Learning to sew

[Vtpilot1]

Ever since joining I've had this overwhelming urge to learn how to sew. Is it a difficult skill to learn?

[dragon360]

Not ... entirely. It seems a difficult skill to master. And is incredibly frustrating. But have little to no skill and have put together a number of hammocks, IX UQ's, down uq, stuff sacks, ridgeline organizers and such. I owe it to a good machine and great HF tutorials.

[Vtpilot1]

How much does a decent sewing machine cost? What's a good mid grade entry level model? Also a good size/type if thread to use?

[FLRider]

I highly recommend starting here (for the machine) and here (for basic operation skills). Both helped me immensely when I started doing this. Having a wife who is also the entire Drama department for her high school was also a plus .

Learning the basics of how to operate a sewing machine and making basic gear with it (stuff that doesn't require fancy stitching; I'm very much not talking about clothing here) is not particularly hard. Mastering it well enough that your stitching looks professional, on the other hand...well, that's a different story. As long as you don't mind your stuff looking a little ugly, it's really not all of that hard.

[Vtpilot1]

Heck no I don't mind if its ugly 😃 I'm all about function over form. I think I'm going to give it a whirl.

[Baffle]

I'm pretty much in the same boat as you.

The lady at Joanns was trying to sell me an emerald 118 made by Husqvarna/viking.($300) She seemed confident it could handle everything I wanted to do.

I think quite a few folks here will recommend you talk to a repair shop owner and purchase a reliable used machine.

I may just bite the bullet and move the mother-in-law in for a while. She has some serious sewing skills.

[Baffle]

Awesome links FLRider

[bayoubomber]

Ever since joining I've had this overwhelming urge to learn how to sew. Is it a difficult skill to learn?

In one word "No" its rather difficult but worth learning.

[FLRider]

Awesome links FLRider

Thank Ramblinrev; he's the one who put all of that together. He certainly helped me when I started out.

[diyguy]

As with most things, there is a learning curve. Sewing was intimidating at first, but you'd be amazed at what you can make after your first few hours in front of the machine. Start with a few stuff sacks and before long everything in your kit will be homemade. :-)