Sewing, How did you learn to do it?

**Rob_3D** · 03-27-2015, 08:48

Sewing... How did you learn to do it? Do you have any resources that you learned from that you could share? Do you have any tips for sewing these different materials, and what type of machine do you use? Are there any specific pros or cons to it regarding trying to DIY hammock stuff.

**zooshooter** · 03-27-2015, 08:51

Originally Posted by Rob_3D

Sewing... How did you learn to do it? Do you have any resources that you learned from that you could share? Do you have any tips for sewing these different materials, and what type of machine do you use? Are there any specific pros or cons to it regarding trying to DIY hammock stuff.

My high school still taught a home economics class while I was there. Part of it was sewing yourself a sweatshirt following a pattern. Technically that's how I learned to sew but I didn't touch a sewing machine for over a decade between then and when I made my first hammock. The operation of a sewing machine is just intuitive to me. Watching this image helped: http://cdn.theatlantic.com/assets/me...orks-98670.gif

**Rob_3D** · 03-27-2015, 08:56

Originally Posted by zooshooter

My high school still taught a home economics class while I was there. Part of it was sewing yourself a sweatshirt following a pattern. Technically that's how I learned to sew but I didn't touch a sewing machine for over a decade between then and when I made my first hammock. The operation of a sewing machine is just intuitive to me. Watching this image helped: http://cdn.theatlantic.com/assets/me...orks-98670.gif

Wow. That gif just unlocked the secret of sewing machines to me... I can't believe I've never realized that before.

**Bubba** · 03-27-2015, 09:06

YouTube videos and practice. HF member Ramblinrev has a series for beginners that is helpful. Research the DIY forum for helpful threads on making gear.

**xrayit** · 03-27-2015, 09:08

Originally Posted by zooshooter

My high school still taught a home economics class while I was there. Part of it was sewing yourself a sweatshirt following a pattern. Technically that's how I learned to sew but I didn't touch a sewing machine for over a decade between then and when I made my first hammock. The operation of a sewing machine is just intuitive to me. Watching this image helped: http://cdn.theatlantic.com/assets/me...orks-98670.gif

High School Home Economics, my project was a tee shirt with ribbed collar and sleeves LOL, also learned how to cook a few things and wash my cloths. Looking back that was one of the most useful classes I took in High School.

**georgecarr** · 03-27-2015, 09:17

Just jumped in. The waters warm and not that deep. Seriously, these forums and YouTube are the greatest resources.

**jamaulwall** · 03-27-2015, 09:24

Believe it or not, an 8th grade Home Economics class. We had to make a pillow and what is basically a stuff sack, go figure. I got a B out of the class and at the time never thought I'd use that knowledge again, but I've found it's actually a great skill to have. My skills are still very basic, but I do use them to repair/modify gear and clothes a couple times a year and I've done a few basic DIY projects as well.

**MAD777** · 03-27-2015, 09:28

Just do it! (where have I heard that before?)
Seriously, I went to Walmart & bought the cheapest machine they had. I don't know anyone that sews. This was years ago before HammockForums and I got enough advice ti get the machine going from fellow members at Backpackinglight. From there is was just practice on a few scraps and then I just jumped in. It really isn't nearly as hard as it looks. Just think of it as just another a power tool.

**OneClick** · 03-27-2015, 09:36

My skills are very basic, probably not good enough to actually DIY anything. I don't own and never used a sewing machine.

But I just sort of tried it one day and taught myself.

Going to a private school, we had to wear navy dress pants since 1st grade. I like Dockers but apparently they don't have tape measures in Nicaragua, Haiti or other various countries they're made - so when you buy a 30" inseam, you get either 29", 30" or 31". Being able to hem them myself over the years really saved me a lot. I think they charge $10-15 just to do that at local shops.

**xrayit** · 03-27-2015, 10:02

Originally Posted by markr6

My skills are very basic, probably not good enough to actually DIY anything. I don't own and never used a sewing machine.

But I just sort of tried it one day and taught myself.

Going to a private school, we had to wear navy dress pants since 1st grade. I like Dockers but apparently they don't have tape measures in Nicaragua, Haiti or other various countries they're made - so when you buy a 30" inseam, you get either 29", 30" or 31". Being able to hem them myself over the years really saved me a lot. I think they charge $10-15 just to do that at local shops.

LOL ... it's not only Dockers. Seems all pants are 32" inseam no matter what the tags says. Have not bought any pants in years that didn't need to be cut down to fit me. My thread injectors have paid for them selfs many times over.