DIY Dyneema Packing Cube - MYOG

One of the many packing cubes I made this week for an upcoming backpack project. Made from lightweight yet very strong 1 oz DCF which interestingly is a bit transparent. I'll mark that something positive in this application since you may be able to make out what's in any given cube without opening it up. The size is 12x7.5x5 inches which works out to a volume of about 7 liters. Links to all the materials below.

#myog #diy #dyneema #ultralight #sewing #bespokegear

ABOUT
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This video is not a tutorial per se. This is how I enjoy documenting a few of my projects, not a comprehensive sew-along guide. Some may find it useful to see how I like do things but my hope is primarily that some will find these videos inspiring - sparking creativity and ideas for making their very own bespoke gear. My thinking is that by showing the projects in a fast-paced and light-hearted manner better conveys the message that making your own ultralight gear as a hobby is not very difficult and ultimately a very rewarding pursuit.

That said, I realise that some people watching this may want to follow along and some of them will be complete beginners at sewing. I try my best to not leave any important steps out of the clips but for anyone finding it hard to follow even with a rewatch I will be including some commentary for each step of the process below which may shed more light. If not, leave a comment below and I or someone else in the community may be able to help.

PATTERN GENERATOR
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Make a pattern for any packing cube, generator found at:
https://www.zipworks.io/

CUT LIST OPTIMIZER
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If you are making several packing cubes you may want to look into some cut list optimizer tool to keep your fabric efficiency high:
https://www.cutlistoptimizer.com/

STEPS
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0:00 Intro
0:19 Specs
0:38 Zipper
Before this step I've cut out the three panels using a rotary cutter. Now I install the zipper between the two panels that will make up the front and sides. I sew them right sides together using a zipper foot at a 1/4in seam allowance. I then fold it over and top-stich at 1/8in from the edge. Repeat on other side and then trim any excess zipper. I carefully add the zipper pull without separating the whole thinga and finally, I add the tabs on either side, sewing as close to the edge as possible.
1:18 Notching
In this step I make eight little notches, a.k.a relief cuts, four on the panel with the zipper I just made and four on the panel that makes up the bottom, back and top. This marks out where the eight corners will be and is essential for lining up the seams in assembly and make the sticthing neat. You'll want to make a notch at the width plus 1 seam allowance. My width here is 7.5in/19cm and I'm using a 1/4in/6mm seam allowance so I'll make notches at 7.75in/19.6cm, measureing from the outside in.
1:27 Assembly
Line up the sides one by one using the notches as guides and sew them shut. You can probably do them in any order.
2:13 Binding
I bind all the edges with a continuous piece of ultralight grosgrain. This adds strengh and durability to the seams and hides ugly stitching.
2:31 Turn

MATERIALS
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Dyneema - https://geni.us/CA10xJ (Ripstopbytheroll)
Grosgrain - https://geni.us/n4hN (Ripstopbytheroll)*
Zipper - https://geni.us/s8jgGV (Ripstopbytheroll)
Slider - https://geni.us/uTKa (Ripstopbytheroll)
Pull - https://geni.us/GFa1wA (Ripstopbytheroll)
Thread - https://geni.us/4gIb (Ripstopbytheroll)

TOOLS
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Sewing Machine - https://geni.us/4E44y8 (Amazon)
Rotary Cutter - https://geni.us/sst984g (Amazon)
Metal Ruler - https://geni.us/hQgXZ (Amazon)
Framing Square - https://geni.us/yNw3yit (Amazon)
Quilting Ruler - https://geni.us/Nk5B (Amazon)
Wonder Tape - https://geni.us/B1ebTd (Amazon)
Tailors Chalk - https://geni.us/Lmn0jJK (Amazon)
Chalk Liner - https://geni.us/rd5z (Amazon)
Marker - https://geni.us/PrDN (Amazon)
Cutting Mat - https://geni.us/oBwEGn (Amazon)
Fabric Scissors - https://geni.us/7kGqTT (Amazon)
Thread Snips - https://geni.us/mZ7pEps (Amazon)
Seam Ripper - https://geni.us/z1f8erT (Amazon)
Clips - https://geni.us/VVfbsx (Amazon)
Pins - https://geni.us/SbSW (Amazon)
Needles - https://geni.us/cUVcrXm (Amazon)
Presser Foot - https://geni.us/Lkljs (Amazon)

MUSIC
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All music from Epidemic Sound - https://www.epidemicsound.com/referra...
Jobii - Jacuzzi
Clarence - Never Say No

SUPPORT
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If you like what I do then you may support me at:
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/zipworks

DISCLAIMER
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Links included in this description might be affiliate links. If you purchase a product or service with the links that I provide I may receive a small commission at no additional charge to you. Thanks for your support, this helps enable us to create this content!

* I try to use up old materials I have lying around - this is the closest equivalent I could find.