Results 1 to 4 of 4

Thread: Sewing Machines

  1. #1
    New Member
    Join Date
    May 2012
    Location
    Dallas
    Hammock
    WBBB 1.1 DL
    Tarp
    WBBB MJ
    Suspension
    Whoopie/Dutch Buck
    Posts
    16

    Sewing Machines

    If I were to want to get in to sewing hammocks/tarps/webbing etc. what make/model/type of machine should I be looking into?

    Is bar-tacking webbing possible with a home machine without getting a commercial grade model?

    What are you guys using?
    Last edited by MascisMan; 05-22-2012 at 15:34.

  2. #2
    Senior Member Detail Man's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2010
    Location
    Knoxville, TN
    Hammock
    DIY or Bonefire Whisper
    Tarp
    DIY Silpoly
    Insulation
    Incubator, Burrow
    Suspension
    Bonefire Deluxe
    Posts
    889
    Images
    5
    Welcome to HF.

    There are lots of choices for sewing machines/thread injectors. Everyone has their preference, but as long as the machine will sew a straight stitch that's all you really need. Zigzag isn't necessary. Bar tacks, especially on light weight fabric, can weaken the fabric. Simply sewing forward/reverse a couple of times is plenty of a bar tack for hammock gear.

    Webbing can be sewn on most home machines. Use a heavier needle for better results, and avoid sewing across a melted end of webbing. Melting prevents fraying, but makes the webbing hard. I've broken a needle or two that way. "W" stitching is strongest for webbing. http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/a...5&d=1337352076

    I have a 1950ish Singer 201 that is an awesome machine. It only sews forward and reverse, but perfectly in both directions. My other machine is an older Bernina 930 which is also a real workhorse.

    The more metal a machine has, the better it will be. Most newer machines have plastic gears and won't last long or do heavier work. Check out Grandma's house, Craigslist, yard sales, and thrift stores for older inexpensive machines. Make sure you plug it in and listen to it run. A good machine will be quiet and run smooth. Like any piece of equipment, you'll need to keep it serviced for best results. Rambilrev has a good intro series about gear-making you should read over in the DIY forum.

    Good luck. Hope this helps.

  3. #3
    Senior Member Shnick's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2012
    Location
    South Georgia (not by choice)
    Hammock
    ENO Doublenest
    Tarp
    Wilderness Tadpole
    Insulation
    Not in Georgia...
    Suspension
    Whoopies!
    Posts
    319
    Images
    16
    Oh, and if you noticed, they call them "thead injectors" here on the DIY forums... dunno why, but its funny!

    Shnick
    ...Levitate me
    - Pixies

  4. #4
    Senior Member Ramblinrev's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2008
    Location
    Milton, PA
    Hammock
    Hennessey Explorer Ultralight
    Tarp
    Hennessey Hex
    Insulation
    HH Super Shelter
    Suspension
    ring buckle
    Posts
    7,945
    Images
    101
    Check my "guidelines" thread in my sig. Others have found it helpful. Brand is immaterial for gear making IMO. What you want a is a good reliable machine.
    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

  • + New Posts
  • Similar Threads

    1. sewing machines
      By johnp in forum General Hammock Talk
      Replies: 4
      Last Post: 01-26-2011, 12:59
    2. Sewing machines?
      By Big Jim Mac in forum Do-It-Yourself (DIY)
      Replies: 12
      Last Post: 08-19-2010, 06:19
    3. Sewing Machines
      By Trooper in forum Do-It-Yourself (DIY)
      Replies: 10
      Last Post: 08-08-2010, 16:11
    4. Sewing Machines
      By funbun in forum Do-It-Yourself (DIY)
      Replies: 32
      Last Post: 06-12-2007, 21:29
    5. Sewing Machines
      By Certain in forum Do-It-Yourself (DIY)
      Replies: 36
      Last Post: 12-27-2006, 23:20

    Bookmarks

    Posting Permissions

    • You may not post new threads
    • You may not post replies
    • You may not post attachments
    • You may not edit your posts
    •