Sewing Resources For Men

D

DamnYuppie

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Jan 9, 2011
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#1
I am in need of some resources to help me figure out how to sew. I am mostly looking to fix rips and tears I have in some backpacks and jeans. I am looking to do this with needle and thread and not a sewing machine. I have not yet found any remedial and useful information on how to sew; my google-fu for sewing is weak....

Of course I had a wonderfully ackward time getting needles and such from JoAnn's, they seemed to think fixing a backpack was not a worthwhile endeavor lol/cry....
 
#2
Re: Sewing Resources For Men

if I am ever in "need" of some sewing, I just get a needle and some thread and go to it. It usually ends up looking like complete crap but, as long as it holds up, I dont care. I am sure this has helped you lots...
 
#3
Re: Sewing Resources For Men

Not exactly an answer to your question. But I have repaired a few items here and there by hand using a fairly large needle and dental floss as thread. It probably doesn't look all that good as posted by wards75 above. I mention it because it may be useful for some of the sewing you alluded to. Dental floss is absolutely tough as nails. I got the idea from reading how motorcycle racers used it to repair their leathers after a spill due to its durability.
 
#5
Re: Sewing Resources For Men

I learned how to sew in HS home-ec class. I made a tactical sleeping pillow that was light enough to hump, and I slept like a baby - still ha ve it and it's 25 years old now...clean and comfy...

Sewing is a good thing, why throw something away when you can fix it!!
 
#6
Re: Sewing Resources For Men

Prolly the best advice you'll get all day........

Go to your local Tractor Supply store and get one of these, and learn how to use it....instructions on use come with it. You'll find 'em in the horse tack section....12 bucks.

Critical gear, for me, and one always rides in my pack.....

sewing awl

A lot slower than a machine but with some practice and proper use will produce a stitch that's just as good as any machine will do.

Comes with heavy needles and heavy thread, for heavy work...which works very well for me on leather pistol holsters, knife sheaths, and nylon webbing. The stitcher's collet will easily squeeze down on smaller sewing machine needles for using smaller upholstery/button threads, for fixing jeans, or other lighter work.
 
#7
Re: Sewing Resources For Men

+1 on the awl...

easy to learn and use! Once you learn the uses seem to multiply. Before long you'll be able to roll your own brand as well as repair everything that needs a stitch.
 
#8
Re: Sewing Resources For Men

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DamnYuppie</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I am in need of some resources to help me figure out how to sew. I am mostly looking to fix rips and tears I have in some backpacks and jeans. I am looking to do this with needle and thread and not a sewing machine. I have not yet found any remedial and useful information on how to sew; my google-fu for sewing is weak....

Of course I had a wonderfully ackward time getting needles and such from JoAnn's, they seemed to think fixing a backpack was not a worthwhile endeavor lol/cry.... </div></div>

For lighter stuff your local JoAnn's can be a great resource.

For heavy duty stuff, maybe tap your local cobbler for some help.

The Library is also a great resource.

A few simple stitches with a hand needle can repair a lot of gear. It may look like ass, but it works. If you want to get into quality repairs, then an industrial sewing machine is in order.
 
#9
Re: Sewing Resources For Men

Also, look into using carpet thread as its very strong for a reason and still is very easy to use and can fit into needles. I have used braided fishing line (like Spider Wire) for quick repair as well and its always held up.
 
#10
Re: Sewing Resources For Men

The Parachute Manual Vol. 1 – Dan Poynter (referred to as PPM)
Standard Practice for Stitches and Seams – ASTM D 6193
General Repair Procedures for Individual Equipment – TM 10-8400-203-23
General Fabric Repair – FM 10-16
 
#12
Re: Sewing Resources For Men

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: LoneWolfUSMC</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
A few simple stitches with a hand needle can repair a lot of gear. It may look like ass, but it works. If you want to get into quality repairs, then an industrial sewing machine is in order. </div></div>

Ain't got a thing if you've no pride in your work, or what you do...looking like ass, is not an option.

Unless you're a wizzard with a "hand needle" you won't get a lock stitch, and anything else won't cut it on making or repairing gear.....

Industrial machine?

Come on man, he's just wanting to fix some busted up stuff....not go into business. Besides, he specified no machine wanted. Hell, I've got over a grand in the non industrial machine I bought for my wife, and it doesn't get used but MAYBE six or seven times a year. Like hell I'll spring for an industrial machine for what I do, and I even make a little money at this myself, from time to time.

As far as quality stitching sans a machine I'll refer back to the sewing awl I posted about:

Din't like the way my pack was set up so I did some modifications....
0429111820a95234689.jpg


Holster for my .45.....
0429111821a95253779.jpg

0429111821b95252704.jpg


A knife and sheath I made for somebody along the way....
HPIM2638.jpg


Just sayin'...........
 
#13
Re: Sewing Resources For Men

You're right....what was I thinking. I don't know shit about gear.

I have never fixed anything that I depended on in the field with dental floss and a pocket sewing kit.

Just sayin'...........

I do like the leatherwork. I did something like that in summer camp several decades ago.

The box-x is pretty natty though. I wouldn't go showing that off as a demonstration of quality work. I stand by my original comment. If you want QUALIY repairs on gear you need a machine. You can get by with a plastic home machine if you know what you are doing. However by the time you know what you are doing, you know enough to buy a heavy duty machine.

You don't need a machine just to stitch shit together, but it it isn't going to look or work half as well.

Sorry if I hurt your feelings.

Again, for what the OP is asking a pocket sewing kit will work. It worked for me for a LOOOONNNGG time.
 
#14
Re: Sewing Resources For Men

Sorry that a simple tool like a sewing awl so easily trips you up, and that a lock stitch is beyond your realm of gear fixing expertism.....with your logic (and obvious lack of givashit), super glue might be a better option, but remember you can unwittingly glue your fingers together so you might want to seek the assistance of an adult, if you go that route.

Lemme guess...your summer camp dental flossed leather work looked like ass.

Carry on............
 
#15
Re: Sewing Resources For Men

My first sewing machine cost $15.00. Like a dummy I took woodworking in high school when all the women were taking home ec. and learning to sew. The seller, a friends wife showed me how to thread it and I was off and sewing.

If you just want to repair a backpack and a couple straps you can do it with a needle a pair of needle nose pliers and heavy nylon thread. If you want to do more buy a used machine off craigslist. Then you can make cammo bags for your gear and ammo. Tons of neat stuff. The advantage of cammo material is that it hides uneven seam lines and sewing mistakes.
 
#16
Re: Sewing Resources For Men

+ whatever on the awl - also known as a Speedy Stitcher - Sportsman's Warehouse has them.

Alsto + whatever on the sewing machine for quality work. My hand-stitching looks like hell - I don't have the patience. Even a cheap sewing machine helps a bunch. I just fixed all the wiring and replaced the belt on an old one my wife has and we're in business. Next up, a new suppressor cover!
 
#18
Re: Sewing Resources For Men

Long before I had a machine and fancy stuff, I used a system that is cheap. I took an large upholstry needle and pair of pliars. Pushed needle through until enough was visable to grab and pull with pliars.

I made my own fishing rods for years so used the guide winding thread for sewing thread. That stuff is tough, strong and if you get the No Color Pressurver type it last for just about forever.

Other than that just buy the heavy coat/button thread from JoAnns as it works in a pinch.

Now off in woods I carry a large needle and para cord. You can strip out the para cord and use individual strings for thread. Tougher than most anything else on market.

Nice stiching on leather
 
#20
Re: Sewing Resources For Men

Sewing 101 on the hide, funny stuff. I do some upholstery work on the side, Joanns upholstery thread is very tough stuff the cost is around 5 bucks a roll. Ive fixed many leather jackets by hand with a curved needle and some fishing line. If you want quality stitches a machine is the only way to go. I use a 1953 singer, model 15-91. its a heavy duty gear box drive machine that you can find used for 75 to 150 bucks.
 
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