Free hanging pocket inside pouch

[scottmc]

I'm looking to see who has done anything like this and if you liked it better than simply stitching a pocket to the back panel on three sides.  I was thinking of making a separate little pocket and then stitching it across the top only so it hangs.  It seems it would hold a little more that way.  Thoughts?

[Frank Barker]

Scott, I have seen this done on some contemporary bags, you could even put a flap and button to secure the flap before you sew it in. They work out pretty nice but I have never seen an old pouch, especially an Appalachian style bag with a hanging pocket. They may have had them in some of the finer European bags. One of these days I have thought about putting one in a bag, I'm sure it would work just fine and would be more roomy than a flat sewn pocket.
Kind Regards
Frank Barker

[scottmc]

Thanks for your comment and suggestion Frank!  I was figuring they might not be found on originals but wondered if they get in the way of trying to find other things in your bag since it free hangs.  I'm making a simple appalachian bag now and I might throw one inside against the back panel to see how it works.

[Frank Barker]

Scott, something I do is to sew a flat pocket on the inside back and when I soak my pouch to turn it while it's still wet I shove a Altoids tin down into the pocket and let it dry. After it dries the pocket will stand open and you can use the tin to put cleaning patches or anything you might want to put in it or remove the tin and the pocket will stand open. Either way it makes with a nice pocket to store small items.

[Brokennock]

Like this?

[scottmc]

Brokenock, yes similar to what u have.  Does it get in the way for you trying to find other things or does prove to be handy?

Frank, I've never molded mine but it makes perfect sense.  I'll try that on my next one with a flat pocket.

[Brokennock]

I really don't find it in the way. I put my little bag of flints and tools that I rarely use in the bag below it. Holds some patching or a few wads and cards pretty well and keeps them handy without having to dig through the bag or open another container for them.
I'm working on another bag with the same design and pocket right now.

[Frank Barker]

Brokennock now that's a little different way of applying in inside pocket. It's removable and yours is hanging off to the side somewhat out of the way. I like that....

[Brokennock]

Brokennock now that's a little different way of applying in inside pocket. It's removable and yours is hanging off to the side somewhat out of the way. I like that....

The whole bag was kind of an experiment/challenge to myself. I want sure I would use it as a shot pouch but thinking I might try it as such, but also use it to carry turkey calls, I decided to button on that pocket to the rear, and make a second longer one that could be a sort of sheath for slate call strikers.

[Mark Elliott]

I have done both hanging pockets and ones stitched entirely to the back of the bag.   I think the hanging pockets are easier to use.   I was taught about the hanging pockets at a seminar at Dixons many many years ago. 

[Daryl]

Hanging pockets inside usually have more room and are softer materials.
I have both in my several bags & I prefer the hanging pockets, especially if they have flints in them.

[scottmc]

These are all comments I was hoping to hear.  Think I'll whip me up a little pocket this evening and tack it in tomorrow before I start stitching up the bag.
Thanks for the replies gents!

[Mark Elliott]

I would suggest that you stitch the pocket up out of thin leather and turn it.  That will open it up making it easier to get your fingers in it.   You can't do that with a pocket stitched to the back.

[PIKELAKE]

This is a terrific topic. I put together a bag about a year ago and when I got using it, i wished that I had added a small pocket. I completely forgot. Thanks to you folks and the ideas presented I can still add a pocket to this bag without much trouble. Somebody is always thinking. Thanks again. JZ

[scottmc]

Mark, I'm not sure I follow what you are saying.  Are you saying stitch the pocket up first then turn it inside out like you do with a pouch and then stitch it to the back panel across the top so it hangs?  I was going to whip stitch my pocket around the edges rather than saddle stitch it and just leave the stitching on the outside.   Then tack it to the back panel before I sew the front and back panel of the pouch together.

[Brokennock]

The pocket I show is stitched then turned. This definitely adds volume and accessibility like Mark suggests. It is made of soft split leather, pretty cheap stuff, from Hobby Lobby. I think it was treated with neatsfoot oil, might be mink oil, once complete.

[scottmc]

Got it!

[thecapgunkid]

If nothing else, these posts will put you on the right track.  Brokennock's example being of great assistance.  Before you start cutting up the leather, though, make sure you take stock of what you are using this bag for.   I can only speak for trail walks, but I ended up with a small belt bag that holds anything to do with cleaning the bore and getting back into the car.

The reason for that was it was easier getting into a small gun bag for each round and only getting into the cleaning bag every five or six rounds or so.

Like a lot of guys on this forum, I've been banging around for 40 years trying to make the perfect bag, the perfect rifle, the perfect shoe or moccasin and so on.

I finally settled on two;






This guy ended up being my second, smaller bag;



They are the last bags I will ever make....for now...

[scottmc]

Nice belt bags, capgun!  You are dead on with having a second bag for other items such as cleaning.  I dont too often shoot woods walks but when I have, it was a pain cramming everything into one bag and then digging around trying to find it.  I made myself a little belt bag to also carry extras if need be on occasion.

[Panzerschwein]

Had one in a pouch and did not like it at all.

Just gets in the way. When you pull something from the bottom of the pouch it can get caught under the pocket etc. Seems like an OK idea in practice but in reality I much prefer a pocket sewn into the wall of the pouch. Keeps things open and uncluttered, the whole point of pockets in general.

Then again I’m not a “kitchen sinker” and usually only a small pocket sewn into the bag plus the main compartment is all I need. Just a place to store some tow so it doesn’t unravel and get all over, and maybe a flint or two so I don’t nick myself digging in the main bag and even then a little poke would work.

All I carry is a small wad of tow and a gun’s worm for wiping the bore, a prick for the flash hole, a couple flints plus a small turnscrew for switching them and tightening screws if need be, loose ball and ticking. Knife on the belt or bag strap.

[Mark Elliott]

This is a valid criticism of the hanging pocket.   It can get in the way putting your hand in and taking it out of the main compartment.   Whether you use a hanging pocket or not depends on how you use your bag.   The positive is that it is easier to get things in and out of the hanging pocket, I think, than using a pocket sewn to the back of the bag.  I do it both ways.   I consider the pocket sewn to the back of the bag to be mostly for small flat things like flints or a Brown Bess type turn-screw.   I don't find that they work so well for balls, but the hanging pocket does, in my opinion.   

Mark

Had one in a pouch and did not like it at all.

Just gets in the way. When you pull something from the bottom of the pouch it can get caught under the pocket etc. Seems like an OK idea in practice but in reality I much prefer a pocket sewn into the wall of the pouch. Keeps things open and uncluttered, the whole point of pockets in general.

Then again I’m not a “kitchen sinker” and usually only a small pocket sewn into the bag plus the main compartment is all I need. Just a place to store some tow so it doesn’t unravel and get all over, and maybe a flint or two so I don’t nick myself digging in the main bag and even then a little poke would work.

All I carry is a small wad of tow and a gun’s worm for wiping the bore, a prick for the flash hole, a couple flints plus a small turnscrew for switching them and tightening screws if need be, loose ball and ticking. Knife on the belt or bag strap.