Learning to sew

[TheBootBowhunting]

I bought a Singer 66 and 99k that have gone through 4 layers of 1000D, molle webbing and grosgrain ribbon like a champ. 7 layers of pretty burly material. Ive figured out quite a bit - but I cant for the life of me pull off attaching the grosgrain in a way that looks semi well done. I even bought a sailrite grosgrain attachment and still cant get it right. Anyone have any tips on that?

 

[Dos Perros]

I've heard that Sailrite is nails.

 

[WoodBow]

I bought a Singer 66 and 99k that have gone through 4 layers of 1000D, molle webbing and grosgrain ribbon like a champ. 7 layers of pretty burly material. Ive figured out quite a bit - but I cant for the life of me pull off attaching the grosgrain in a way that looks semi well done. I even bought a sailrite grosgrain attachment and still cant get it right. Anyone have any tips on that?

I have all but given up on the possibility of me obtaining professional level edge binding. I hate it so much.

Sent from my SM-G991U using Tapatalk

 

[TheBootBowhunting]

I have all but given up on the possibility of me obtaining professional level edge binding. I hate it so much.

Sent from my SM-G991U using Tapatalk

I made a kifaru field quiver clone, that came out (mostly) decent, but the grosgrain looks like it was put on by a kid that failed kindergarten for not being able to use scissors correctly.

 

[2rocky]

Put your kid in 4H Sewing Project and go with him/her. Or borrow a niece or nephew.

https://extension.purdue.edu/news/county/blackford/2020/10/4-H-Sewing-Project.html

Sewing | 4-H Youth Development

4-h.ca.uky.edu

http://www.gov.pe.ca/photos/original/4h_NRNsewRef.pdf

Sewing Projects

Do you want to learn how to use the sewing machine to make garments, accessories, and home décor?

extension.psu.edu

Extension | Sewing 4-H Project Area

Information about the West Virginia Sewing 4-H Project Area

extension.wvu.edu

 

[jakeuac]

You know they sell beer at the grocery store right?

Psh California has lost its mind, 20 bucks for four tall cans! I have about 400 gallons under my belt now, its pretty comparable to craft brewery produced beer!

 

[jakeuac]

Put your kid in 4H Sewing Project and go with him/her. Or borrow a niece or nephew.

https://extension.purdue.edu/news/county/blackford/2020/10/4-H-Sewing-Project.html

Sewing | 4-H Youth Development

4-h.ca.uky.edu

http://www.gov.pe.ca/photos/original/4h_NRNsewRef.pdf

Sewing Projects

Do you want to learn how to use the sewing machine to make garments, accessories, and home décor?

extension.psu.edu

Extension | Sewing 4-H Project Area

Information about the West Virginia Sewing 4-H Project Area

extension.wvu.edu

Thats acutally pretty cool, was unaware that this existed. I feel that sewing is a skill that no one ever regretted looking at. Having a kid is motivating, I want to witness some of these covetted junior only hunts!

 

[jAKe0711]

I started with a $70 Walmart special sewing machine that lasted a year or so of regular use, granted I definitely sewed through some materials that were way too thick for the machine. Once that broke I upgraded to a Singer HD and that machine is everything but heavy duty. It lasted maybe a year which was upsetting because I'm more of a hobbiest and don't have the funds nor space for a commercial juki set up. So recently I picked up something in the middle which was a walking foot Sailrite ultrafeed LSZ-1 with a monster wheel attachment. I've only had it a short time and it has been absolutely night and day from the home machines I had. I'm able to go through 6 layers of 1000D cordura and 3 layers of nylon webbing no problem now. Plus, it's portable so I don't have to dedicate a whole table for it. It's simple and only does straightline and zigzag stitches at a slower pace but it works and I wish I had gotten one years ago.

 

[Dalton138]

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

I've wanted to learn how for years now. I really need to look harder into it.

 

[Pony Soldier]

For the heavier stuff and leather consider a speedy stitcher awl. I picked up mine at tandy and make all kinds of things out of leather and heavy nylon.

 

[arlenmyles]

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?

I like to use the older 40s-70s style sewing machines. They are typically really heavy and made from cast iron. Look for one that does straight stitch and zig zag. I got both of these machines second hand and neither of them worked very well (one of them not at all) and I opened em up, cleaned em and they both run fantastic. I made sure that the linkature was not broken and the machines looked decently cared for (minimal rust, not a garden statue or vintage ornament). I can sew through about a quarter inch of leather. I got each one for under 100 and they are absolute tanks! Ive made ultralight backpacking pillows, stuff sacks, game bags, leather moccasins, altered hunting clothes, you and lots more. I just really enjoy being able to create what I want when I can. Dont be intimidated by getting into it, just find a machine that works and start stitching things together!

Feel free to hit me up if you have any questions on what machines or how to fix them.

tacblades on youtube is an older channel but is an absolute wealth of information when it comes to making your own gear

 

[Dos Perros]

^ agree with above. I bought something similar for $100, maybe $150. I probably spent more than I should have but this local dude finds old machines, tunes them up, and then re-sells them. He spent some time with me teaching me how to thread it and stuff so I felt the higher price was fair for a machine I knew was working well and came with instruction (he also offered to refund me if I changed my mind).

I think it's safe to spend a small amount of money on a good ole machine as mentioned above, get working with it, and then decide to upgrade later (and you can sell it) or keep it or whatever. A dude is likely to spend a couple hundred bucks getting started in materials anyway, depending on the complexity of the first projects.

 

[IBen]

I just bought a singer 4411, you can still buy fabric pin it together amd take it to a seamtress if you don’t want to buy a machine but my advice would be to just start sewing. dutchwaregear.com is also a good place to buy materials

 

[Mojave]

I was a parachute rigger in the Navy for 20 years.

Every shop I was in we had a Consew 151RB. You can buy the same machine today. Decent for mid duty fabric.

For heavy duty fabric and webbing you need a walking foot class 7 machine.

 

[Kleos]

^ agree with above. I bought something similar for $100, maybe $150. I probably spent more than I should have but this local dude finds old machines, tunes them up, and then re-sells them. He spent some time with me teaching me how to thread it and stuff so I felt the higher price was fair for a machine I knew was working well and came with instruction (he also offered to refund me if I changed my mind).

I think it's safe to spend a small amount of money on a good ole machine as mentioned above, get working with it, and then decide to upgrade later (and you can sell it) or keep it or whatever. A dude is likely to spend a couple hundred bucks getting started in materials anyway, depending on the complexity of the first projects.

I think you got way more than your moneys worth from the sounds of the guy you got it from. Those type of people are not usually in it just for the money. I would be happy to pay someone who would spend that time with me and knowing I had a resource if my machine was having issues.

 

[stanginthe11s]

the worst thing you can do when learning is go out and buy a sewing machine. first, learn the different types of stitches, needles and feet. there are about 30 different stitches to learn if you want to be real good and about 4 different feet, so knowing that first will help you select a machine that can do what you need. then research machines to see what has the power needed to get through what you will be sewing. old machines are great, but some were just designed to do certain things and then brought to another machine to finish. knowing this will help save money and space.
the best most overlooked areas to find machines are yard sales and believe it or not the local dump. yes, the dump lol, alot of houses get cleaned out and it all goes there. I recently found a prusa 3d printer sitting at my dump and it worked perfectly, nothing broken.
also, you can go to your local fabric store and learn from them as most either offer lessons or will usually be willing to show you some things to get you started.

 

[Dos Perros]

I use a straight stitch 100% of the time. Bought a machine specifically for zig zag and 6 months later still never used it.

 

[stanginthe11s]

yeah, zig zag isn't used much unless you're doing stretchy stuff. most of the outdoor stuff just uses straight but it's nice knowing your machine can do it. my machine does different button holes, but I never want to change everything just for that, plus who uses buttons anymore lol. I can tell you though, if your wife doesn't sew then you will not be only doing outdoor stuff for long lol. I am running out of creative ways to say I can't do that for you dear lol

 

[arlenmyles]

yeah, zig zag isn't used much unless you're doing stretchy stuff. most of the outdoor stuff just uses straight but it's nice knowing your machine can do it. my machine does different button holes, but I never want to change everything just for that, plus who uses buttons anymore lol. I can tell you though, if your wife doesn't sew then you will not be only doing outdoor stuff for long lol. I am running out of creative ways to say I can't do that for you dear lol

I use the zig zag all the time to create re-enforcement spots, lock edges so that they dont fray, for fun and most importantly, bar tacks.