What's the Best Way to Attach Haithabu Bag Frames?

The Haithabu bag is a leather or textile pouch that's attached to two wooden frames. Cords were attached to these frames, similar to a bag belt.

There's not much known yet about the exact shape of the pouches. Reconstructions show a number of different options, so you can decide for yourself which shape fits your preference and make the pouch according to that reconstruction. Choose for yourself how you want to attach the Haithabu bag frames.

If you look at how the pouch should be attached to the frames, there seem to have been two different methods.

Attaching Haithabu Bag Frames with Thread

One way to attach the bag frames to the pouch is to secure them with (woolen) thread. All you have to do is align the closure on the edge of the pouch and simply sew the pouch to the frame. If your frames have elongated openings, you can fill the entire length of them with stitches to make the attachment as firm as possible.

Attaching Haithabu Bag Frames with Straps

Another way to attach the frames is by making small straps from the same material as the pouch. These straps are pulled through the holes in the frames and the ends are sewn to the pouch.

You can sew one end to the bag, pull the strap through the frame and then sew the other end. Or you can pull the strap through the frame first and sew both ends at the same time.