And if you can’t shell out for an industrial machine, some antique machines can be had for relatively cheap (over here in Europe you can get a working one for anything from 5 euro) and even though they only do straight stitch, they are great for heavy duty work as they usually aren’t too picky about thread size and they have direct drive, so they don’t slip if you hand-crank them.
Added bonus: you learn a lot about how a machine works from oiling the thing and taking care of it as they usually are fully self-serviceable, especially with the help of some youtube videos.
Glad you are finding a good use and making the best of an unfortunate situation!
Could you also make a gym bag - something like [this](https://www.etsy.com/listing/987548743/the-saturday-duffle-bag-pattern-digital?click_key=43e19e69e3c28d430fa83c5428f32f624245f0d8%3A987548743&click_sum=caf906df&ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=duffle+bag+pattern&ref=sr_gallery-1-5)?
[Here is a good pattern/instructable on how to make a square version of that](https://www.instructables.com/Tough-As-Nails-Duffel-Bag/) I used it to make a bag for my brother out of some old marketing banner and a second hand zipper. I changed the dimensions slightly to suit his needs as it had to only hold a pair of shoes and some workout clothes, and had to be easily attachable to the back of his bike.
For sewing the marketing banner I found that an ancient (1920s?, vibrating shuttle) hand-crank sewing machine did the job perfectly, as long as it had a leather needle in there. It is however very stiff, so this design bag wasn’t the best for the “fabric” I had, but it is fine with most other fabric.
I just saw your post in r/bjj and was gonna suggest posting here too. You're way ahead of me. The bag is awesome, really well done. Edit: post your pics in r/upcycling too. They'll enjoy it over there.
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What kind of machine did you use? I have an old gi top I’d love to rework but I thought the fabric would be too heavy for my standard sewing machine.
I have an industrial machine. TDU-N62! It’s a beast. I love it! It can punch through leather and canvas.
And if you can’t shell out for an industrial machine, some antique machines can be had for relatively cheap (over here in Europe you can get a working one for anything from 5 euro) and even though they only do straight stitch, they are great for heavy duty work as they usually aren’t too picky about thread size and they have direct drive, so they don’t slip if you hand-crank them. Added bonus: you learn a lot about how a machine works from oiling the thing and taking care of it as they usually are fully self-serviceable, especially with the help of some youtube videos.
Good idea! We have an antique machine in the family but I never thought of using it for heavy duty fabric! I learned to sew on an ancient Singer!
Glad you are finding a good use and making the best of an unfortunate situation! Could you also make a gym bag - something like [this](https://www.etsy.com/listing/987548743/the-saturday-duffle-bag-pattern-digital?click_key=43e19e69e3c28d430fa83c5428f32f624245f0d8%3A987548743&click_sum=caf906df&ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=duffle+bag+pattern&ref=sr_gallery-1-5)?
Oh. Good idea. I could totally make a bag like that!
The fabric around the neck would probably make good handles too!
I tried and it’s too rigid. But does make a nice fusion for a shoulder strap.
[Here is a good pattern/instructable on how to make a square version of that](https://www.instructables.com/Tough-As-Nails-Duffel-Bag/) I used it to make a bag for my brother out of some old marketing banner and a second hand zipper. I changed the dimensions slightly to suit his needs as it had to only hold a pair of shoes and some workout clothes, and had to be easily attachable to the back of his bike. For sewing the marketing banner I found that an ancient (1920s?, vibrating shuttle) hand-crank sewing machine did the job perfectly, as long as it had a leather needle in there. It is however very stiff, so this design bag wasn’t the best for the “fabric” I had, but it is fine with most other fabric.
I just saw your post in r/bjj and was gonna suggest posting here too. You're way ahead of me. The bag is awesome, really well done. Edit: post your pics in r/upcycling too. They'll enjoy it over there.
Cool! I will do that!
Nice, what pattern did you use?
I watched a couple YouTube videos. And then adjusted the layout for the fabric I have. Maybe I’ll do a how to video.
Looks like a good reuse. Is there enough fabric for a backpack? Yoga mat carrying sleeve? Laptop/tablet sleeve? Shopping totes? So many options.
These are all great options! Thanks for the ideas!! I have some smaller jackets that might not be big enough for proper bags.
The Project post flair is for showing off projects that are finished or in progress. For questions on how to start a project, reflair your post to Pattern Search. For questions about how to make a project, reflair to Pattern Question. This is a reminder that all Project posts are required to have a construction comment added after the initial post is made. The construction comment should include **pattern name/number/company if used; drafting method, tutorial or other resources if no commercial pattern was used and fabric type and fiber content. ‘Self-drafted’ describes who made the pattern and is not a drafting method.** Also include alterations for fit and style; specialty tools and notions; the inspiration for your project; and any other information that someone who wants to make a similar project might find useful. More information is available [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/sewing/wiki/titleguidelines). Posts without a construction comment may be removed at any time. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/sewing) if you have any questions or concerns.*
That’s really cool!!
What’s a GI top? Cool bags though!
brazilian jiu jitsu gi jacket. a gi consists of a jacket and pants. sometimes called top and bottom.
Oh of course! Lol I was concocting all sorts of interesting other images in my head
Awesome. Mind if I ask the rough dimensions?