Learning to sew book/resource recommendations

FangAgainstBullet

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Dec 3, 2015
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Wanting to learn more about sewing, specifically for packs, tarps, etc.... I've looked at "Sewing Outdoor Gear" and "Sewing for the Outdoors" but have't bought either yet. Any you would recommend? What about online resources for learning?
 
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I too have just started sewing for the same purpose. I simply called around the various sewing shops in town and attended many of their free sewing classes. The talked to the instructors during and after about specifics on the types of bags I was wanting to sew. They were all super helpful and even pointed me to some private tutors local to the area. I find that having someone there the first time helps me more then reading a book.
 
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FangAgainstBullet

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Dec 3, 2015
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Great idea. Been so focused on finding books I overlooked doing that.

Does anyone have any experience working with HDPE? Read some forums where some people said it was pretty straightforward and others that said it cracked when they tried to sew it.
 

LBFowler

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Jul 6, 2015
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Most of the "outdoor sewing" books I've seen are pretty poor, wouldn't recommend either of those titles. better resources online if you ask me, lots of forums have a DIY section to browse.
 

Colby Jack

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When I took clothing construction courses in college our text book, and go-to reference, was Reader's Digest Complete Guide To Sewing. It has been a tremendous resource.
 

Stid2677

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Youtube,, some things are hard to learn from a book. IMHO, adjusting thread friction and knowing how to match thread/needle for the desired job.

Don't forget the older folks,, many Granny's can sew. Nothing like trial and error, I used a combo of all the above.

Steve
 

WoodBow

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Jul 21, 2015
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Youtube is a great resource. Sewing outdoor related items is really no different than sewing anything else. Our fabrics just tend to be a little bit heavier duty sometimes. That doesn't change anything really. The same rules still apply. Thread tension is what will change the most from one fabric to the next. There are several very knowledgeable individuals on here. Pay attention to who knows what they are talking about and shoot them a pm when you get stuck.

I have sewn hdpe with no problems. You will want a relatively heavy duty machine for that. An older all metal home machine will get it done but it will not like it. I used an old industrial singer 111w153 and it makes quick work of it. If you are looking at hdpe I assume you are thinking of building a frame. Having a shoe repair shop, or the like, sew that portion is a good option if you do not have a capable machine.
 
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FangAgainstBullet

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Thanks to everyone for the great advice. Going to put it all to use soon and start some projects soon. I'll be sure to post pictures along the way.

Woodbow, I do plan on trying my hand a pack frames. Sounds like I'll need to get a new machine as the one I have now may not do the trick.
 
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Check with your local resources as well, in my town we have a life long learning center that offers all kinds of fun classes with sewing and quilting being some options as well. They will help teach you the basics and are very affordable and fun.
 
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Youtube has been my most useful resource as well.
But that said, I also had trouble learning what the names for all the different seams are called... and therefor what to search for.
So some basic literature & diagrams on seams is useful.
From there you can google and learn the tricks & tips on specifics for that particular seam. Lots of gals blog and post up how-to articles & videos on all sorts of sites. Some I bookmark for future reading/watching.

Tip: watch how different people do the same seam. Many times you'll see different ways of pressing, folding and sewing that are simpler than other methods for the same seam. Same for seam junctions and allowences, people do it all sorts of ways.

And always practice sew on scraps before attempting it for real on a project.

Get a white fabric marker and mark cut lines and alignment register notches.
And measure twice..... maybe 3x's before cutting. ;)

Sew your project in panels. Do all detail work (PAL webbing, pockets, vents/stove jacks..etc etc) to each panel and then sew panels together to complete project. In the words break the project dow to a series of smaller projects so you dont have to work with so much material at one time.

And remember a lot of sewing is done inside out.... but not all of it can.

Outline your project on paper.
Panel#1
Step1, Step2, etc
Panel 2
Step1, step2, etc

Doing this will help minimize screw-ups.
Hope this helps,
Hunt'nFish
 
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