# DIY Cargo Bike Platform Weave and Integrated Bungee Cord System

Here are the instructions to make a woven platform for a cargo bike, along with an integrated bungee cord system with hooks.

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## For the Weave

- 4 [truck ratchet straps, 39 mm × 5 m from Action](https://www.action.com/fr-be/p/2553790/sangle-d-arrimage-c-c/). €3 each on sale, €5 regular price.
- 36 [metal eyelets, 4 mm](https://www.brico.be/fr/quincaillerie/fixations-techniques/rivets/rivets-baseline-4mm-300-pieces/1267839).
- 18 nylon zip ties.

**Total cost:** about €15.

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## For the Integrated Bungee Cords

- 2 [bungee cords with hooks](https://www.action.com/fr-be/p/2561080/tendeurs-elastiques-avec-crochets/), also from Action. I used the “max 60 kg” ones — my setup will give way long before reaching that limit. €2 each.
- 4 [plastic end caps for furniture legs](https://www.brico.be/fr/quincaillerie/quincaillerie-du-meuble/patins-feutres-embouts-pieds/embouts-pieds-chaise-table/bouchon-a-lamelles-pour-tubes-carres-materiau-plastique-couleur-noir-4-pieces-largeur-25-mm/5617957). €3.50
- 4 zip ties.

**Total cost:** €7.50.

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## Tools

- Scissors
- Sewing machine
- Measuring tape
- [Eyelet pliers](https://www.brico.be/fr/outillage-machines-atelier/outillage-a-main/pinces-tenailles/pinces-a-rivet/pince-a-rivets-baseline-rivets-140mm/1267823)
- Small Philips screwdriver (about 4 mm)
- Lighter or [crème brûlée torch](https://www.e.leclerc/fp/chalumeau-selection-d-experts-homeside-flamme-reglable-gris-et-noir-3601029945043?srsltid=AfmBOopqeSWX6sJLlqi5ZQTyixrQ8jaGElTNcluf9tGel75zatqrzk0w) (more precise flame)
- Drill + 9 mm metal bit

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## Technique

### For the Weave

- The “horizontal” straps are simply flat loops sewn with a **box X stitch**. See [this tutorial](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y03wcd_Z1G4).


Then thread them one by one onto the rack.

⚠️ **Important:** allow about 1 cm of extra length in the loop, otherwise tension will be too high during weaving.

For example, if the rack length is 50 cm and the height is 2.5 cm (50 + 50 + 2.5 + 2.5 = 105), cut the strap at 115 cm and sew the loop at 106 cm.

- For the “vertical” straps, cut them **slightly shorter** than the rack length.

Example: if the rack is 40 cm wide and 2.5 cm high (40 + 40 + 2.5 + 2.5 = 85 cm), cut at about 83.5 cm to allow some tension margin.

- Use the torch to melt strap edges after cutting, to prevent fraying.

- With the screwdriver, make two holes about 1.5 cm from the edge on each side of the strap.


- Again, use the torch to slightly melt the edges of each hole to stop fraying (this is where a precise crème brûlée torch helps).

- Insert an eyelet into each hole and secure it with the eyelet pliers.

- Weave the straps in an alternating over–under pattern (then under–over for the next one).

- Insert a zip tie through each pair of opposite eyelets and partially tighten.

- Once both ties are in place, pull them as tight as possible, then trim them flush.


Repeat for each strap.

That’s it — weave complete!

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### For the Integrated Bungee Cords

No big mystery here; it’s a bit of a quick-and-dirty build:

- Remove one of the two hooks on each bungee cord. Snip snip!

- Measure the cords so that:
- **Cord 1** = width + length + width + 10 cm
- **Cord 2** = width + 10 cm

Example: if the rack is 40 × 50 cm, Cord 1 = 40 + 50 + 40 + 10 = 140 cm, and Cord 2 = 40 + 10 = 50 cm. (See diagram below.)


- Drill a hole in the center of each plastic end cap using the 9 mm bit.

- Insert the two caps at the **front** of the rack.

- Thread both cords through the caps.


- Slide the other two caps opposite each other onto the long cord (see diagram).


- Connect the two cords with a [double fisherman’s knot](https://www.slackline974.org/noeud-de-pecheur-double/) and use zip ties to secure a flat double loop for reinforcement.


- Hide the knot inside the right-side tube.

- Push in the caps.

Done!

If everything went well, it should look like this:


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Hope this makes sense — have a great day!