My Webbing Masterpiece

**OneClick** · 07-16-2019, 07:27

First try on the left, second on the right. I'm obviously not posting because I'm proud of the work, but I'm getting the hang of it. The sewing machine has seen sitting on the shelf 99% of the time since I got it years ago. Lots of struggling and giving up in the past, but I'll keep practicing.

I could have used black thread to hide my sloppiness, but I thought the red looked pretty slick either way. Function over form here; I just needed some longer straps to hold my backpack to the packraft. When I get brave enough, I'll make my own straps for my hammocks.

**XJ35S** · 07-16-2019, 08:09

Looks fine. How'd you connect the other end of the webbing? Sewn onto an existing seam maybe? I prefer the boxed X for the look and function.

**cmoulder** · 07-16-2019, 08:18

Looks great, or at least good enuf!

I've got some stuff I tacked together with some seriously fugly hand stitching and it has held fine for many years with lots of use!

**OneClick** · 07-16-2019, 08:41

Originally Posted by XJ35S

Looks fine. How'd you connect the other end of the webbing? Sewn onto an existing seam maybe? I prefer the boxed X for the look and function.

The other end is just loose, which goes around the pack and gets fed thru the other two slots on the ladder (what you see on the bottom portion). Basically just the $5 straps you buy to keep sleeping bags rolled up.

I tried the box x initially but didn't work well. Then I realized you're supposed to keep the needle down in the fabric. So I'll give that a retry some day.

Originally Posted by cmoulder

Looks great, or at least good enuf!

I've got some stuff I tacked together with some seriously fugly hand stitching and it has held fine for many years with lots of use!

I have some sloppy hand sewing on my backpacks (too thick for the machine). A small piece of webbing on my backpack shoulder strap to hold a water bottle holster. Works great!

**tsshaw78** · 07-16-2019, 08:50

Not bad looking. I found sewing the first few times intimidating but after practice have found the task rather enjoyable. I have sewn loops in seat belt webbing and Kevlar webbing. The seat belts were my first attempt and it was terrible looking. I jammed the thread multiple times making my stitching look like a chia pet. I was so unsure of what I was doing I just kept adding stitches until it looked like it wouldn't fail.
My second attempt at stitching loops was in the Kevlar webbing after having done some research. The outcome was much more pleasing.
So long story short, as with any skill, practice makes perfect better.

**OneClick** · 07-16-2019, 08:57

Yeah, just can't get the hang of seeing where the thread is starting/stopping. That's why the first one is way off...not even close to the edge of the webbing. OTOH, I don't want to go over the edge of the webbing. Do they make clear presser feet?

**tsshaw78** · 07-16-2019, 09:49

Actually yes they do make a clear presser foot: https://www.amazon.com/Distinctive-A.../dp/B003265HUM

**slugbait** · 07-16-2019, 10:30

It's actually an advantage to use contrasting thread when sewing webbing- that way you can inspect the stitching easily for possible damage in the future. For non-critical stitching (i.e. not the you're gonna die if it fails situations) I prefer matching thread to fabric as this hides mistakes rather well.

**IRONFISH45** · 07-16-2019, 10:49

Nice work, obviously each step is improved.
A clear Presserfoot is helpful. Desire and practice make for satisfaction.

I like contrasting thread in projects such as straps, as already pointed out you will easily see boo boos.

Carry forward, slow and sure, just do not sew your finger!

**Rain Man** · 07-16-2019, 14:53

Looks good to me. Gotta start somewhere.

BTW, for strength-critical stitching of webbing, studies find that running the stitching rows parallel to the webbing, rather than across it, is actually stronger.