Anybody know how to sew?

[kermit]

Thanks again everyone. I have been surfing but haven't been to the store yet. My only concern is being able to sew heavier fabrics like denim or canvas. What is the cutoff regarding machines and different fabrics? Being able to sew and alter my uniforms, heavy duty cotton (bdu type clothing) and sew patches on. Just to start.

PscyclePath-the civil war uniforms sound cool, how about a photo? My husband would love to see one!

[shootingstar]

My only concern is being able to sew heavier fabrics like denim or canvas. What is the cutoff regarding machines and different fabrics? Being able to sew and alter my uniforms, heavy duty cotton (bdu type clothing) and sew patches on. Just to start.

Make sure the sewing machine that you want, will allow you to change a common brand line of sewing needles of different thicknesses to allow you to sew through very heavy duty cotton material seams.

ie. I use at least a size 16 or even 18 if my sewing machine needle has to chomp down through multiple layers of heavy fabrics for a rolled seam. Yes, I've broken some needles because I've miscalculated the size of needle for the sewing "drill" job.

For instance for regular weight fabrics for shirts, you would be using a size 12 or 14 sewing machine needle. Finer fabrics, like silk it's size 9.

These needle sizes are based on Kenmore line. But are usable for alot of ordinary mechanical sewing machines.

I have had my Kenmore sewing machine for last 25 yrs., hence it's not computerized. No need, but it has a buttonhole maker, serger stitch, adjustable zigzag stitch, and about 8 other different types of stitches. (Even a smocking stitch which I tried for fun but wondered when would I use this??? )

It's like a bike, cost-savings can be huge while enjoyable results. It costed me $140.00 at that time....but has saved me tons of money for what I have created from it. There is....no way I will give up my sewing machine now. I would be a fool.

[PamNY]

Denim, canvas and heavy cotton won't be a problem. You'll need to select the proper needle and maybe adjust the thread tension, but that will be covered if you take a class.

I can't remember if you own a sewing machine, but if you are buying a new one, you might look at ratings on Consumer Reports.

My Viking would happily sew multiple layers of Cordura without a problem, and I made lots of things from the heaviest canvas I could find.

[kermit]

Thanks again. Looking for a machine, and have checked consumer reports, lots to learn. I have seen the vikings they are sweet!

[malkin]

My prom dress was designed and sewn by my date who also made his tux.

[shootingstar]

My prom dress was designed and sewn by my date who also made his tux.

Wow.

[evangundy]

Mom taught me to sew when I was about 10 or 11, then home-ec classes in grades 7 & 8. When I learned to Square Dance, I couldn't afford to buy dresses new, so I made my own for the next 30 years (along with matching shirts for DH).

Now my personal sewing is mostly repairs and mending, but I do make the Lycra bodysocs used on our recumbent bikes (like the one in my avatar).

And after 40 years of sewing, I still hate zippers!

Here in Portland, I love http://montavillasewing.com/ , they sell everything but fabric, because we have http://fabricdepot.com/ :-) I can spend hours in there :-)

Edna