Show us your sewing projects!

[Outlawmws]

I am concerned about how much material I ordered... I made a rough estimate of 42sqft for the sofa, 40sqft for the 2 Rover seats, and 48sqft for the dinette. But I need to check.
Can anyone chime in on how to be sure I have enough?

A good rule of thumb, when using high quality hides is 18 sqft = 1 lineal yard of typical roll goods which are 54" wide. This is what I use. The last thing I want is to run out of material in the middle of a project.

This is a good point when planning materials: It's what you can get out of the material, which is generally sold "by the yard" for a given Bolt width. Some are 54" wide, some are not. Obviously hides are irregular so Slodats' rule of thumb sounds practical...

Breaking it down to "square feet" isn't practical; What can you get out of the materials?

Same principal as used for sheet wood like plywood: It's not the Sq Ft; its "what can I get out a a 4X8 sheet?"

There is always some waste...

 

[slodat]

New machine arrived the other day. It's a carpet serger. A one trick pony. It wraps a small yarn around the edge of the carpet, tightly thereby binding and finishing the cut edge of the carpet. It can be used on carpet alone or with a backing to make all sorts of mats.

When you watch the marketing videos for this type of equipment they make it all look easy and effortless. If only that were the case! This is a small sample of what hit the floor while I sorted out the tensions and adjustments..



This is some of the cheapest, flimsiest and in general worst case scenario automotive carpet out there. I figured if I could get it looking decent I was on the right track.



Here it is in all its glory, after kicking my **** all afternoon and evening:


This is going to be a really nice detail in my interiors. Happy guy over here.

 

[Outlawmws]

That's very cool! You can do a lot with that once you get the hang of it, and it looks like you are well on the way!

 

[rlitman]

Looks like you are indeed well on your way. Out of curiosity, what do you do with threads on the end? With my serger, I knot them, but mine certainly does not do carpet. Do you pull them under the loop with a crochet hook, or something?

Nice Kai scissors BTW. The really have the smoothest action of any scissors I've ever found.

 

[slodat]

Best way I have found thus far is to start in a straight section and then go back over the start point when you come back around the workpiece. At that point you pull thread through the machine and cut threads. Then, thread through and tie off on the bottom. Secure the not with a bit of glue..

I love the Kai's. I have a few pairs. Nothing else compares.

 

[nine4gmc]

Couple shop chairs for a friend and fellow member MercLSU.



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[WoodsTruck]

Slodat,

What are the dual pedals for on the serger?

 

[slodat]

Slodat,

What are the dual pedals for on the serger?

On the left is the treadle which controls the motor. Right is the presser foot lift.

This machine doesn't have a knee lift or foot pedal for presser foot lift. It is controlled by heel down on the treadle which tells the controls to lift the foot. It uses an internal pneumatic cylinder to lift the foot. This machine has many automatic/programmable features (auto back tack, auto thread cutter and more)



I only have knee lift on a few machines. Most have foot pedal. That is just preference.

 

[WoodsTruck]

Thanks.

I have a Consew 99 straight stitch/zig-zag with reverse and knee lift. I kind of wish I had a foot control for the reverse as sometimes I don't want to remove my hand to activate the hand lever.

A serger would be handy at times but something I doubt I will ever own. Thanks for the pictures and description.

 

[michaelwolson]

Okay this post isn't a project but I want to bring this thread back from the dead.

I have been looking for a sewing machine for quite some time now. Originally I wanted something to sew thick leather with until I realized that almost everyone just sews that by hand and I already have almost all of the tools I need to do that in my garage.

So I was just looking for your run of the mill, cheap beater that I could practice with and maybe sew a few things around the house/garage. I'm always looking for bargains and lo and behold I found one.

A working/complete late 60's Singer 223. All metal construction and can do straight stitch, zigzag, and blind hem. $10 with the table (need to fix the table. It's damaged where the mounts bolt/screw on).

It had a burnt out bulb and someone installed a spring washer backwards last time the motor was opened up which was causing a horrible squeal. Fixed both of those and now I have a great heavy duty (granted not industrial like most of the other ones in this thread) sewing machine for projects.

I probably wont get to do anything with it for a long time due to the backlog of projects but expect to see something from me in the near future.

I also realized that no one, at least that I know, under the age of I'd say 50/60? can sew or even wants to be able to sew. My Mom was the only one also excited about my machine. Everyone else just rolled their eyes or made jokes.

 

[rlitman]

...
So I was just looking for your run of the mill, cheap beater that I could practice with and maybe sew a few things around the house/garage. I'm always looking for bargains and lo and behold I found one.

A working/complete late 60's Singer 223. All metal construction and can do straight stitch, zigzag, and blind hem. $10 with the table (need to fix the table. It's damaged where the mounts bolt/screw on).
...
I also realized that no one, at least that I know, under the age of I'd say 50/60? can sew or even wants to be able to sew. My Mom was the only one also excited about my machine. Everyone else just rolled their eyes or made jokes.

Not a bad deal at all. You can do a lot with that machine. I feel so spoiled with my free arm Brother machine, but I know that if I ever break it, I've got a Singer 99 hanging around.

Yeah, I've gotten the eye rolls too. I just remind them that it's called a "machine" for a reason.

 

[dowmace]

When I bought my embroidery machine and my brother multistitch I got a lot of jokes but after seeing my tailored wardrobe meet in the office asked what alterations cost.

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[slodat]

I always laugh at people that poke fun at sewing. And, usually make sure to charge them full price when they come to me wanting something later on. On the other hand I'm mentoring an aspiring Eagle Scout with his big project. It involves 20 yards of material and a lot of sewing. He will sew it all on my industrial machines. Excited about helping him get comfortable sewing.

 

[Keyblazer]

Simply awesome posts! Keep em coming!

 

[WoodsTruck]

My work truck didn't come with a center console to hold small items. I had to improvise a panel cover. Surprising how much time these little one-off projects eat up.

 

[willlgord]

Here's a seat I upholstered for a girl I know, the bike is a BMW R nine T. I first had to join the two piece seat together to make a one piece pan, add and shape the foam and lastly sew the cover and upholster it.

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[Trey T]

slodat: Does that serger trim off material while sewing? Can the serger function like a regular serger w/ less dense edging?

 

[slodat]

slodat: Does that serger trim off material while sewing? Can the serger function like a regular serger w/ less dense edging?

The serger pictured above is specifically for carpet. A total one trick pony..

 

[twowheels]

EDC Tri-Fold Wallet

This is the first of my sewing projects that's not totally embarrassing -- I'm a rank amateur. I made this EDC wallet for my brother for Christmas. The blue fabric is 1000 Denier Cordura and the black is 420 Denier Packcloth. It carries a few credit cards, a mini iPhone charging cord, a space pen, a mini LED flashlight (attached to the lanyard) and iphone headphones!

It's my fifth iteration of this basic design, and I'm happy with how it turned out.

Tim

 

[Craptain]

Re: EDC Tri-Fold Wallet

This is the first of my sewing projects that's not totally embarrassing -- I'm a rank amateur. I made this EDC wallet for my brother for Christmas. The blue fabric is 1000 Denier Cordura and the black is 420 Denier Packcloth. It carries a few credit cards, a mini iPhone charging cord, a space pen, a mini LED flashlight (attached to the lanyard) and iphone headphones!

It's my fifth iteration of this basic design, and I'm happy with how it turned out.

Tim

Tim, that looks pretty good for a "first" project. We'll consider previous efforts practice and this can be the first then.

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[twowheels]

Thank you Craptain! Sounds like you've done some sails/canvaswork... that is the direction I'm headed once I get the basics down! I currently seem to spend more time tearing out than actually making things;-)

Tim

 

[Craptain]

Thank you Craptain! Sounds like you've done some sails/canvaswork... that is the direction I'm headed once I get the basics down! I currently seem to spend more time tearing out than actually making things;-)

Tim

A little bit of both. Sails and canvas. Still learning though.

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[nonhog]

My work truck didn't come with a center console to hold small items. I had to improvise a panel cover. Surprising how much time these little one-off projects eat up.

That is cool!

This thread makes me feel guilty as I talked my wife into having an older machine taken in for a once over(couple years ago). They had us look at new ones suggesting that it may not be cost effective to maintain/repair. Turned out it needed almost nothing and is in great shape, its not an upholstery machine it is capable (per reports I have read) of light upholstery work.

It sits patiently waiting for me to figure out how to use it.

 

[WoodsTruck]

It sits patiently waiting for me to figure out how to use it.

No time like the present.

I use mine almost weekly this time of year fixing things. I had to replace some buckles on a bag for a snowmobile, replaced a zipper on another bag, sewing a patch on a banner for the school, making a bag for my jumper cables in my pickup, a bag for my multi-meter for my pickup, and whatever else pops up. I have also fixed volleyball carts for the school, sewn up cam strap ends to shorten straps, made a top for my dads ATV that he blows snow with in Idaho, a case for Aikedo fighting staffs, bags, covers, etc.

I look at it as almost as useful as my MIG welder.

Mine is a Consew 99, walking foot straight stitch/zig-zag with reverse. I run a T70 thread and don't look back.

 

[twowheels]

No time like the present.



I use mine almost weekly this time of year fixing things. I had to replace some buckles on a bag for a snowmobile, replaced a zipper on another bag, sewing a patch on a banner for the school, making a bag for my jumper cables in my pickup, a bag for my multi-meter for my pickup, and whatever else pops up. I have also fixed volleyball carts for the school, sewn up cam strap ends to shorten straps, made a top for my dads ATV that he blows snow with in Idaho, a case for Aikedo fighting staffs, bags, covers, etc.



I look at it as almost as useful as my MIG welder.



Mine is a Consew 99, walking foot straight stitch/zig-zag with reverse. I run a T70 thread and don't look back.

No kidding! Incredibly useful tool.

I’ve been making Christmas presents for my siblings and all of a sudden I remembered the pocket in my pants had a hole in them that was bugging me. Five minutes later, hole is fixed! Super rewarding.

Here are the first aid kits I sewed up yesterday for my sibs. I’m going to go out and fill them with bandages/gauze and other supplies.



My machine is a Sailright LSZ-1 and also has a walking foot. I’m running v69 thread for these medium weight materials. I tried using my wife’s domestic machine once or twice and it was very hard to use with heavier fabrics/canvases. A decent industrial/heavyweight machine with a walking foot is a dream!

This is my first time posting with Tapatalk — hopefully this works!

Tim


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[Outlawmws]

I realized I have not posted the car to tent I made last Sept. here.

Briefly, the background was that I was given this small trailer with a seriously damaged car top tent about 2 years ago. Even the wood platform needed replaced. I remade the platform not long after getting the trailer. and in Sept, I got moving so I could use it in October for hunting. I was indecisive about materials; use canvas like the original? or go light weight with rip-stop nylon?

After a LOT of thought and consideration, I finally decided to go for a wool tent. I'd considered duplicating the original canvas, or making it lighter with rip stop, but decided after research that the Bedouins and the people living in yurts in Mongolia knew more about tents than Coleman...

I bought new US made Army blankets for materials, that were 85% wool (the current US Army blankets are also this, no longer 100%). I also bought coated rip stop to go over the top sheet to make it more waterproof, no-see-um screen, zippers, and some web belting for the part that attaches to the wood base.

The old tent - looks good from this side:

This was why it had to be replaced:

After rebuilding the platform:

A week of work more or less, with some done after work every night, and I finished with this:

I even got a thick wool rug at a yard sale and cut it to fit inside the platform:

I've had this candle stove for years (made it for small tent hesting)

And I even made provision for the candle stove flue:

The candle stove now uses an alcohol lamp I made so I get nearly 8 hours of run time on it per fill-up. (vs 4 hour votive candles) and more heat by far.

for those interested there are more build details in my camping thread (see sig)


A couple weeks later I was using the tent and candle stove for a week, and in weather that got into the thirties and twenties.

This was MUCH more comfortable than any tent I can recall! no condensation as it breaths better (my only complaint about a TentCot brand, the are tight" and get lots of condensation from your breath...), holds heat better, (regular tents are good at keeping the wet off, but without a heater are just as cold inside as out...)

With the candle stove going it was a LOT warmer still! I never had any cold related sinus issues as I usually do sleeping in the cold.

 

[WoodsTruck]

Nice job on the wool tent.

I'm not sure how anyone else cuts nylon/polyester material, but I made a cut off table for my roll of 600 denier pvc coated material. It consists of a roll hub and a glass top to cut on. It is slightly wider than a full roll so I can pull it out and cut with a hot knife. I use 40 watt soldering irons or a 60 watt when I am doing bulk stuff as it retains heat in the tip better. I use metal rulers to cut against. One product I was making required repeated cuts so I made an aluminum template which worked pretty good too.

I like using the melt method so the fibers are cotterized on the edges and won't fray.

 

[twowheels]

Outlaw, very cool tent. I love the candle stove and flue. My first camping project is a ripstop tarp.

Woods, if you get a moment will you post a picture of your cut off set-up? I'm going to start cutting sunbrella, and I know that most people cut it with a hot knife. Sailright sells a nice one, but it's really expensive. I'd rather build my own kit.

Tim

 

[slodat]

I use a HSGM Engel hot knife with the foot. Not cheap, but works very well.

 

[twowheels]

Slodat, thank you for the advice! Your shop is awesome.

Tim

 

[WoodsTruck]

As the saying goes: "It's only temporary unless it works"

Crude, but it works for me. I had 4 identical pieces to cut out so I planned to have a drop down frame with the 4 templates on it, cut 4 mirror images then lift and roll more material out. Ended up not working as well as I had planned, but oh well, this system works. The glass is from a desk top that was no longer needed so I had it cut to size so that it is slightly wider than my roll and wider than the template I was using.

I use a couple different metal rulers to cut different shapes or lengths.

The Weller irons are 25W and 40W, they work ok but don't retain enough heat when using a metal ruler (think heat sink). The black 60W works a lot better where it retains heat but also can cut a long cut quickly so it doesn't have to sit in one spot very long and ball up the edges. It is important to have a receiver for a hot iron while readjusting pieces. I use the chrome muzzle off a HF plastic welder that died.

I mounted a 4' fluorescent light above it and intentionally mounted it by the window so I can vent it on bigger projects.

 

[twowheels]

I also have a few "mockups" that were "functional enough" and never got replaced by their permanent cousins;-)

Thanks for the ideas -- very nice cuts. Your fabric roller is something I had thought about, but I'm not 1000% sure I have the space for it -- I need to keep thinking about it. I'll definitely need to come up with a plan before I tackle my first big sail/canvas project!

I hadn't thought about the venting... guessing the smoke is pretty nasty, especially when you do a lot of cutting. Thank you for the pictures/info

Tim

 

[engineer2]

Didn't know there was a sewing thread.
I had a shifter boot that I wanted reproduced. It has a half inch hole where the shifter handle sticks through. The hole has stitching around the circular opening and some kind of felt/fabric (?) washer.
Been to every upholstery shop in the area and the local shoe repair shop and they all say "can't be done" or "we don't have a machine tha can do that." Any thoughts from you experts?

 

[slodat]

Didn't know there was a sewing thread.

I had a shifter boot that I wanted reproduced. It has a half inch hole where the shifter handle sticks through. The hole has stitching around the circular opening and some kind of felt/fabric (?) washer.

Been to every upholstery shop in the area and the local shoe repair shop and they all say "can't be done" or "we don't have a machine tha can do that." Any thoughts from you experts?

I can make it.

 

[engineer2]

I can make it.

Thanks! I'm going to ask friends to see if others want one.

 

[michaelwolson]

Well I officially sewed my first project since I was in middle school this evening. Woke up sick, called in to work, felt better (ironic) but it was raining so I didn't wanna go to the garage. Decided to sew together a tool roll. Been practicing on and off for the past few months making straight stitches. Obviously not enough practice. You all can see the spots where I really messed up. But I'm bored of just stitches straight lines in nothing so decided today was the day to make something. So yeah here it is.

 

[Craptain]

Well I officially sewed my first project since I was in middle school this evening. Woke up sick, called in to work, felt better (ironic) but it was raining so I didn't wanna go to the garage. Decided to sew together a tool roll. Been practicing on and off for the past few months making straight stitches. Obviously not enough practice. You all can see the spots where I really messed up. But I'm bored of just stitches straight lines in nothing so decided today was the day to make something. So yeah here it is.

That looks fine for what it is. Those kind of small projects are great for practice. And the stitching looks just like most of mine.

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[Swingpress]

Anyone want to post pictures of the machines they are using to sew heavier materials? I'd be interested to know how the machine I just got stacks up or if it's up to the task.

 

[BritKLR]

My old machine is a Rex 26-188 walking foot. Pretty much all prototyping and custom work is done on this machine. Like most industrial machines it's a monster and will take your finger off if your not paying attention!
We work with Mil-Spec waxed canvas and Cordura to produce a broad range of gear.

 

[WoodsTruck]

Consew 99 - zig-zag/straight walking foot with reverse

I added onto my swing-away attachment arm a 3/8" fold over I had made since I didn't have time to order one. Works great.

I also scribed the front of the foot and painted the mark to identify where the needle rides so I can gauge offset from the needle if I need to.