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  1. #1
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    question regarding sewing straps

    Hey everyone,

    I have a small singer sewing machine that I use for sewing patches on my motorcycle vests(this is all I have ever done with it). I have some webbing straps that I removed from a hammock and would like to make some tree straps out of them. Is there anything special I need to know regarding how to stich or use heavy duty thread? I know it's an elementary question but would rather ask before I did it and bust my butt because I didn't do something right. Thanks.

  2. #2
    Senior Member Ramblinrev's Avatar
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    You will probably have no end of trouble with heavy duty thread unless your machine is an classic three quarter machine. If it is one of the newer plastic jobbers I would suggest sticking with regular thread of high quality and following the stitching patterns discussed in other threads on the forum. There are any number of them from box-x to double box-x to lines of stitches that run lengthwise down the webbing. Some folks use multiple bar tacks successfully. I don't usually recommend using a zig zag for webbing loops. Straight stitches of a slightly shorter than average length (8-9 stitches/inch or 2.5 mm depending on how your machine is calibrated) should be plenty strong enough. Of course any weight bearing suspension component needs inspection to make sure no damage is occurring. That's just good hanging practice.
    I may be slow... But I sure am gimpy.

    "Bless you child, when you set out to thread a needle don't hold the thread still and fetch the needle up to it; hold the needle still and poke the thread at it; that's the way a woman most always does, but a man always does t'other way."
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  3. #3
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    I was worried about this too. I have heard about nylon thread. is this an actual real thing and if so is it a good thing to use?

  4. #4
    Senior Member Ramblinrev's Avatar
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    I do not recommend nylon thread for home machine use. It tends to create tension problems which are virtually impossible to remedy. Some commercial machines can handle nylon and I have heard other members say they use it without difficulty but I have yet to have any luck with it. It stretches and creates issues.
    I may be slow... But I sure am gimpy.

    "Bless you child, when you set out to thread a needle don't hold the thread still and fetch the needle up to it; hold the needle still and poke the thread at it; that's the way a woman most always does, but a man always does t'other way."
    Mrs. Loftus to Huck Finn

    We Don't Sew... We Make Gear! video series

    Important thread injector guidelines especially for Newbies

    Bobbin Tension - A Personal Viewpoint

  5. #5
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    Quote Originally Posted by Ramblinrev View Post
    I do not recommend nylon thread for home machine use. It tends to create tension problems which are virtually impossible to remedy. Some commercial machines can handle nylon and I have heard other members say they use it without difficulty but I have yet to have any luck with it. It stretches and creates issues.
    Thank you, what thread would you suggest?

  6. #6
    Senior Member Ramblinrev's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by lorddan01 View Post
    Thank you, what thread would you suggest?
    Good quality 100% polyester thread is the most used. Guttermann's seems to be a preferred brand but there are other high quality brands available. Just avoid the really cheap stuff you find in discount places. Cheap thread is not worth the cost.
    I may be slow... But I sure am gimpy.

    "Bless you child, when you set out to thread a needle don't hold the thread still and fetch the needle up to it; hold the needle still and poke the thread at it; that's the way a woman most always does, but a man always does t'other way."
    Mrs. Loftus to Huck Finn

    We Don't Sew... We Make Gear! video series

    Important thread injector guidelines especially for Newbies

    Bobbin Tension - A Personal Viewpoint

  7. #7
    Senior Member hppyfngy's Avatar
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    +1 Gutterman Mara 100% Polyester.

    I use it for pretty much everything from hammocks to webbing to leather repairs.

    http://www.backwoodsdaydreamer.com/p...s-page/thread/
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  8. #8
    Senior Member Knotty's Avatar
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    Can't find the source right now but the strongest stitching for webbing is parallel rows running lengthwise (in other words, in line with the stress).
    Knotty
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  9. #9
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    Here you go...from this thread and others.
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