Canvas Shooting Bag

[Big Lee]

I'm making a canvas shooting bag andneed to find out a couple of things. 1 How should I water proof the bag? 2 Whats the best way to atatch a jute strap to it?
Big Lee
PawPaw,Mi

 

[CrackStock]

I would not water proof it, but Thompson's Waterseal latex paint or bee's wax softened with various oil can be made to work.

I have a beaver pelt that was slightly damaged on one side. It is not attractive in that form, so it may wind up waterproofing one of my bags. :grin:

As to attaching the strap, I would make 4 decorative pieces out of leather that will look good with your strap. (Try a few style and use the ugly ones inside where they won't show) Then I would lay one on the strap to act as a support and holder for the strap and outer decoration. Place the strap into position on the bag and another leather piece on the inside to support the bag cloth. Mark the shape of the stitching with a pencil or scribe. Use a stitching wheel to mark where to make your stitching holes. Punch the holes and sew it up. This will give a strong and attractive product. The better your shaping; cutting and stitching of the leather, the better looking the bag will be.

Good luck!

CS

 

[Big Lee]

CrackStock
Thats what I thought I had to do. I've made a bag or two in the past but this willbe the first one of canvas. My grandson is going to try some bead work on it. I do't want to invest a lot in a bag for a 9 year old to distroy so it is going to be canvas. After we see how it turns out than maybe a leather bag.
Big Lee
PawPaw, Mi

 

[CrackStock]

I have one denim bag and carry it under what ever jacket or blanket that I wear. I wear what is a sort of short matchcoat when I am out in bad weather. It is a shorter blanket so there is no need for a belt at the waist and it winds up looking more like cross between a cape or poncho.

Of course having the bag under anything makes it is a bit more difficult to get things from it, so others may have different opinions.

CS

 

[shmrck1]

Lee,
This is just a suggestion and if it is off
base I am sure someone will let us know. Why
wouldn't a couple of coats of the stuff they use
to waterproof leather boots with work. It is
a real thin liquid that may bleed thru if that
matters to you. I think it's called shu-saver
or something along that line. Cabela's mite have
it.
snake-eyes :hmm:

 

[Nathan Ripley]

I do not know what to tell you about a pc waterproof concoction but it is hard to beat Camp Dry in the spray can at the ye olde Wal-Mart. I would like to see some pictures as well. It floods my brain with pictures and then when I get around to making something myself I think that I have a very creative mind!

 

[Big Lee]

The Last time I used Camp Dry or maybe scotgh gaurd within 2 months the seams in the betterhalfs tent rotted out. It was not a pretty site. That was about 8 years ago and she still won't let it die.
I'm still gathering the materals for the bag. It's been a few years since I have done any of this type of thing so I'm starting over from scratch. Pictures will be posted sometime in the future. With work scheduale and hunting season coming up it maybe so time before I can do much with it.
Big Lee
PawPaw,Mi

 

[Big Lee]

The jute I got from Jo ann Fabics is 4" wide do I fold it in half, sew it, than turn it or do I cut it in half? If I cut it will it unravel? The test peice I cut indicate that it will unravel. I know I do not want a 4" strap and my grandson will not either.
I will use the bee's wax as a water repellant on the bag. Part are cut out, will wax in the morning and hope to start sewing in the late afternoon. I cut a triangle for grandson to practice on seamed it and found out I would rather sew leather.Leather is so much easyer for me to control.
Big Lee

 

[Goldhunter]

Don't cut it! It will unravel. I would fold it in half or fold it into not quite thirds, ie fold the ends under and sew them in place, so that the edges meet in the middle on the back, that will allow that center strip to show. (Does that make sense?)

 

[crockett]

Yep, fold it in half and sew it along the edge- if you pick sort of a tan/gold thread it will disappear. Put leather on either side when you stitch it to the bag and you are done.
I like canvas bags. Miller's famous painting "Trapper's Bride" shows a mountain man with a canvas bag, sort of red striped ticking with a blue background- AND a leather strap with a buckle right near the flap- BTW if you live near a "Thrift" or "GoodWill" shop look for solid leather belts you may be able to use. Sometimes they only cost $.25. You can also split them lengthwise for powder horns, hatch sheaths, etc.

 

[wetpowder]

Good idea about the belts. Thrift store near me has tons of belts. I never would of thought of that. Thanks a million :thumbsup: