Free Shipping on Domestic Orders $75+

Introduction

Use this guide to fix a detached bungee on a North Face backpack. With tension and wear, the elastic cord attached to the front of the backpack can come out of the grommet holding it in place and can fray over time.

This guide explains how to reattach the cord by opening the interior layer and then sewing it back for a seamless result. This way, you do not have to replace the cord or the grommet to have a working shock cord again.

While this guide focuses on the Jester Backpack from North Face, the steps can be applied to any backpack with a shock elastic cord attached to the front.

What you need

Step 1 How to Reattach a North Face Backpack Bungee Cord

How to Reattach a North Face Backpack Bungee Cord, How to Reattach a North Face Backpack Bungee Cord: step 1, image 1 of 3

How to Reattach a North Face Backpack Bungee Cord, How to Reattach a North Face Backpack Bungee Cord: step 1, image 2 of 3

How to Reattach a North Face Backpack Bungee Cord, How to Reattach a North Face Backpack Bungee Cord: step 1, image 3 of 3

Find the North Face Backpack's broken Cord.
Use scissors to cut about an inch (24.5 mm) off the end of the broken bungee cord.
If there is more than an inch of fraying or damage to the cord, cut all of the frayed cord off. This makes it easier to pull the cord through the slit made in the next step.
Twist the end to make it easier to insert the cord back through the hole.

Edit

Step 2

How to Reattach a North Face Backpack Bungee Cord: step 2, image 3 of 3

Find the grommet where the cord should be reattached on the outside layer of the backpack.
Unzip the front pocket of the backpack and fold it back.

Edit

Step 3

How to Reattach a North Face Backpack Bungee Cord: step 3, image 3 of 3

Use scissors to cut a straight line in the inner fabric layer behind the grommet to allow the cord to pass through.
Try to keep the cut around 2–3 inches long—just wide enough to pull the cord through and access the grommet, while limiting the amount of sewing required in later steps.
Scissors can cut you, so be careful!

Edit

Step 4

How to Reattach a North Face Backpack Bungee Cord: step 4, image 3 of 3

Put the cord through the hole on the outside.
Pull the cord through the inside pocket.

Edit

Step 5

How to Reattach a North Face Backpack Bungee Cord: step 5, image 3 of 3

Tie a knot to prevent the cord from falling through.
Tie a second knot, making it a double knot to further secure the end of the cord.
Try to get the knot tied at the end of the cord so there is less leftover cord hanging off.

Edit

Step 6

How to Reattach a North Face Backpack Bungee Cord: step 6, image 3 of 3

Prepare a needle and thread with a double strand.
Pull the thread through the hole so it is an equal length on either side of the needle.
Cut the thread with enough length to sew up the 2-3 inch opening that was previously cut.
Make the thread a little longer than double the length of the opening, so you do not run out while sewing.
Tie the ends of the thread in a double knot.
Needles are sharp, so be careful. You can use the thimble to protect yourself by putting it on your thumb.

Edit

Step 7

How to Reattach a North Face Backpack Bungee Cord: step 7, image 3 of 3

Sew the fabric layer back together using a mattress stitch.
To do this, insert the needle horizontally across the two layers of fabric and pull the thread through to stitch them together.
Repeat the steps moving across the opening in the fabric.

Edit

Step 8

Fold the fabric over the first round of stitches.
Complete another pass of mattress stitch to cover the seam and make it more secure.
You might want someone to help you hold the folded fabric while you finish up stitching.