Learning to sew

[jakeuac]

Alright, of all of the different areas on rokslide, the DIY and gear modifications definitely inspires me the post. Having never sewn anything in my life, would anyone have any recommendations on how to get started? Machines, gear etc?

 

[Loper]

Some of the recent posts have inspired me too. Would definitely be a good skill to learn.

 

[isItFallYet]

I was using my mom’s sewing machine to make shotgun shell bags out of old jeans when I was about 12. Get an old used singer and go to town. If you like it and are good at it, upgrade. There are tons of YouTube videos that can help you out. Or go ask some ladies at a church or a hobby lobby type store.

 

[jakeuac]

I was using my mom’s sewing machine to make shotgun shell bags out of old jeans when I was about 12. Get an old used singer and go to town. If you like it and are good at it, upgrade. There are tons of YouTube videos that can help you out. Or go ask some ladies at a church or a hobby lobby type store.

I have seen the old school ones built into the table, that would be a good starting piece? Almost like all of our hunting gear, there is an overwhelming amount of information. Some gear pouches seem like a great start!

 

[isItFallYet]

Honestly, I don’t have any recommendation. I have been borrowing my daughter’s newer singer. I’m sure it’s probably not as tough or built as well as an older one that’s not made in China for minimal cost.

 

[WoodBow]

Find a machine on marketplace or Craigslist that the seller can confirm sews at it should. This will save you some headache if you arent mechanically inclined. Then watch some YouTube videos. Sewing itself is very very basic. But there are some important fundamentals to learn in setting things up. How to thread your machine. How to wind bobbin. How to identify and correct tension issues. How to make needle pick up bobbin thread. Etc.

One of the best tips i can give you that i see beginners mess up frequently is they cant sew a straight line because they are watching the needle. Dont watch the needle. Use the edge of presser foot or other reference point for your seam allowance and just keep the edge of fabric moving along that point.

Most peoples first project is pull outs.

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[nodakian]

One of the best tips i can give you that i see beginners mess up frequently is they cant sew a straight line because they are watching the needle. Dont watch the needle. Use the edge of presser foot or other reference point for your seam allowance and just keep the edge of fabric moving along that point.

+1 on this.

 

[j43097]

I would get the cheapest singer or brother you can find on amazon for 100-200 bucks. You don't need 300 different stitch patterns that you will never use and your wife will give you a mountain of crap if you go drop a couple thousand on a juki and never use it. If you find you really enjoy it you can treat yourself to something extravagant later. Short of sewing through 4 layers of nylon webbing or leather the cheap ones will do a decent job.

 

[Erict]

...and learn about the different needle sizes and thread types as this makes a big difference.

Start simple by pulling out an old cotton t-shirt and doing a bunch of test stitches - straight, curved, slow, fast. Try straight stitches and zigzags, varying stitch width and length. There are only a few basic seams that should get you through most projects.

A decent iron and very sharp pair of longer bladed scissors will help when you get started.

Ripstop By The Roll has a bunch of prepackaged DIY kits with excellent instructions that you may find useful for a starter project.

Good luck.

 

[as.ks.ak]

YouTube is your friend.

And expect to eff things up. Just pick a project and go for it. Those DIY kits from ripstop take the hassle of forethought out of it which is nice. Otherwise you’ll feel overwhelmed. Get some precut projects to get your feet wet and see if you like it. Learn a few techniques and you’re off and running. Lots of cool YouTube channels to hit up and learn from.

Buy a cutting mat, rotary cutter, nice scissors, binder clips, and definitely a seam ripper and you’re off to the races. I have a small pair of thread snips I LOVE that we’re like $4 on Amazon. But that’s because I’m sewing ALOT. Either way, YouTube is your friend. Do the deep dive and you may never be the same.

Good luck!

Did I mention YouTube is your friend?


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[Kleos]

I am in the exact same boat. I just bought a sewing machine and some materials that should have me starting next week!

 

[*zap*]

First learn to sew by hand.

 

[j43097]

Most of the material your using is going to be synthetic. I have all but given up the scissors and rotary cutter and replaced them with a wood burning pen. No more frayed edges and easier to cut a strait line. Just don't do it on your wife's kitchen table.

Amazon.com

 

[jakeuac]

First learn to sew by hand.

Well, I have done that before, it is just very slow!

 

[jakeuac]

Most of the material your using is going to be synthetic. I have all but given up the scissors and rotary cutter and replaced them with a wood burning pen. No more frayed edges and easier to cut a strait line. Just don't do it on your wife's kitchen table.

Amazon.com

Thanks for the tip! That seems nifty, like burning the edges of rope and paracord!

 

[Dos Perros]

Careful. I started about 18 months ago with a Montgomery Ward Signature Series from the 1960's and before you know it I have a Singer industrial walking foot and then a Brother industrial drop feed (can do zig zag and has reverse). My basement is trashed with cutting boards and materials all over.

 

[jakeuac]

Careful. I started about 18 months ago with a Montgomery Ward Signature Series from the 1960's and before you know it I have a Singer industrial walking foot and then a Brother industrial drop feed (can do zig zag and has reverse). My basement is trashed with cutting boards and materials all over.

That one scares me! Between hunting, fishing, and homebrewing I am not sure I have much more capacity for hobbies to grow!

 

[Dos Perros]

That one scares me! Between hunting, fishing, and homebrewing I am not sure I have much more capacity for hobbies to grow!

You know they sell beer at the grocery store right?

 

[Kleos]

Careful. I started about 18 months ago with a Montgomery Ward Signature Series from the 1960's and before you know it I have a Singer industrial walking foot and then a Brother industrial drop feed (can do zig zag and has reverse). My basement is trashed with cutting boards and materials all over.

After I bought the sewing machine...I spent probably too much on materials haha who knew there were so many options

 

[as.ks.ak]

That one scares me! Between hunting, fishing, and homebrewing I am not sure I have much more capacity for hobbies to grow!

A big plus is if you quit drinking altogether you can then make room for sewing and not only lose the beer gut, you can allocate those funds previously used for indulgence into your new sewing hobby! What a trade off!


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