowboyTomi]

pushin 🅿️

[@celestewilkins2886]

Oui Oui!

[@CowboyTomi]

🎉🎉🎉

[@ShonTolliverMusic]

I wish I could like this 400 times.

[@CowboyTomi]

I think you just did! Thank you!

[@retrobicyclejunkie]

Amazing work man 🔥 🪡🧵🧶💪🏽

[@CowboyTomi]

Thank you!

[@corentinlevenes7231]

F….. great job! Perfect idea!

[@CowboyTomi]

Thank you!

[@AlotlikeArham123]

Do you take orders for custom frame bags?

[@CowboyTomi]

Sorry, not at the moment!

[@larstueschjth2658]

Nice detail with the bottle holder screws👍

[@CowboyTomi]

Thank you!

[@BelindaTOV]

🇨🇦👩🏽👍🏽

[@Erick-AGV]

Masterpiece, now i want to buy my own sewing machine and try this

[@CowboyTomi]

Dooo it!!!

[@jackycheung6540]

Buddy, good job,professional.

[@cristaoviajero]

Que top hein!

[@SaltyDIY]

This is so cool ! Love it !

[@CowboyTomi]

Thank you!!

[@rohanlancaster]

Thanks for making this video. it turned out great. I'd love a few more details as I'm about to embark on one of my own. Can you tell me the type of fabric you use for the main panels? What sort of weight is it if you don't mind me asking? Also, does the bag need the central platform panel across the centre. Do you think it would work as just one big compartment. Did you consider using waterproof zips? Thanks again.

[@justinrichards249]

The main outside fabric is likely VX 21!

[@dudewheresmygnar4108]

Why do I feel like I could do this

[@CowboyTomi]

because you can!!!

[@raymondwheatley5618]

What an excellent video Tom thanks for posting 👍 love the idea of fixing the bag onto bottle cage lugs for a more secure fix and the double sided zips make it easier to access from either side finally that's the first time I've seen the top tube attachment done that way.. brilliant and less faff and bulk Thanks again 👍

[@seorius1946]

SUPER

[@kyleensanchez7093]

Wow so beautiful! What tool did you use to create holes for the frame eyelets? What size needles did ya use for sewing?

[@CowboyTomi]

Thank you! i used a 1/4” grommet punch. I believe the needle was a size 12.

[@kyleensanchez7093]

@@CowboyTomi thanks! Did you also add extra fabric to the sides? They look nicely structured!

[@CowboyTomi]

@@kyleensanchez7093 Yes, i didn’t film it but I had sewn in an ultra firm interfacing inside so that it can keep its structure!

[@rodandomundo2022]

Hola quiero saber que tipo de tejidos has usado para hacer esa bolsa de cuadro? Desde ya muchas gracias

[@sammyvo1142]

truly a cowboy of all trades 😌

[@CowboyTomi]

pushin P

[@LGF1290]

Just discovered your channel today and really enjoying the vids so far. I don't comment on KZbin very often but had to say that frame bag is awesome!

[@glennpettersson9002]

That was fantastic, thanks for sharing 👍