What to do if you can't sew

[easyriver]

I was sewing through about four layers of naugahyde when sewing the welted seams

I found out that mine doesn't mind sewing four layers of ripstop, but just doesn't have the power to do six layers. Just turned it by hand for the short length of stitch required. Didn't seem to bother the machine at all.

[grich9860]

i am with majority of the other poster.... learning how to sew will be well worth it!! once you get the basics down you will be well on your way to becoming a true diy'er. the hardest part for me was learning how to thread the machine and getting the tension right. you already have a leg up with having the help/knowledge of your wife to help you out.

[Stormstaff]

I'm wishing I had learned already. My son wants a Star Wars jedi robe for Halloween.

Brand new thread injector in the box sitting at home mocking me

[easyriver]

Brand new thread injector in the box sitting at home mocking me

Not everybody would admit that!

[Geek]

take a look at the video where I made my underquilt! don't laugh too much it was my 1st shot at the thread injector.

So if I can get the material to stay together anyone can do it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4fjZLHJPD5I

[jred]

I'll be a naysayer. If all you want is one or two things, and you just care about the end results (having the items you need), and don't care at all about the process, just buy them. There's plenty of "local" shops here on the HF that would sell you just what you need.

Keep in mind, the over-whelming "just do it!" responses here are on the *DIY* forum...

[HappyHiker]

I'll echo the sentiments posted here already. If you just want the gear to use, buying it outright is a good way to go.

However, if you want to spend time and effort, and enjoy the process of creation - DIY is great fun. Watch Ramblin' Revs videos (fantastic for a novice like myself) and are very informative.

Here is my 1st effort ever behind a thread injector: http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/s...ad.php?t=40624 . It's a really great feeling knowing "I made that!" when you're finished.

That said, sure I saved money DIY'ing - but I spent a lot of time researching, designing, planning and executing. A lot of time. Did I mention it took a while? For me it was time well spent. But in the end, only you can make that decision.

[bmwrider]

Send me an email, I can come over and help you out. I am not very good but I have made a few things on my mother-in-laws' old beast.

thanks bud, I will have to do that

[bmwrider]

I had never sewed a thing in my life. I bought a machine on Craigslist and brought it home. After figuring out how to thread the machine and do some minor adjustments, I did a few practice stitches on a piece of ripstop. I swear, within 30 minutes, I was knee deep into making a ridgeline organizer. It turned out great! After a few projects now, my wife tells me my daughter wants me to fix a pair of her pants. Sorry, I gotta draw the line somewhere. My manhood is at stake. Bottom line, just crank up that darn thing and start injecting!

I agree we must retain our manhood, theres nothing wrong with sewing but becoming the housewife is just too far

[JohnSawyer]

I only want to do a TQ and UQ,

HA! That's what I said! 6 + hammocks, 2 UQ's a SB to TQ conversion, 2 PLUQs, Caveman wristees, stuff sacks, 2 tarps and a partridge in a pear tree later, and I'm still making a list of projects to build!

IMHO, if I can sew, you can sew. Buy some cheap thin nylon or polyester and start practicing... The slipperier and thinner the fabric, the better...

Worst case, find a family member that can sew, or for small projects, your local dry-cleaners that does alterations can do basic stuff pretty cheaply.

I say dive right in. The worst case is your gear is as "original" (ok, has "personality") like mine...