Custom Frame Bag Template Guide | Gurp Stitchwork

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Your custom-fit frame bag starts with a photo.

We digitally scale your photo to draft a full-size pattern, which we use in the studio to craft your custom-fit frame bag.

Instructions:

Order your custom frame bag now or later
Follow the photo guidelines below
Send us a high-resolution, uncropped photo

You will need:

Full-size camera (DSLR, mirrorless) or high-megapixel smartphone (16MP+)
Sheet of paper or cardboard (for Step 2)
Tape
8-meter (26-foot) measuring tape
Marker

Bonus points:

A paper bill
A ruler or measuring tape with large, clear markings

Step 1:

Frame preparation.

Select one:

Remove bottle cages and partially unscrew the bolts (see photo 1)

Install bottle cages and water bottles

We’ll design your bag to fit the available space in your frame.

Want to maximize that space?
We recommend the Wolf-Tooth B-Rad 2 with a lowering cage to keep your bottles low and increase bag capacity.

Planning to get them later? Let us know, and we’ll digitally adjust the design!

For half bags, we suggest 22oz Purist bottles.

Step 2:

Scale references.

Remove all bags and accessories from your bike that might block frame triangle from view.

Select one:

Printer paper method:

Take a standard sheet of printer paper and measure its length (e.g., 11″)
For light-colored frames, darken the ends of the paper with a marker to improve visibility
Roll the paper tightly around the top tube along the long edge (or seat tube/down tube) and secure it with tape, placing it under the cables if possible
Write the measurement clearly on the paper with a marker

Cardboard method:

Measure and cut a piece of cardboard 11-20″ long (the longer, the better).
Note the exact length in millimeters.
Tape the cardboard flush to the frame, avoiding any key details.
Clearly write the measurement on the cardboard with a marker.

Pro Tips:

Don’t cover frame corners, bolts, or cable stops
Make sure ruler or tape markings are clearly visible
Bonus tip: Include a bill for scale reference and/or tape a ruler to the frame for reference points

Step 3:

The photo: Set up in a long hallway or against a brightly lit wall outdoors.

Bike setup:

Handlebars on the right (driveside)
Lean the bike upright against a wall
Rotate crank arms to 3 & 9 o’clock

Camera setup:

Use a DSLR, mirrorless, or high-megapixel smartphone (16MP+)
Set image format to RAW or high-quality JPEG
Use aperture f/8-16 and a tripod or shutter speed of 1/125
Zoom lens recommended; for phones, use the zoom feature
Ensure the photo is in landscape orientation

Select one:

Step back 25-30 feet
Use a zoom lens if available
Align yourself perpendicular to the center of the frame
Crouch to take the photo at frame level

Step back 15 feet
Use a zoom lens if available
Align yourself perpendicular to the center of the frame
Crouch to take the photo at frame level

Common mistakes to avoid:

Image checklist:

If you’ve completed steps 1, 2, and 3 accurately, the following should apply:

Rear chainstays, seatstays, and fork blades are either hidden or barely visible.
Bike looks flat
Crank arms are out of the way at 3 & 9 o'clock
Frame bolts are sticking out of the frame
Any relevant bottles & cages are installed
The photo is the highest quality and file-size available.
Scale reference edges are clearly visible
Photo is taken in landscape

Examples:

Nice job!

Email highest resolution image to [email protected] in landscape orientation with your name, order number, and bike model and size