Say Goodbye to Tyvek Woes: Why Bulk Feed Bags are the Ultimate MYOG Prototyping Material
Many MYOG makers complain about the downsides of using Tyvek, such as damaging sewing needles and cutting tools, as well as the challenge of storing it properly and cutting it to size for projects. These issues can be particularly challenging for beginner makers who may not have the resources to buy a whole roll of Tyvek.
In our case, Christine faced these same issues, and the cost of a Tyvek roll was not within our budget. That’s when we discovered an alternative solution: repurposing bulk feed bags as a prototyping material. By using this material, we were able to overcome the downsides of using Tyvek and create our gear without breaking the bank.
In this post, we’ll explore why Tyvek may not be the ideal material for MYOG and present an alternative solution using bulk feed bags. We have been utilizing this technique for years, and we’re thrilled with the outcomes!
Living on a suburban farm with chickens, dogs, and cats, we realized that the plastic used in bulk feed bags was similar to Tyvek. The prospect of repurposing these bags for prototyping sparked our interest, and we’re eager to share our experience with you. By adopting this approach, you can save money, reduce waste, and minimize the wear on your sewing tools.
Here’s why you should stop using Tyvek for your MYOG projects and repurpose bulk feed bags instead:
It’s free!
MYOG beginners can easily store a small supply of bags, rather than a whole roll of Tyvek. Also, you don’t have to buy an entire roll for a small project, as our method provides cheap and durable prototyping material.
Doesn’t wear down your tools.
Tyvek is a cheap alternative to technical fabrics for MYOG prototypes, but it can wear down hands and cutting tools, leading to frequent needle replacements and sharpening. We noticed using bulk feed bags as a prototyping material does not cause significant wear on tools.
Tyvek doesn’t hold up to hard or long-term use.
We’ve used our prototype handbags as everyday carry bags for years with no structural damage. We’ve also made totes, duffel bags, and other items with no significant issues. Repurposed bulk bags are durable and suitable for various uses, including outdoor adventures and daily errands.
Suitable for the Environment.
Plastic Oceans reports that 10 million tons of plastic are discarded into the ocean every year. When we repurpose bulk feed bags, we know we are helping to reduce the amount of plastic waste in the world.
It’s easy to prepare and store.
In just five steps, we’ll show you how to transform those bulk bags into the perfect MYOG prototyping material! Or, if you love it as much as we do, you’ll even use it to make your completed MYOG designs.
“I’ve used bulk feed bags for everything over the years!” -Christine at Geartivity
Some things to be aware of:
The bags are branded and laminated.
- Geartivity uses bulk feed bags with branding from animal feed companies, which have a laminated construction with a woven plastic layer, inked branding, and a thin transparent top layer that protects the branding.
- The layers add strength and don’t harm tools, so there is no need to delaminate the bags.
- The branding doesn’t pose any actual drawbacks, but it’s recommended to flip the bags so that the plain side faces the inside of the prototype.
Sourcing suggestions
For those who don’t have pets and can’t acquire the bags easily, we suggest sourcing them from friends and neighbors. They’ll appreciate reducing waste, and you’ll introduce them to the joy of making your own gear!
Instructions to make your own MYOG prototyping material:
Source your feedbags and think about your end goal.
- Disassembling the bags completely is optional. For some projects, we have found it more efficient to leave the bags as tubes and just cut off the ends.
- However, if you’re not sure how to use them yet, you can leave them as a tube or cut them open and lay them flat for washing and storage.
Create a bath in a tub or Utility Sink.
- Use lukewarm water and soap to avoid lingering food particles or smell. Gently wipe any food particles with a washcloth or sponge for 3-5 minutes, but avoid soaking the bags in hot water or leaving them to soak for too long to prevent delamination.
Dry Your New Prototyping Material.
- Hang the bags to dry on a line, over chairs, porch, or in a spare room. Ensure they are fully dry before sewing to prevent water damage to your machine.
Store Your Bags.
- To store, lay them flat in a storage box or roll them up. You can get creative with your storage; they are hardy and don’t wrinkle fast. We fold or roll them and then store them in a box where we can quickly access them.
Use as desired for your next MYOG prototyping project!
- Now that you have your cheap and durable prototyping material, you are ready to tackle your next project!
- Share your pictures and tag @geartivity on our social media pages so we can see how this method worked for you.
More to enjoy
Follow us everywhere @Geartivity!
Learn how to make your own prototyping material here.
Enjoy MYOG tutorials and entertaining videos on our YouTube Channel
Share this blog post on Pinterest.
