Stiff Nylon for DIY Scuba Pockets & Similar.

[SlugLife]

I tried making a few custom pockets and similar items, and quickly found the material I was using (outdoor fabric) was too flexible and floppy. I believe most of the commercial scuba-pockets use some sort of stiff nylon material. Can someone share links or what to look for? Preferably a fabric that could be worked with a sewing machine, so not too crazy thick or stiff.

 

[tbone1004]

what you are asking for does not exist. I work in this industry and have designed many of these fabrics. A standard sewing machine will not like going through multiple layers of cordura. Old Singers will which is why I use, but most will not.
This is the fabric you're looking for.
1000 Denier Cordura - Stiff Nylon | Seattle Fabrics

 

[happy-diver]

You sew a sheet of plastic between the cordura layers, especially for arse plates

 

[SlugLife]

You sew a sheet of plastic between the cordura layers, especially for arse plates

I found some plastic netting-like material & it's stiff enough I was thinking it would make a good reinforcement material.

 

[happy-diver]

Yeah you could also cut up a dogs blanket

6 Plastic Cutting Mats | Color Coded Flexible Plastic Cutting Mats with Food ico 9780669154238 | eBay

 

[Bronte]

The plastic cutting mats work really well as a stiffener; I use them in my leatherwork for larger bags.

 

[happy-diver]

How good is that!

 

[SlugLife]

Yeah you could also cut up a dogs blanket

6 Plastic Cutting Mats | Color Coded Flexible Plastic Cutting Mats with Food ico 9780669154238 | eBay

The plastic cutting mats work really well as a stiffener; I use them in my leatherwork for larger bags.

Perfect, I just ordered some!

Speaking of which, I had an idea for a flexible sidemount backplate. I'd need something a little bigger, around 20-inches. I happen to have some unused cutting-mats used for sewing that might do well for that use. Although they're a little warped at the moment from improper storage, so I'll have to flatten them somehow.

 

[Bronte]

Maybe leave in the sun for a while then pile old dive manuals on top?

 

[SlugLife]

Maybe leave in the sun for a while then pile old dive manuals on top?

Not a bad idea (though I've thrown out most of the physical manuals). I could throw some scuba-tanks on top for weight.