Sewing...uh fabric fabrication ?s

[Forrest747]

I am definitely going into uncharted territory. My mom bought me a singer sewing machine before she passed away. It was one of those moment like ghee thanks mom, what i always wanted. well i am now going to attempt to sew some sport nylon in to awnings and side tents for teh doors. I am looking at a lot of youtube videos on how to sew, however if anyone has some advice that would be great. going to do some rolled hems and wide enough for dot snap fastners. Thanks

[RandyG]

I haven't done much sewing, mostly learning along with my wife but she surpassed me. Be careful trying to sew too thick of material, it could damage the machine. Start with something light and simple. Just like any tool, you try it on something easy first, or scraps. Good luck, I didn't have much...

[GuitarPhotog]

+1 to the practice on simple things before starting "the big project" Sewing is a skill that requires the development of some specific hand-eye-foot coordinations that require practice.

I try to make a mock-up or "pattern" of my projects in some cheap fabric before actually doing the real thing.

As for sewing heavy fabric, I do pretty well with a very light-duty portable sewing machine, but sometimes the stack is just too heavy and stiff to feed. I seldom have experienced problems with the needle penetrating, it's most often the inability of the machine to feed the thick stack of fabric. When you start working with a heavier fabric, make sure to make lots of practice seams to get the thread tensions correct. With thick fabric, the default bobbin tension may not be correct and may cause incorrect stitches.

My next project are walls and roof for my "vestibule" side tent. I expect it will take a lot of trial and error to get corners and pockets to turn out right.

<Chas>

[Forrest747]

What I am thinking is doing a hem then roll it over to accept some webbing feed that in one of the sides. once in place install the snaps to secure to the trailer. alot of mocking up for the hatch side walls. I am sort of excited, and going to keep it simple.

[celticquetzel]

Hi. I sew a lot... so... I would suggest going to you local fabric store and taking a sample of fabric. Make sure you get the correct needle and thread for you fabric. I cant stress this enough - you will struggle endlessly if you don't have the right supplies. They can help you. Then get some extra similar fabric if you don't have enough to play with. Try different hems. Test snaps. Play around until you are comfortable. I think sewing is a bit like building a TD. They both involve taking flat parts and essentially making them not flat. I find the most important part is to just think it through. And there is valuable online help. And make sure you get a seam ripper. Nothing is more fun than completely taking apart a ruffled competition dress, for the Third time, days before competition. So just accept they'll be some bugs, but most can be undone, sewn over, patched, or otherwise fixed. (Maybe easier than wood!) And looks like there are a few sewers on the forum so just post pictures if you get in a spot. Have fun!!!!!

[S. Heisley]

Use a ball needle and cotton thread. Polyester wrapped thread will make your stitches pucker and skip in sport nylon. At least, that's been my experience.

[Forrest747]

Sailrite has alot of Youtube videos and that is what they said wide stitches.

[Zollinger]

Practice, practice, practice! I can tell you sewing on nylon is not a for a beginner. If I remember right it can be downright slippery to sew, and you can't really pin it because the pins leave holes. Good Luck!

[Mary C]

I will suggest what I use for teaching sewing, to get so you can sew a straight line and believe me for some that is hard. with no thread take notebook paper with the lines and follow them punch out every other line. After doing that for a couple of sheets draw some circles on a couple of sheets and swirls and follow that . it will help with all the really basic coordination and being able to sew what you want to sew. put thread in the machine, Practice doing it every few minutes till you can do it without looking at the directions. Next take a straight cut or selvage edge piece of material and fold it over half inch and hem it straight. then fold it over 1/4 inch and hem. Then practice till you feel comfortable sewing straight. Then do it making curved hems and work the material till you can hem in a curve don't use selvage side. Then You can make what you want!!!

Mary C.

[Forrest747]

Practice, practice, practice! I can tell you sewing on nylon is not a for a beginner. If I remember right it can be downright slippery to sew, and you can't really pin it because the pins leave holes. Good Luck!

Watching the sailrite video they had some great inside tips. Using double sided (basting) tape to hold the fabric in place, when you make teh hem.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xySLDGxVj_c

Thanks for the idea about using lined paper I have tons of that.

[Fiferguy]

I will suggest what I use for teaching sewing, to get so you can sew a straight line and believe me for some that is hard. with no thread take notebook paper with the lines and follow them punch out every other line.

I really like this suggestion. I might have to steal that one. The only problem is that on my machine, it won't sew without thread in it. Confounded embroidery machine!

[halfdome, Danny]

Sewing really isn't difficult.
Jane said "it's just another machine" and she was right.
It's just takes some time to master another machine.
Think of a scroll saw or bandsaw, but with thread and fabric.
Place your thread through all the different illustrated spots, place the thread behind the foot,
drop the foot, step on the floor petal and away you go.
Keep a grip on the fabric, or you'll steer off course & have an accidental pile up of thread and fabric.
I wonder why I know all this.
Danny

[Corwin C]

Like any other skill ... start slowly and with simple projects. Sewing a hem isn't hard, but sewing a hem in yards and yards of continuous fabric can create logistical challenges. I would suggest working on a big table if doing an awning and like I said, take your time and work slowly and methodically. Speed will come with experience.