To all you sewing lot...

Does anybody use or know of any open source or very low cost websites or programmes that can be used to develop bag patterns.

I’m thinking of some sort of CAD programme where you draw your pattern out and the programme will virtually sew your bag to show dimensions etc.

Recently picked up sewing. I’m usinf an old Singer 611G which was recently serviced (bought at auction, and hadn’t been used it 20+ years).

I am getting this tensioning issue no matter what fabric I’m sewing into, and regardless of whether I set the tension high or low (pic is Cordura, for reference). I’m beginning to wonder if this is a something I can solve by fiddling with tension, or if there’s something wrong with the machine… the other thing to add is that when I go mega slow, I don’t get the issue, but when I press the pedal at a normal pace, it happens (the take up lever jerks and doesn’t run smoothly). any tips much appreciated.

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Check the needle size is right for thread size - if hole in the needle is too small, it can cause this dragging.

Same for the spool of thread on the top; make sure it’s spinning freely and not snagging, and that it’s sat on a base bigger than the spool ie not just loose on a spindle. Sometimes the jerky nature of domestics means a loop of thread ‘drops off’ the spool and catches on the spindle, causing irregular tension. I improved a feed by cutting a circle of fleece cloth to sit under the spool of thread, meaning it rolled consistent and steady, and didn’t jerk forward and fire lots of thread downstream - more apparent a high speed like you have.

Although it’s been serviced, double- check that the underside mechanism is entirely free from stray thread and residue - anything that impedes the looper could cause the inconsistent stitching. Pair of tweezers, and a long needle or cocktail stick to have a poke about.

Replace the needle, re-thread the machine. Make sure no inconsistent motions.

So, at speed, I bet your thread isn’t running smooth. If it’s not the needle then, the looper isn’t catching it under, your knee lift is partially released, or your bobbin carrier isn’t set right.

Or, you need to test multiple materials.

Always niggled me how there’s no organisation in my Mission Workshop pack - aside from the small zipped pocket on the bottom.
Little project last night to use leftovers to make a Velcro-in organiser. Sewed a strip of Velcro hooks to some seam allowance along the top inside of the pack, and organiser sticks on and hangs off this.

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Modified @ltc Restrap frame bag's velcro straps to laced. (No before picture unfortunately...)

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Really happy with it! Thanks again.

V nice. I'd love if mine had something like that.

Any thoughts on how to repair these Rapha bibs that are coming apart incredibly prematurely?

I was thinking of trying to pull the fabric away from the pad and zigzag stitch along, not sure if it will be possible without puckering the material or sewing through the pad.

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I’m not a hugely experienced sewer but I’d think that doing some sort of patch on it might be the best way to prolong the life? Depends how prematurely they’re coming apart and how much wear they’ve had, of course. I like rapha cargo ones and have worn a few pairs until they’ve basically fallen apart. The other option might be to ask rapha themselves - I have a vague memory of them doing repairs but that might only be if you crash (or I might be mixing them up with another company, I know a few of them who do club kits who will repair for free following a crash).

Keen to know the answer to this in case you do find an answer elsewhere 👀

You could
-unstitch the pad at the side, enough to get it onto a domestic machine arm
-turn it through and a zigzag stitch along the overlock (vertical seam in pic) a few times
-then zig zag over the flat lock (horizontal seam in pic)
-and stitch up the pad using the big zig zag stitch that does three stitches per ‘zig’

Use a stretch fabric needle, makes a difference on dense Lycra, pin bits in place (or use stay stitches by hand), hope this helps.

Thanks Chopsicle - I hadn't considered removing the pad. I do think that would do it.

I've also messaged the person I bought it from for a proof of purchased for a Rapha repair.

T

What sort of material would people recommend to make a bag that sits on a rack. Might be nice if it was semi-waterproof and could hold its shape

I've used this quite a lot and have been happy with it

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/264358227344

Thanks, I have ordered a couple of metres, I'll report back!

Quick project this morning: reappropriated packaging into a laptop case.
Had this ridic big, gold envelope knocking around for years, couldn’t throw it away or find a use for it. Needed a new laptop sleeve, didn’t have time to make one properly, so turned this around pretty quick. Accessories slip inside the lid;

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They're £30+ at Deadstock general stores (without the charger pouch), great work!

Great job.

Only thing I have made lately is a leather jacket for the dog.

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Very elegant @pdlouche great job

@rhb hadn’t even thought about the ££ savings, good point!

It has received positive feedback from a lot of people. I guess it is somewhat unique, a genuine leather coat on a dog this size.

I'll report back!

Made anything yet?

That is very neat!

I have the material and the intention, just need some time! I want to make a rack bag for my folding bike.

My partner's starting up a sewing social event and the first one is this Wednesday evening.

If anyone fancies coming along to it to work on their projects, it's just a fiver, is in thames-side studios on the river nearby charlton/woolwich, with two teachers/helpers with loads of experience and equipment on hand. Anyone is welcome, at any skill level, including people who've never used a sewing machine before.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sewing-club-tickets-1044784427347