Sewing and sewing machines

[Funrover]

I have a couple plans that I would like to make a reality. To do this I need a sewing machine capable of sewing canvas and help with the how to. I have never sewed more than a button in my life. To give a couple ideas of what I am doing:

1. I am planning on some bikepacking trips this summer and want to make a frame bag (this bag fits in the triagle of your bike, gives you large storage and keeps the weight low)
(this is what I mean --->
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oWDRiexLA0I )


2. I want to build a canvas entry way for the back of my Rover. The wife and I camp in the Rover and it would be nice to have a quicl way to get in and out. Like a tent entrance in a way.

Thanks for any help!

[glacierpaul]

There is a lady in Idaho Springs who has a quilt shop, anyone can come in and make stuff in her shop(and she can help). I would look into this kind of option Aaron, short of buying a machine. Maybe a seamstress that will help you in the same way. Just some ideas.

[Brody]

The cheapest machines that will sew canvas/jean material are going to be BROTHER. I went shopping a number of years ago for something that would fit the gap between an industrial machine and a good machine for sewing dress shirts and dress pants and those fit the bill. The one I got has sewn a canvas tarp for the back of the heap...in addition to the nylon webbing for the tie downs...and has sewn a couple of prototype hanging bivi shelters. I didn't pay all that much for it and it is still working fine.

If you are looking, make sure you demo it on roughly the thickness of material that you are going to use, allowing for folding the seams and nylon strapping for the tie downs. The material adds up fast. You may also want to add in any backing material for reinforcement. Usually the less bells and whistles on the machine, the more heavy duty stuff it will sew.

There is a good used vac and sewing machine place south of 6th avenue on Sheridan on the west side of the road south of 1st. I don't remember the name...At any rate, what you want is something that will sew jeans...and multiple layers of jean material. You get something that will do that, you can sew a lot of heavy weight stuff.

Hancock Fabric is the best place around for nylon/cordura/packcloth and usually has a really good selection of you basic YKK zippers in bulk or specific lengths. If you are going to be sewing pack cloth or cordura stuff for this...or even canvas, which I wouldn't recommend, use the #69 nylon thread and a jean ball point needle. You can also make things a bit easier by spraying the thread with a silicon spray so that the thread doesn't get too hot and melt. The ball point needles also help with this as they push their way through the fabric instead of tearing a hole...

Another suggestion: if you are prototyping a design, use some junk sheets or butcher paper.

Happy to give you any feedback. I used to sew professionally (still help out Phyliss at Stitchlines every now and then) and had my own line of backpacks, climbing harnesses and other assorted soft goods under the name RHYNO GEAR back in the early 80s. Been sewing my own clothing junk up since I was about 10 or 11..