Sewing

[Nuts]

I have this big spool of polyester thread and some silicon coated nylon. I would like to make some gear/alterations. Does anyone have experience with sewing this slippery stuff and things like straps,tapes etc. ?

What basic machine would handle these materials?
Can anyone recommend a brand/model (needs to be the easiest to use option)?
Is there a use for over-locking?

[Son of a Beach]

Is there a use for over-locking?

Overlocking stops edges from fraying (and makes the edges look tidier). I can't help with the rest of your question - sorry.

[Tony]

Hi Nik,

I have never sewn silnylon but Roger Caffin's site has some good info on how to sew it and seam seal it.

http://www.bushwalking.org.au/FAQ/DIY_RNCTents.htm#Sew

Tony

[Nuts]

Roger has a huge amount of info. on that site. Thanks Tony. I have been there before, (one suggestion for roger would be to date his articles when he reviews them) and he certainly is the king of gear!

I am most interested in making a 2/3 person tipi tent. GoLite style but not with the si-nylon stuff they use (you end up wet!). There are others available but not so small and light.

Nuts (Pecan's, Hazel's, Macca's etc.)

[rcaffin]

I have this big spool of polyester thread and some silicon coated nylon. I would like to make some gear/alterations. Does anyone have experience with sewing this slippery stuff and things like straps,tapes etc. ?
What basic machine would handle these materials?
Can anyone recommend a brand/model (needs to be the easiest to use option)?
Is there a use for over-locking?

Any domestic machine. You don't need all the fancy stuff: straight and a few zigzags are all I use.

Overlocking - useful with uncoated fabrics and fleece, but some zigzags can replace that.

Key sewing tricks for silnylon: LOTs of fine pins in the hem region, low tension, fine needle (and thread), and sew under slight tension. Yeah - slippery stuff!

Cheers

[Nuts]

We are now the proud owner of a singer featherweight, was around $250.
I am trying to convince 'one of those who may be better at it' to rekindle an interest, though I did sew 3 small mats from one large multi-mat (Outdoor Research ($50/60?), just a thin rubber with rip-stop nylon on one side).

My attempt looked quite 'drunken', though actually learning how it get sewing I would rate as quite easy. I might have a go at a large tipi next, perhaps I could also tape the seams each side to cover my tracks?

Thanks r.caffin, I sourced the makings of the tipi from a link (Thru Hiker (very efficient, reasonable )) on your site. I'm still looking for a source with a bigger range of fabric colour options?

[rcaffin]

Thanks r.caffin, I sourced the makings of the tipi from a link (Thru Hiker (very efficient, reasonable )) on your site. I'm still looking for a source with a bigger range of fabric colour options?

I use Owfinc.
Seattle Fabrics is also not bad.

Cheers
Roger