Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with DIY and sewing

Best semi-pro sewing machine for heavy fabrics?

WorkingMyWayHome — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 21:30:54 -0800

What pro or semi-pro sewing machine would be best for a home sewer opening an Etsy store that sells denim, canvas, and Cordura (1000 denier) luggage and other bags? Ability to sew lighter fabrics as well would be a plus, as would overlock capability (a separate overlock machine would also work). This is for a class project and hypothetical, so price is no object.

How do I learn to become a bespoke tailor and/or find an apprenticeship in the United States?

faeuboulanger — Sun, 18 Nov 2012 20:49:28 -0800

Where should I look for information on becoming a bespoke tailor (through books/self-education, training, and/or apprenticeship) in the United States? Hello,

I am interesting in learning to become a bespoke trailor, but I am unsure where to begin my education. Any suggestions for excellent and rigorous books, training programs, or apprenticeship opportunities would be much appreciated. I don't have much money at my disposal. Ideally, I would like to teach myself some basic skills, such that I can seek out a paid apprenticeship. The finest craftsmanship is a big priority for me, so I'm mostly interested in resources that will help me achieve excellence... no messing around here!

Thank you for your insights and suggestions in advance!

Do new and hip fleece patterns exist?

Kindlekat — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 13:38:32 -0800

DIY Holiday Gifts: I love sewing easy projects with fleece, but hate how all the patterns out there are stuck in the 80s. Help me find some more hip, updated and/or useful patterns! I've started a little late on planning my Christmas gifts this year, so I'm turning to my tried-and-true easy and fun gifts: Things made from fleece. It's easy to cut, pin, and sew and I love how 1 yard easily turns into 4 scarves.

I'm looking for new projects for some variety, but everything I find is outdated and looks very simple/boring. For example: Stuck in the 90s
Matching human/dog sweaters!
No ponchos, no!

I'm not looking to sew for kids, just adults, and with the right colors lots of things look better, but I can't seem to find anything that looks even remotely good. I also don't need "no sew" projects, and am looking for everything from hats to coasters to ipad cases. Please suggest some sources!

Sofa, so good.

motsque — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 06:53:47 -0800

Do I cut the piping off a sofa when making a new cover? Please help me avert a diy-disaster! OK, so I'm going to make a custom slipcover for a sofa and loveseat. I'm worried that if I leave the piping that's on the sofa now (along the edges of the cushions and around the armrests) that it will look stupid and prevent the new cover from fitting tightly.

I'm thinking I should just carefully cut the piping off, which it looks like I can do without ripping open a seam. Am I being stupid? Will my sofa fall apart? If you've sewn a sofa cover before, please help!

How do I sew leather trim?

morganw — Wed, 10 Nov 2010 13:57:02 -0800

Where might I find a sewing site (or a book) that shows how to sew leather edging (or binding or piping) on to fabric? I want to make something with the look of a Gilles Berthoud bag though not as detailed- I'm not that crazy. I'd be making just a boxy bag or a (bicycle) top tube cover. I took a look at Tandy Leather & they don't sell leather "ribbon." Do people always cut their own? Do you put a cord inside to give the edge some thickness/bulk?

I'm also interested in leatherette and bias tape. I don't really get how the edges of bias tape don't fray unless it's tucked under which means there's a lot of layers in a taped seam- two of tape, two of the base material, then two more of tape, right? I guess a lot of pins are required?

How can I salvage my clothes into something Frankencool?

invitapriore — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 12:14:00 -0800

I want to start making clothes for myself. I have basic sewing skills. Specifically, I want to turn the many busted pieces of clothing I have into something awesome. I have a lot of clothes lying around that I just don't wear: many pairs of jeans that have big gaping holes in them, t-shirts that are alright except they don't fit well/have a graphic I'm not especially fond of, etc. etc. I'm a dude, if it matters.

My goals here:

1. I don't want to buy more clothes to make clothes out of the clothes I already have. I'm definitely up for buying some fabric, if need be.

2. I do want to make clothes that don't get me arrested for indecency.

3. Nothing would please me more than if the result were totally wild and insane looking, but I do want it to be a focussed insanity. Using a bunch of completely unrelated and not especially complementary fabrics to patch up my tattered pants is an example of what I'm not going for.

4. I want the result to fit me fairly closely, assuming I change the shape of anything. I know that probably makes it a lot more challenging.

So, I know this is a very broad question, but I'm basically interested in finding out where to start. Have you tried this before? What skills do I need for the end result not to just look like an ugly burlap sack? Do you know of any good beginner-level projects that would suit me?

Thanks!

making the aesthetic useful again

raztaj — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 09:53:27 -0800

Turning faux pockets into real pockets on a jacket. Can it be done? I recently purchased a jacket that I absolutely love, but the one drawback is that it has faux pockets. I like pockets, I like putting my hands among other things in them, and would like to turn these closed seams into useful niches. But how do you do this?

I can use a needle and thread, but I don't own a sewing machine. I'm somewhat crafty, but not a lot. Can I do this on my own without ruining the jacket?

Here are some pictures of said fauxness (outside 1, outside 2, unlined inside)

Can I make this sweater at home, and if so how?

telegraph — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 18:06:36 -0800

How can I knock off this super cute cardigan by hand? Is it worth trying? I love the sweater from Anthropologie pictured here, but the price tag is too steep. I'd like to reproduce something similar myself by embroidering a plain store bought cardigan.

I've done some handicrafts before (mostly crochet), but never embroidery. What materials will I need? Is a project like this good for a beginner, or am I over reaching? Are there any canonical books or websites about getting started? One of my friends owns the sweater so I will have access to it for copying the pattern -- will it be sufficient to trace the design and figure out the "stitches" (is that the right terminology?) by eye?

My head is the size of a melon, and it just snowed.

mecran01 — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 20:34:43 -0800

I have a huge head and need a winter hat. my head is 25 1/2 inches, or about 66cm. That's a wee bit bigger than a men's xxxl hat.

I'm trying to find a warm winter hat or balaclava that will stop the wind, is somewhat water resistant, and will fit. I will be bicycling, hiking, and cross country skiing in Utah with it. My ears protrude like Prince Charles so I have to have ear coverage.

Should I:

1. just get a stretch hat and wear good ear muffs

2. Make my own from Polartec fleece (I have family that can snow)

3. Find a good balaclava and trust that it will stretch to fit

Or something else? My budget is about $30.

Wood-Hacker.

10ch — Mon, 13 Nov 2006 14:10:09 -0800

How do I build a rack to store spools of thread? I would like to build a thread rack like this, but one that hangs on the wall instead of standing up on its own.

It looks like a pretty innocent venture, but I am a complete novice at woodwork (though I do own the appropriate power tools: circular saw, drill, sander).

Could someone either point me to a plan (I've googled every combo of DIY, How To, Build, Thread, Spool, Rack, Shelf, Holder, Storage that I can think of with no luck) or give me some pointers as to the best way to accomplish this?

Honestly, I don't even know what kind of wood to buy. And then I assume dowel rods are the way to go for the pegs? Do I drill a hole all the way through and use wood glue? Part way through? I know thread isn't that heavy, but I don't want the pegs to fall out, is wood glue enough or should I use brads to secure the rods? Any advice for drilling at an angle so this thing doesn't look like a piece of crap?

This is for a Christmas gift, so I still have plenty of weekends to accomplish this. And in case it isn't obvious, I realize purchasing one of these would probably alleviate a lot of the pain/frustration I'm going to experience on those weekends, but I want the gift to be handmade.

Your advice and experience is much appreciated.

Help me make my dream bag.

Alison — Fri, 26 May 2006 10:34:56 -0800

What are the best, most useful, most ingenious backpack/messenger bag features you've ever seen? I'm planning on making my own backpack/messenger bag with convertible straps. I'll use it sometimes for commuting, but mainly as an under seat carry-on for long distance travel. It will carry a laptop (which will have its own sleeve) and a few other small items.

Since it will be a custom job, I plan on adding all the useful features I can. I thought I would ask my fellow AskMefites if they have any bag features that they can't live without. Do you have a bag with super comfy straps? Does it have some kind of pocket that you can't live without? Are there special flaps to keep out the rain? Do those little metal feet at the bottom of some bags really matter? What kinds of materials are resilient enough to put up with lots of abuse? Any ideas about compartments for carrying snacks that won't get squished? I need descriptions, links and (especially) pictures.

I have lots of leather, canvas and vinyl and I have the parts to add a lighting system. I'm also experimenting with ways to stiffen the back so I can use it like a desk and adding a pillow to the front flap for naps. Other than that, I'm stumped. Any input or ideas would be welcome.

Please help me dress myself better than the mall can...

Alison — Thu, 26 Jan 2006 07:51:46 -0800

What are your favorite styles or pieces of clothing that defy trends? I have recently been inspired to make most of my clothing for this spring/summer and next fall. Due to the time and energy investment I would like to end up with a wardrobe that will be unique but will still look good years from now. I am fairly experienced at sewing and have a big pattern library, so I can figure out how to make almost anything.

I am looking for things that can be hard to find at times as availability is often decided upon what will be popular rather than what will be practical for years. For example, I like making things like pleated skirts or fitted tweed jackets, but these might not be in stores depending on the trend cycle and most likely won’t be available in a color I like. Lately, I have been finding a lot of inspiration from vintage clothing.

So what are your favorite looks? Is there a skirt you have that looks good with everything? Do you have a coat that still draws complements after five years? Have you seen something special enough to make you look at it again? Pictures or links to patterns would be appreciated as would any inspirational book recommendations. This is also not limited to women’s clothing; I’m interested in looking at men’s styles, too.