Pack Build Help

[wannabehunter]

New to the sewing...I mean thread injecting...game. I've been practicing on small items, stuff sacks, webbing slings etc, but I'm feeling ready to jump up to a hard project like a pack build. Planning on doing a Kifaru Stryker clone to fit a MR Guidelite frame. That being said, I've been practicing sewing multiple layers of material. The singer 15 I'm using punches right through. The issue is thread tension.

1. Do you increase and decrease thread tension as you get to the molle webbing pieces?
2. Adding pockets to the sides, should I go with stretch pockets or drawstring?

Thanks for any input!

 

[gr_andrews]

I’ve been having issues with that same sort of thing myself. Thread tension seems to be the bane of my existence.


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[LeanMachine]

With a quality machine, there should be no need to adust tension as you go over webbing.

For starters, do you know how to properly set bottom tension? Do you know what too much or too little top tension looks like? Not trying to be condescending at all. Just trying to establish where we are at.

As far as pockets, i am not a fan of draw strings. I would use stretch fabric or an elastic top edge. You can use elastic or shock cord inside or a channel or you can use elastic webbing as edge binding.

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[wannabehunter]

No worries, no offense taken at all.
I’m very familiar with tension issues and how to adjust to eliminate them. I have not tired sewing through two layers of 500d Cordura with 1in mil spec webbing intermittently. Wasn’t sure if the tension would need to bumped up when encountering the webbing. But that’s why I want to try some harder projects, to gain the experience. I’ve got materials in order and I’ll play around to get things adjusted.

Ultimately I want to tackle your Stryker clone you posted on rokslide. I was already leaning to the stretch pockets similar to what is on MR packs. Have you found you miss having side pockets on the Stryker?

I’m also planning on using g-hooks for attaching the bag to frame. Think I should leave the adjustability on the buckle side or the g-hook side of the strap or both?

Thanks for the help.

 

[LeanMachine]

Ha! I follow so many diy sewing projects that i didnt even notice what page this was on. I automatically assumed rokslide. Tapatalk just makes suggestions and i look at them.

I do miss the side pockets. They are just super handy. You thinking a 4 way stretch material like pants are made from? Or a spandura type material?

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[LeanMachine]

I like adjustability on both sides because that means i can move the straps around if needed (assuming a molle matrix). I have a hard time nailing down exactly where i want straps and that keeps me from having to decide.

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[wannabehunter]

I've been looking at the options at seattle fabrics. Leaning toward the spandura but interested in their heavywt polyester spandex. Probably will order samples of 3-4 different options. Their way I'll also add a 3/4" elastic band at the top.

What have you used in the past for elastic pockets?

 

[LeanMachine]

I have used the like 3/4 inch elastic banding that you can buy in the walmart sewing section, 3/16 or 1/8 shock cord, and milspec elastic webbing. No strong preference towards one or the other.

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[bj139]

I sewed a cushion cover yesterday with a Singer 201 and had a few thread nests on the thicker areas where I had to increase the tension to get good stitches. I think that is just something I have to deal with when sewing.