Are there any "rules" for types of materials used in creating rod bags that hold the sections in a rod tube? I am going to have a seamstress make me a few and my choices of materials include Poly / Cotton 70 / 30 to Medium Weight Wool (8 Weight). I like cotton twill, but I wonder if there are issues with using natural fibers versus synthetics.

Tony......
When I was a full time homemaker,and sewed clothes for my boys, I remember using a material, called Sailorscloth.........it is a material that is not real soft, not real stiff.....it hits a happy medium.......
I was considing making my own rod bags for my bass rods......and Sailorcloth came to mind......and I believe, Saliorcloth is a all cotton material......
Hope this helps........


MaryLou
Weatherford,TexasUSA

Don't know of any rules, per se. I usually use flannel because its soft and inexpensive. Also easier to embroider on...Fleece is nice too - higher "pile" for cushioning, but it's about 3 times the price per yard, and machine setup is slightly different.

==dave==

Greetings to the Republic of Texas. Thank you, Mary Lou. Sounds cottony twilly to me.

I have used cotton sheets purchased on closeout pretty darn cheap and so far they have held up well. I have also used velvet, flannel, denim, vellux, felt and even canvas. Denim and canvas when washed, preshrunk, and softened are my favorites.

Best looking bags were from camo denim (Wally World $3/yd and black canvas $4/yd).

I shape my rod socks so the reel can be left on the rods for storage.

Derek

There are a surprising number of fishing related patterns on materials. Flies, lures, rods, reels, boats and all kinds of different material blends to choose from. I buy for the patterns and select the material for each bag depending on what kind of rod it is...fly, spin, casting. Clients seem to really like the bags with patterns that match their rods purpose. Works for me.

Joe Douglas

Hio, Tony.....I lean towards a wool/acrylic "tartan" type fabric. I do not sew, and therefore I have them made for me. To make it faster, therefore less spendy, I pick the tartans because they always have built in straight guide lines for sewing, and cutting.
And they add a nice touch of class to the rods. They are usually a heavy weave and weight, making cutting and sewing easier.
Most bolt cloth is 60" wide, and however long. I size my bag strips to 10", or 12" giving me either 5 or 6 across, and however long.
When these strips are folded and sewed, I get bags 5" or 6" nominal, with the "dividing line" placed to suit the rod at hand. This is normally 1.5 and 3.5 for the 5", and 2.0 and 4.0 for the 6" versions.
Whatever fabric you pick, it will be a statement of your tastes, and styles. Always better than a factory deal.
Best, KD