[pct-l] Sew what?

[mlissner at aidshike.org (Michael Lissner)]

I drew up a sewing primer on my site that talks about the basic things 
of sewing:
http://www.aidshike.org/PCT/sewnstuff/primer

Your problem is going to be getting a pocket onto an existing pack. Were 
it me, and I had to do it, I would get a seam ripper, take the pack 
apart at the seams, add the pocket, and then put it back together. You 
might not trust your sewing as much as a manufacturers, but they don't 
really have that many tricks up their sleeves. The only things that are 
important are to make sure that your stitch length is nice and short 
(and hence strong), that you double back the ends of your seams, and 
that you doublestitch EVERYTHING. Bartacks help too. Otherwise, there's 
not much difference between what they do and what we do.

If you still don't feel confident about the project, you might want to 
get one of the G4 kits from Quest Outfitters, and make that pack. Once 
you've done that everything about making packs will make a good deal 
more sense - plus, it only costs like $40 or so for the experience.

Let me know if you have any more questions. I'm happy to answer the 
small as well as the big.

-mike

www.aidshike.org
 -510.547.4299-



Monty Tam wrote:

>Just made a pack  (3ozs.!). Heavier 100% Nylon thread.
>
>Pocket is Spinncloth (along with the rest of the pack).  Not real strong.
>
>Call these guys.  They're experts and real nice. 
>http://www.questoutfitters.com/index.html 1-800-359-6931
>I've seen their samples.  Perfect webbing type material for pockets.  
>Real nice person answers the phone.  No markup on shipping and fast. 
>
>For the pocket I rolled the material a couple of layers about 3/8" wide
>then sewed on the pocket from the inside out.
>New to sewing?  Loosely sew the seam into place before attaching to the
>pack.
>If the material is not flexible, you might want to leave a little bit of
>room to slip in your water bottle or whatever.  Leave a little less than
>you think you'll need.
>
>This is advise from someone who's only done this once.  I'm sure there's
>other advise available.
>
>Maybe at thru-hiker.com  (and materials)
>
>Warner Springs Monty 
>
>
>  
>
>>[Original Message]
>>From: Nick Simon <nickjstone2005pct@yahoo.com>
>>To: <pct-l@mailman.backcountry.net>
>>Date: 3/22/2005 8:59:47 AM
>>Subject: [pct-l] Sew what?
>>
>>I have a GoLite Gust pack that I plan to use on the PCT this summer. 
>>    
>>
>I've been happy so far with the comfort and capacity of the pack, but have
>grown increasingly bothered by the lack of external pockets or webbing for
>water bottles/maps/camera, etc.  
>  
>
>> 
>>So, I'd like to sew.  
>> 
>>"Sew what", you say?  Problem is, I'm pretty sure that if I just go nuts
>>    
>>
>with a needle and thread I'm going to ruin the pack, or even more likely,
>things will come unravelled as I hike and I'll leave a trail of personal
>effects behing me on the trail.  I'm looking for some simple guidance from
>anyone that has sewn such things onto a lightweight pack.  Do I have to use
>any kind of special needle?  Does regular old thread work?  I'm guessing
>that I just can buy nylon and/or webbing type material and cut to size?
>  
>
>> 
>>Thanks!
>> 
>>Nick
>>Philadelphia, PA
>>
>>
>>		
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