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  1. #1
    bendback's Avatar
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    How Do You Get Started Making Gear

    I want to start making my own gear, tarps, hammocks, storage bags, etc. Any suggestions on info/videos on educating myself. I know nothing. What’s the best sewing machine to learn on. What other items would be needed such as scissors, layout materials, etc. Looking for advice on how to get started and learn. Thanks

  2. #2
    New Member FuzzyJew's Avatar
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    Plenty of great videos on the subject on youtube. A regular contributor here by the name of Jellyfish has a series of awesome youtube videos detailing her hammocking projects. I'd search the Do-it-yourself (DIY) forum and search around there as well as some really fun and impressive projects have popped up in there.

    Good luck, have fun, be safe!
    "If people never did silly things nothing intelligent would ever get done." - L Wittgenstein

  3. #3
    bendback's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by FuzzyJew View Post
    Plenty of great videos on the subject on youtube. A regular contributor here by the name of Jellyfish has a series of awesome youtube videos detailing her hammocking projects. I'd search the Do-it-yourself (DIY) forum and search around there as well as some really fun and impressive projects have popped up in there.

    Good luck, have fun, be safe!

    Thanks

  4. #4
    all secure in sector 7 Shug's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by bendback View Post
    I want to start making my own gear, tarps, hammocks, storage bags, etc. Any suggestions on info/videos on educating myself. I know nothing. What’s the best sewing machine to learn on. What other items would be needed such as scissors, layout materials, etc. Looking for advice on how to get started and learn. Thanks
    First I would say just dive in. You will make many mistakes starting out. I sure did!!!

    Try to make a basic stuff sack first....https://mythicseam.com/camp-pillow-s...0the%20inside.

    Search You Tube for basic sewing and sewing machine basics. START THERE! https://www.youtube.com/results?sear...chine+tutorial

    Or get a book on Basic Sewing....https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/sewing...ition=21484575


    If the machine does not work or you don't understand the machine it can be really frustrating.
    Go to a local sewing shop. The often have classes. Jo-Ann Fabrics type store.
    Any machine will work. Buy good scissors. Use them for fabric only.
    Shug
    Whooooo Buddy)))) All Secure in Sector Seven

  5. #5
    bendback's Avatar
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    Thanks Shug, appreciate the advice and info

  6. #6
    Senior Member sidneyhornblower's Avatar
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    Piling on to what everybody else has already said, Ripstop by the Roll has more than 150 videos up on their YouTube channel. Not only do they sell the components, they're a terrific source of information on how to work with DIY gear:

    https://www.youtube.com/c/RipstopbytheRoll
    "...the height of hammock snobbery!"

  7. #7
    Senior Member WV's Avatar
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    "Let your work be a little rough around the edges." That was advice from a former boss that I hated to hear. It has helped with making hammocks, too. There are no style points compared to getting a good night's sleep. Each project will lead to the next, and you'll learn from each one, so don't waste time making them perfect.

  8. #8
    New Member 3 Feet High and Rising's Avatar
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    Wish I found hammockforums when we had Lock-down could make so many things.
    Thanks for links

    Soon to be looking on ebay for sewing machines.
    Last edited by 3 Feet High and Rising; 05-04-2022 at 11:34. Reason: spelling
    To much chat, not enough hang.

  9. #9
    Member draco_1967's Avatar
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    Like others have said, just dive in! Do some small bags (stuff sacks, zipper pouches, etc.). Ripstop By the Roll has some great DYI kits that are pre-cut and have all the hardware needed. They are great for getting the sewing techniques down. Then, you can start making your own patterns to get what you want. Lots of videos on YouTube. I like Jellyfish, Jasonofalltrades, and the Ripstop By the Roll videos.
    Also, know your sewing machine. Do a lot of practice with different types of materials and multiple layers to see how the machine will handle what you want to do with it.

  10. #10
    Senior Member
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    Thumbs up on watching sewing videos. I liked Matt's video (of RedPawPacks)
    5 Beginner Sewing Ultralight MYOG Tips I Wish I Knew, especially when he said, "It's all about jumping over that first barrier of entry to get better..."
    Find your inner hammock.

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