Sewing Help

[rfizzle]

Anyone have experience sewing their own gear? Or just good at sewing?

I'm putting together a little multicam backpack for my future kid (due soon).

I've cut all of the parts but I need help sewing it.

Thanks! [Beer]

[BPTactical]

Sewn a bunch of stuff.
You want to get bonded nylon thread, as large as your machine can handle. For the average home use machine 69 is about all the bigger they will digest reliably. Most fabric stores will not carry bonded nylon thread, they usually carry polyester which is weaker. Ralphs Power Sewing at 21st and Bryant carries it plus good needles for your machine.
Don't use a tri tip or cutting needle, use ball point in nylon. You don't want to cut the threads of the fabric and that is what a sharp cutting needle will do. The ball point pushes the threads of the fabric aside and your seams will be stronger.
Thread tension is critical with the nylon thread, too tight and the seam will pucker and too loose the seam is weak. Some home machines may have a hard time pulling enough tension on heavy nylon thread.
About 10-12 stitches per inch will work well on packcloth.
Bar tack the beginning and end of each seam 3-6 times.
Don't bother trying to pin nylon together, your fingers will not be happy. Staple it instead, just use one leg of the staple through the fabric and after the seam is run straighten that leg and carefully weasel it out from under the seam.

[Wulf202]

What he said

[HBARleatherneck]

or you can come up here and I could help you.

[BPTactical]

or you can come up here and I could help you.

I hate you with all of your pretty machines............

[Wulf202]

im rocking a 1952 deluxe

im supposed to get my moms hand me down viking soon

[Great-Kazoo]

or you can come up here and I could help you.

I have some stuff fab'd up. see you in the a.m.

[rfizzle]

or you can come up here and I could help you.

Nice! PM Sent

[HBARleatherneck]

ok, I learned alot today.

First, keep your mouth shut.
Second, just because you think you can, doesnt mean you can.
Third, it takes an afternoon to sew a backpack that a sweat shop worker could make in 2 1/2 minutes.
Fourth, I may be able to sew leather, but I have no idea how to sew light fabric.
Fifth, before embarking on a new project, learn which order you should do things.
The list goes on and on.

BUT, I had fun making the backpack. I am embarrassed at the quality of the finished product, but I had fun. Now I am on a mission to learn to do it right. If I make a good backpack I will post pictures of it.
Here are the BEST 3 pictures of the one I made today. I cant show you all of them its too sad.

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a3cc02b3127ccef4ba4a20a13b00000030O03AbuGLdk3aA9 vPgQ/cC/f%3D0/ls%3D00400072718720131224004046168.JPG/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a3cc02b3127ccef4ba62d4a1db00000030O03AbuGLdk3aA9 vPgQ/cC/f%3D0/ls%3D00400072718720131224004204944.JPG/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a3cc02b3127ccef4badc97a1c700000030O03AbuGLdk3aA9 vPgQ/cC/f%3D0/ls%3D00400072718720131224004255786.JPG/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/

[Irving]

Looks decent to me, considering I only know how to hand stitch stuff.

[rfizzle]

Looks decent to me, considering I only know how to hand stitch stuff.

That's what I kept saying

[cstone]

I am just learning how to sew. My wife knits and we have two sewing machines but she doesn't really enjoy sewing. Oddly enough, it is not that difficult and there are lots of great things you can do with even a simple machine.

I haven't done anything like a backpack, but I would start out with a mock up made out of left over fabric to determine the best way of cutting and assembling the pattern. Like anything, you only get better with practice.

I think you did a great job on that backpack. The next will be even better. [Beer]

[Fentonite]

I think that looks really good! I'd like to learn how to sew that well. I actually bought an old heavy duty Necchi sewing machine in August, to try and make a canopy for the back of my truck. Still haven't even cut the tape on the box it was shipped in. Thanks for showing this, maybe it'll inspire me to start learning.

[Irving]

Looks as good as some of the stuff the Army Surplus store sells.

[ChunkyMonkey]

Chris passes the Chinese citizenship test!

[brutal]

Any Chinese 5 year old can do that.

[Coffee]

[Great-Kazoo]

Chris passes the Chinese citizenship test!

Been trying to get the spouse into sewing. She said, not only NO , but mandarin isn't her strong point.

[rfizzle]

I Found our next project on facebook ;-)

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e135/rfizzle_photo/380521_313107295390792_740905535_n_zpsd0cf85a5.jpg (http://s38.photobucket.com/user/rfizzle_photo/media/380521_313107295390792_740905535_n_zpsd0cf85a5.jpg .html)

[Irving]

Should make tacos for bottles and wipies.

[rfizzle]

Version 2.0 arrived today! HBAR did an amazing job on this one. He also went above and beyond and added some features.

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e135/rfizzle_photo/A59106CF-9259-4937-AA28-E92948AD9C4C_zpsr7gojcyh.jpg (http://s38.photobucket.com/user/rfizzle_photo/media/A59106CF-9259-4937-AA28-E92948AD9C4C_zpsr7gojcyh.jpg.html)
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e135/rfizzle_photo/49674A3F-84DC-499C-B390-336FAA7AF69B_zpsj6zxq6so.jpg (http://s38.photobucket.com/user/rfizzle_photo/media/49674A3F-84DC-499C-B390-336FAA7AF69B_zpsj6zxq6so.jpg.html)
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e135/rfizzle_photo/DAC0A270-65B9-446B-9C08-DBE6F2629391_zpscsue2vqe.jpg (http://s38.photobucket.com/user/rfizzle_photo/media/DAC0A270-65B9-446B-9C08-DBE6F2629391_zpscsue2vqe.jpg.html)
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e135/rfizzle_photo/CD9A9CF8-5892-4DC3-B3A6-C89C6EACB7AD_zpsx0j9txmh.jpg (http://s38.photobucket.com/user/rfizzle_photo/media/CD9A9CF8-5892-4DC3-B3A6-C89C6EACB7AD_zpsx0j9txmh.jpg.html)
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e135/rfizzle_photo/F15CBC6B-EB82-48F5-80C1-C0C87647FE88_zpsonisx56j.jpg (http://s38.photobucket.com/user/rfizzle_photo/media/F15CBC6B-EB82-48F5-80C1-C0C87647FE88_zpsonisx56j.jpg.html)

[hurley842002]

Wow that is an outstanding job!

[BPTactical]

Nice job HBAR!

[rfizzle]

Update. I've been inspired, so I picked up the cheapest machine wallyworld had just to play around with.

So far it works ok, it'll do a couple layers of 500D Cordura. Made my self a little scissor holster from some scraps (from the backpack projects)

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e135/rfizzle_photo/2F02771B-47AB-4FA5-B0D5-C4469488835D_zps16rhj9he.jpg (http://s38.photobucket.com/user/rfizzle_photo/media/2F02771B-47AB-4FA5-B0D5-C4469488835D_zps16rhj9he.jpg.html)
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e135/rfizzle_photo/E5913708-CCA2-4078-9636-4F13B38CB469_zps76ptbl6u.jpg (http://s38.photobucket.com/user/rfizzle_photo/media/E5913708-CCA2-4078-9636-4F13B38CB469_zps76ptbl6u.jpg.html)

[Irving]

Was that a pain to turn inside out with how narrow it was? Did you just do a straight stitch?

[rbeau30]

Nothing like a Scissors cozy! (lol it's a friggin cozy... u know it is!)

I been meaning to get a foot powered one for a long time... for preparedness reasons.

[rfizzle]

Was that a pain to turn inside out with how narrow it was? Did you just do a straight stitch?

Huge pain! yeah just straight.

also whipped up a sleeve for my tablet. This machine has it's limits for sure.

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e135/rfizzle_photo/79B77DA9-A87B-42FD-A412-94B89A8B2377_zpsxrr0af0d.jpg (http://s38.photobucket.com/user/rfizzle_photo/media/79B77DA9-A87B-42FD-A412-94B89A8B2377_zpsxrr0af0d.jpg.html)

[wctriumph]

Pretty nice, pretty nice.

[rfizzle]

Made my son a little camo hat today.

(Followed this pattern: http://prudentbaby.com/2010/04/baby-kid/summery-sun-hat-with-free-downloadable-pattern-2/)

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e135/rfizzle_photo/3D2A01B9-BC7B-4C3E-8046-105805630B5D_zpsyzxypq9h.jpg (http://s38.photobucket.com/user/rfizzle_photo/media/3D2A01B9-BC7B-4C3E-8046-105805630B5D_zpsyzxypq9h.jpg.html)
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e135/rfizzle_photo/D80873F0-D80F-4EDA-81F8-D9833D532A88_zpsovu7jsxy.jpg (http://s38.photobucket.com/user/rfizzle_photo/media/D80873F0-D80F-4EDA-81F8-D9833D532A88_zpsovu7jsxy.jpg.html)
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e135/rfizzle_photo/5566693B-78D3-440A-963C-F6C2732FAE5F_zpsqktukzbg.jpg (http://s38.photobucket.com/user/rfizzle_photo/media/5566693B-78D3-440A-963C-F6C2732FAE5F_zpsqktukzbg.jpg.html)
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e135/rfizzle_photo/BC47807B-BBE2-4E30-8648-F905D7B75EBD_zpsz9wyqfrk.jpg (http://s38.photobucket.com/user/rfizzle_photo/media/BC47807B-BBE2-4E30-8648-F905D7B75EBD_zpsz9wyqfrk.jpg.html)
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e135/rfizzle_photo/19B61942-137B-4725-88CF-A2B3C96030A8_zpsuuxcacdn.jpg (http://s38.photobucket.com/user/rfizzle_photo/media/19B61942-137B-4725-88CF-A2B3C96030A8_zpsuuxcacdn.jpg.html)




http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e135/rfizzle_photo/D4533635-20B8-4777-B7EC-B31F0ED56127_zpscyb0dyie.jpg (http://s38.photobucket.com/user/rfizzle_photo/media/D4533635-20B8-4777-B7EC-B31F0ED56127_zpscyb0dyie.jpg.html)

Also it fit the dog:
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e135/rfizzle_photo/EF52F775-F4D1-48C2-9734-F1C78467CE0E_zpsl2jalwbo.jpg (http://s38.photobucket.com/user/rfizzle_photo/media/EF52F775-F4D1-48C2-9734-F1C78467CE0E_zpsl2jalwbo.jpg.html)

[brutal]

So awesome.

[Irving]

That dog picture made me laugh.

[brutal]

Yea, someone is liable to have poop in their shoes in the morning.

[rfizzle]

Tried my hand at a backpack, simple ruck type with flap lid:
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e135/rfizzle_photo/82568014-10DD-4991-BC96-F21842496D5C_zpszm4iajvl.jpg (http://s38.photobucket.com/user/rfizzle_photo/media/82568014-10DD-4991-BC96-F21842496D5C_zpszm4iajvl.jpg.html)


I have some Multicam Cordura around but I didn't want to use it for practice so I also bought 6 yards of a canvas type material. I used 2" seat belt webbing for the straps. the straps were pushing the limit of the $50 machine but it did ok once I got some "jeans" needles.
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e135/rfizzle_photo/40BB87BE-69FC-4FC3-ACEB-20D1595E606B_zps44l2nkdd.jpg (http://s38.photobucket.com/user/rfizzle_photo/media/40BB87BE-69FC-4FC3-ACEB-20D1595E606B_zps44l2nkdd.jpg.html)
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e135/rfizzle_photo/7E213FE7-C090-41E4-A708-0A21580F6DB9_zpsevasomvf.jpg (http://s38.photobucket.com/user/rfizzle_photo/media/7E213FE7-C090-41E4-A708-0A21580F6DB9_zpsevasomvf.jpg.html)


I learned some stuff:
-Finish your exposed edges first; I started with the lid, turned out great and then I realized I hadn't finished the edges.
-The sides of the lid should meet up with the top corners of the back/lid (see pic #2 for that loveliness)
-I should probably spend more than $50 on a machine at some point.
-Check my math, my lid sides were a little long.
-This "canvas" likes to unravel it's self, might have been easier to use some of my cordura.

Version 2.0 will be:
-Made with cordura, heavier thread, most likely with the help of a more skilled person...
-Will have a couple rows of MOLLE. Also a patch of loop and maybe a water bottle side pocket
-The inside part should have a drawstring so the lid goes on easier

[Irving]

Looks like a pretty good first try.

[HBARleatherneck]

the canvas one looks pretty good. the hardest part of any of this is....Where to start and what order to go in. If we only knew that we would be pros.

I see alot of canvas ones for sale because certain people dont like the chemicals used in the cordura (for children)




as I said before, if I can be of any help, let me know.

[rfizzle]

the canvas one looks pretty good. the hardest part of any of this is....Where to start and what order to go in. If we only knew that we would be pros.

I see alot of canvas ones for sale because certain people dont like the chemicals used in the cordura (for children)

as I said before, if I can be of any help, let me know.

Thanks man, yeah it the order thing still a steep learning curve.

Here is Version 2.0:
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e135/rfizzle_photo/8D0FA859-32E6-47B6-A6C7-E419D183883A_zps6npkbjth.jpg (http://s38.photobucket.com/user/rfizzle_photo/media/8D0FA859-32E6-47B6-A6C7-E419D183883A_zps6npkbjth.jpg.html)
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e135/rfizzle_photo/5D8ACF5E-7933-4F19-84AC-769F65ED8DFF_zpspd8scmh1.jpg (http://s38.photobucket.com/user/rfizzle_photo/media/5D8ACF5E-7933-4F19-84AC-769F65ED8DFF_zpspd8scmh1.jpg.html)
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e135/rfizzle_photo/5B6F2EDF-E06F-48FA-B058-5034342B1177_zpsgfyxjw8w.jpg (http://s38.photobucket.com/user/rfizzle_photo/media/5B6F2EDF-E06F-48FA-B058-5034342B1177_zpsgfyxjw8w.jpg.html)

I have reached the limit of my machine for sure. A couple layers of cordura and a layer of webbing is not my $50 machine's friend.

I still haven't added straps, as I was finishing up I was liking the way the pack was turning out so I didn't want to cheap out on the straps (like the 2" webbing ones on the canvas 1.0). I left some D-rings exposed on the four corners so I can add straps at some point.

I used elastic on the sides of the pack body to help the lid fit over. I also added some webbing loops so I could do shock cord on the one side, I attempted a water bottle pocket as well. I added an internal pocket on the back so I could add a frame sheet (piece of plexiglass). My MOLLE came out pretty decent I thought, I've improved but like I said this was the limit of my machine. I like that it came out pretty much how I pictured it in my head (and sketch), I really have no need for any packs but it was fun to design and make my own.

[Irving]

Wow, new pack looks much improved.