The large, elastic interior pocket of the DLBC was getting caught on my hand and items every time I reached into the bag, and I really didn't have much use for it, so I made a slight modification. I thought that I'd share here in case anyone else struggles with this pocket. Plus, having two interior pockets is much more useful to me.
All I did was add a hand-sewn straight stitch down the middle of the pocket. The only suitable thread that I had on hand (thick, UVA-safe poly thread for outdoor applications) is tan, but it's not visible on the outside of the bag so no biggie. Of course, a matching thread would be preferable but I'm frugal and used what I had. Also, a curved needle might have made things a bit easier, but the only ones that I have are too large for this thread. A straight needle worked fine.
I can't figure out how to upload photos in order, but hopefully you can see in the photos what I did. There are initially two chalk lines because I thought that I might do a double stitch, but I decided that this was unnecessary. I just reinforced the stitching at the elastic and think this is sufficient. In order to have room to work around the TB stitching that divides the front zippered pocket, my stitching had to be a bit off center, but I like how this divides the elasticized pocket into smaller and larger sections. Although these might be a bit hard to see, I also included exterior and interior shots of the finished stitch. If you ever try this, my only tip is to begin at the bottom of the pocket and stitch toward the elastic so you can keep adjusting the pocket to stay on-center as you stitch. I could have pinned the pocket in place before stitching, but I didn't want to puncture the fabric coating any more than necessary.
If I ever decide to remove this modification, it should be easy although I don't know if the thread holes will remain. Probably, but I don't plan to ever remove it, so I'm good with it!
All I did was add a hand-sewn straight stitch down the middle of the pocket. The only suitable thread that I had on hand (thick, UVA-safe poly thread for outdoor applications) is tan, but it's not visible on the outside of the bag so no biggie. Of course, a matching thread would be preferable but I'm frugal and used what I had. Also, a curved needle might have made things a bit easier, but the only ones that I have are too large for this thread. A straight needle worked fine.
I can't figure out how to upload photos in order, but hopefully you can see in the photos what I did. There are initially two chalk lines because I thought that I might do a double stitch, but I decided that this was unnecessary. I just reinforced the stitching at the elastic and think this is sufficient. In order to have room to work around the TB stitching that divides the front zippered pocket, my stitching had to be a bit off center, but I like how this divides the elasticized pocket into smaller and larger sections. Although these might be a bit hard to see, I also included exterior and interior shots of the finished stitch. If you ever try this, my only tip is to begin at the bottom of the pocket and stitch toward the elastic so you can keep adjusting the pocket to stay on-center as you stitch. I could have pinned the pocket in place before stitching, but I didn't want to puncture the fabric coating any more than necessary.
If I ever decide to remove this modification, it should be easy although I don't know if the thread holes will remain. Probably, but I don't plan to ever remove it, so I'm good with it!
Attached Files
Although I usually carry the FS sideways in the outside large zip pocket. It gives the bag a bit of structure also.
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