If you don’t find your answer here, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. I am just one person making these guides and design tools in my free time however, so I might not be able to reply to every message.
Getting Started Questions
What does “MYOG” mean?
MYOG stands for “Make Your Own Gear.” It’s a community of outdoor enthusiasts, crafters, and creators who design and build their own equipment, from backpacks and shelters to clothing and accessories.
I’m a total beginner at sewing. Can I really make this gear?
Absolutely! Every single person in the MYOG community started somewhere. I design my patterns with this in mind, providing incredibly detailed, step-by-step instructions with illustrations for every stage.
I highly recommend starting with one of our free or beginner-friendly patterns. More importantly, check out our Getting Started Guide for MYOG, which is designed to walk you through the basics.
What kind of sewing machine do I need?
You don’t need a heavy-duty industrial machine to get started. Many domestic (home) sewing machines are perfectly capable of handling the fabrics used for backpacks and outdoor gear. The key is to use the correct needle (a jeans/denim or microtex needle, size 90/14 or 100/16 is a great start) and go slowly. My guides often include tips for handling thick assemblies on lower-powered machines.
Is making my own gear cheaper than buying it?
It can be, but not always, especially on your first project. The initial investment includes fabric, hardware, and the pattern itself. However, the real value of MYOG is in the customisation, repairability, and satisfaction. You can create a piece of gear that fits your body and your needs perfectly, using colours and materials you choose. Over time, as you build your skills and material stash, the cost per project drops significantly.
About the Patterns & Guides
How do I get my pattern after I buy it?
All of our patterns are digital downloads. After your purchase on Payhip or Etsy, you will receive an email with a secure link to download your files. You can download them as many times as you need.
What’s included in a pattern download?
Each product page has a detailed “What’s Included” section, but generally, you will receive:
- A detailed instruction booklet (PDF): Filled with step-by-step instructions and colour illustrations.
- Print-at-home sewing patterns (PDF): Formatted for both A4 and US Letter paper.
- A0 copyshop patterns (PDF): For large-format printing if you don’t want to tape pages together.
- Some patterns also include bonus files, such as a beginner sewing ebook or scaled practice patterns.
How do I print the PDF patterns correctly?
This is very important! When you print the pattern files, you must ensure your printer settings are set to “100%”, “Actual Size”, or “No Scaling”. Do not use “Fit to Page.” Every pattern includes a test square (e.g., 2x2 inch or 5x5 cm) so you can measure it with a ruler to confirm it printed at the correct scale before you cut your fabric. Every pattern includes more detailed instructions regarding printing and assembling patterns.
I need help
I aim best to make these guides as detailed and thorough as possible, to a higher standard than available elsewhere. If stuck, or a mistake, you can Contact Me. I am just one person though doing this in my spare time, so I might not be able to reply to every question. General outdoor gear related sewing questions can often be asked and answered at Reddit r/myog. Youtube and many general sewing blogs can answer many other questions.
Where are the videos?
I currently don’t have the free time to also make and edit videos for each pattern unfortunately sorry. I’m a huge believer in written instructions, so I aim to make the text as detailed as possible, so hopefully a video is not required.
Can I sell the gear I make from your patterns?
Our patterns are for personal, non-commercial use only. This means you are welcome to make gear for yourself, your friends, or as gifts, but you are not permitted to sell the items you create from these designs. Thank you for respecting the hard work that goes into creating these comprehensive guides.
The best part of running a small gear making business as I previously did is designing your own gear from scratch, iterating and enjoying the full process, not selling other people’s designs from their (very comprehensive) step-by-step instructions.
Sewing & Materials
Where do you recommend buying fabrics and components?
There are many suppliers of technical and outdoor fabrics worldwide. A great place to start is our Fabric and Component Suppliers article. This will guide you to reputable online stores for technical fabrics like X-Pac, Cordura, and all the buckles, webbing, and zips you’ll need.
What needle and thread should I use?
For most backpack projects, a strong polyester thread (like Gutermann MARA 70 or a similar upholstery-weight thread) is an excellent choice. For needles, start with a Denim/Jeans or Microtex needle in size 90/14 or 100/16. These are designed to pierce tightly woven synthetic fabrics without causing damage.
How do I choose the right zipper?
Zippers can be confusing! We created a whole guide to help you. Check out our Zips 101 article to learn about sizes, coil vs. moulded teeth, waterproof zips, and how to install them properly.
Community & Contact
I made something cool! How can I share it?
We would absolutely love to see it! The best way is to send us an email via our Contact Page. With your permission, we might even feature your creation on the product page or our social media to inspire other makers!
Do you take on custom gear commissions?
Previously, I operated as Prickly Gorse Gear and did take on custom work. However, my focus now is 100% on creating high-quality patterns and tutorials to empower you to make your own custom gear. So, I am not currently available for commission work.