Anybody know how to sew?

[shootingstar]

There are probably more men interested in or doing sewing than just the guys in the design/fashion world.

But it's hidden or under the guise of repairing tents, sails, pack sacks or furniture ulpholstery or making furniture coverings/working in interior design areas or leathermaking products.

In connecting all the dots of my mother's natural strengths in this areas in the past day , she also had a natural mathematical ability to calculate in her head by looking, how much fabric was required to design and make fitted slipcovers for a sofa and armchair set. This is one area I would take more time than she to do the calculations.

Yet despite her tailoring, advanced sewing techniques, she did not have artistic sense of choosing inspiring colour combinations and textures for outfits. These are areas I know came more naturally to me.

[Deborajen]

Get yourself a nice mechanical machine (no need for all the computer bells and whistles, really), and make sure it has a buttonholer that you like (test it out when you are testing machines to buy). I prefer the four-step buttonholer on beginner machines...they always make GREAT buttonholes! Also look for a multi-stitch zig-zag. You might want to use this stitch for finishing seam allowances.

I second this - Good advice. I have an old Kenmore that Mom & Dad gave me for high school graduation 20+ years ago. It's sturdy, simple and does all the basics, plus I can do the maintenance on it myself. Can't beat it.

I believe Kwik Sew has some good beginner patterns (?) Buttonholes and zippers can be frustrating so I'd save those for later. Slippery fabrics and knits are also challenging, and stripes and plaids usually need to be matched at the seams.--

Have fun!

[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!