DIY Kirby 560 Outer Bag

I recently acquired a genuine bag for my 560, bud sadly, after cleaning, it was just too far gone to salvage. I figured I would just wait and save up for a reproduction bag, but, when I looked at the bag, it seemed pretty simple, so I headed off to Joanne’s to see if I could find some “speckled” gray fabric. Got pretty close I think.

I photoshopped the logo and printed on dark iron on transfer paper and ironed on to the front. I used the original 560 bag as a pattern and sewed it all up.

I have converted this to HEPA bags, so that’s the part on the inside you don’t see. The fabric would otherwise be too thin to filter. In my case, the fabric is only for decoration. I sewed a channel at the bottom and used a long zip tie in place of a spring. And let me tell you, that’s about 9,000 times easier to install the bag...

All in all, it’s not perfect, but I’m pleased with the result. And glad to know I could do it!

Now, I just need to find someone to polish this old girl!

Photos... < > Photo 1 of 4 View Full Size


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Post# 419820 2/10/2020 at 21:15 (1,526 days old) by Dandagreer (Nashville, TN)
Checkrate/Likes 1 I recently acquired a genuine bag for my 560, bud sadly, after cleaning, it was just too far gone to salvage. I figured I would just wait and save up for a reproduction bag, but, when I looked at the bag, it seemed pretty simple, so I headed off to Joanne’s to see if I could find some “speckled” gray fabric. Got pretty close I think. I photoshopped the logo and printed on dark iron on transfer paper and ironed on to the front. I used the original 560 bag as a pattern and sewed it all up. I have converted this to HEPA bags, so that’s the part on the inside you don’t see. The fabric would otherwise be too thin to filter. In my case, the fabric is only for decoration. I sewed a channel at the bottom and used a long zip tie in place of a spring. And let me tell you, that’s about 9,000 times easier to install the bag... All in all, it’s not perfect, but I’m pleased with the result. And glad to know I could do it! Now, I just need to find someone to polish this old girl! Photos... < > Photo 1 of 4 View Full Size

Post# 419821 , Reply# 1 2/10/2020 at 21:36 (1,526 days old) by bikerray (Middle Earth)
Checkrate/Likes 3 Very nice work, congrats

Post# 419825 , Reply# 2 2/10/2020 at 22:04 (1,526 days old) by Lesinutah (Utah)
Checkrate/Likes 2 *Dang* I hate the 513 517 and 519/ 560 bag. I really like this bag. It looks almost like it's wearing a suit. It beautiful. I have only one critique. Your trim, bag, handle are brand new. The wheels are not popping like everything else. Your very talented on trim and now bags . Les

Post# 419829 , Reply# 3 2/10/2020 at 22:30 (1,526 days old) by Dandagreer (Nashville, TN)
Checkrate/Likes 2 *Work in progress* Oh, this one, I haven’t even touched as far as finish is concerned. and those are the original wheels. I replaced the innards - bearings, carbon brushes, fan, etc., but I haven’t had the gumption to polish it correctly. The finish is pretty rough. It needs to be sanded first, then polished. I wish I could find someone, besides Kirby factory, that would trade work for polishing. I can make bags now, and I’m good at painting trim. I just loathe the polishing process.

Post# 419833 , Reply# 4 2/11/2020 at 00:09 (1,526 days old) by kirbyklekter (Concord,Ca.)
Checkrate/Likes 2 *You're going to get* a lot of compliments on this bag you did. Nice job!

Post# 419901 , Reply# 5 2/12/2020 at 10:03 (1,525 days old) by rivstg1 (colorado springs)
Checkrate/Likes 1 very creative and well done!!