Sew What’s Up Presents
The Sew What’s New Archive
This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and
quilting message board “Sew What’s New,” which was
retired in August 2007. It is being provided by
“Sew What’s Up,”
which serves as the new home for many members of “Sew What’s New.”
From: TammyE.H.
Date: 02-08-2005, 06:14 PM (1 of 11)
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Hi there! Has anyone ever used Neoprene? That's the rubbery type fabric they make wetsuits out of... I'd like to make myself a wetsuit. The ones in RTW were all designed for the 'athletic' frame... NOT ME...   Thanks! Tammy |
User: TammyE.H.
Member since: 08-28-2004 Total posts: 51 
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From: MaryW
Date: 02-09-2005, 07:04 AM (2 of 11)
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Never, but has this stuff got a foam middle layer?
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542 
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From: Sewhappie
Date: 02-09-2005, 10:51 PM (3 of 11)
| I have worked with it. What do you want to know about it? It smells bad, but sews beautifully ONCE you get your machine set up right for it. Always sew with the non-rubber side up. |
User: Sewhappie
Member since: 10-27-2001 Total posts: 1427 |
From: TammyE.H.
Date: 02-12-2005, 12:00 AM (4 of 11)
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Hi Sewhappie, What settings did you use? Any advice? Thanks Tammy |
User: TammyE.H.
Member since: 08-28-2004 Total posts: 51
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From: Sewhappie
Date: 02-12-2005, 12:48 PM (5 of 11)
| You will want to use a heavier weight needle, 16 or 18 and a bit longer stitch length. You can use a straight stitch or a zig zag. I can be a bit tricky for surging, so practice with it. Once you get the feel for how it moves you will be alright. Cotton or cotton blend threads work best. |
User: Sewhappie
Member since: 10-27-2001 Total posts: 1427 |
From: TammyE.H.
Date: 02-13-2005, 10:26 AM (6 of 11)
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That's awesome, thanks I'm seriously thinking of getting a LOT more fabric than I need, and experimenting with the sewing machine, the serger, etc... Then once I've got a good feel for what I'm doing, make the suit. If I can pull it off, I"m going to be the happiest paddler this summer!!!  Thanks! Tammy |
User: TammyE.H.
Member since: 08-28-2004 Total posts: 51
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From: MaryW
Date: 02-14-2005, 09:15 AM (7 of 11)
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Sandra B. says to use a roller foot too and nylon thread.
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
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From: TammyE.H.
Date: 02-19-2005, 11:43 AM (8 of 11)
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Sandra B. says to use a roller foot too and nylon thread. OH... I don't have a roller foot... Think a walking foot would work as well? Well... I guess I'll find out soon enough... I'll start on it once it warms up a bit. I"ll post my progress. Tammy |
User: TammyE.H.
Member since: 08-28-2004 Total posts: 51
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From: mommydionne
Date: 02-22-2005, 04:43 PM (9 of 11)
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Where can you buy the neoprene?? Hubby (the SCUBA man) would love a custom suit. Another question wouldn't a cotton thread degrade quickly with that much sun, salt, chlorine exposure, just a thought.
Jeanette
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User: mommydionne
Member since: 01-08-2004 Total posts: 838 
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From: Sailorliz
Date: 02-23-2005, 08:04 AM (10 of 11)
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These are the threads that I use for any of my outdoor projects on the boats. I purchase them from www.sailrite.com. V-138 Thread Use V-138 for fabric over ten ounces with #20 or #22 machine needle. V-30 Thread Use V-30 thread with a No. 12 or 14 needle and fabric of less than 1-1/2 ounces. V-46 Thread Use V-46 for fabric less than three ounces with #14 or #16 machine needle. V-69 Thread Use V-69 thread with a #16 or #18 needle for fabrics up to 6oz & with acrylic. If using an Ultrafeed a #20 needle works best. V-92 Thread Use V-92 for fabric up to ten ounces with #18 or #20 machine needle. Happy sewing/quilting/crafting
Liz Visit my photo page http://new.photos.yahoo.com/sailorlizmi/albums |
User: Sailorliz
Member since: 07-20-2004 Total posts: 386 
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From: sewerzzzzzz
Date: 03-05-2005, 02:41 PM (11 of 11)
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There are 2 basic types of seams on wetsuits: sealed and unsealed. Sealed seams are usually glued and blindstitched. These seams are the best as they keep water out and keep you warmer. Most of the more expensive newer wetsuits today are sealed with liquid seam seal, it's a type of glue that bonds the seams together, no stitching is required. Unsealed seats are flat locked seam. These seams allow for water to penetrate and thus you will get colder faster. Neoprene also comes in different types: nylon 1 and nylon 2. Nylon 2 is more wind and water resistant than nylon 1. (Hope I got that right, otherwise it's vice versa). The smooth rubber is more wind/water resistant. Also consider the thickness, ie. 2mm, 3mm, 4mm etc. Let me know if you found any places that sell super-stretchy neoprene. |
User: sewerzzzzzz
Member since: 02-27-2005 Total posts: 81 |
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