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The Sew What’s New Archive
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From: cliffhanger
Date: 03-05-2006, 09:01 PM (1 of 9)
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I am looking to make a pair of coveralls for caving. I have 600 Denier Nylon, one side treated with polypro for waterproofing. What type of thread should I use? Also, does anyone know what type of seams that I should look as sewing? I am very new to sewing and trying to find out some info to help with getting me started and moving in the right direction. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you, Garreth |
User: cliffhanger
Member since: 03-05-2006 Total posts: 3 |
From: Chrysantha
Date: 03-05-2006, 10:35 PM (2 of 9)
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I'd use the heaviest (biggest) denim needle I could find...with the heaviest cotton quilting thread. I would also do jeans seams. One seam then fold OVER and double the stitching on the outside. I would finish ALL the seams with a zig-zag or serger. You're going to be puting a LOT of stress on the seams as you climb around. You don't want to skimp on the sewing.... If you can find some thread for making sails...that might work too..(if it's not too hard to make it sew in your machine.) Chrys
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User: Chrysantha
Member since: 09-06-2002 Total posts: 2414 
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From: Melanie T
Date: 03-06-2006, 12:41 PM (3 of 9)
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Good luck! That is a challenging project to start with. What kind of machine do you have? I 2nd the needle and thread suggestions. As for the seams, take a look at ready made gear and see how it is finished, the jeans seams are a great suggestions, but see how it is commonly done.
Melanie
4 little sewing machine mechanics (6, 4, 2, Born June 14) Ontario Canada |
User: Melanie T
Member since: 09-21-2004 Total posts: 155 |
From: cliffhanger
Date: 03-06-2006, 06:02 PM (4 of 9)
| I will be using either a Brother LS-1520 or a Brother CS-8150 to work on the coveralls. Thank you both for your suggestions. I will definitely look at some of the other seams and see what I can figure out. It seems like they are using mainly flat and taped seams. The other thing I have noticed about the seams, are that most all the seams are stitched on the inside, so there is not many seams visible on the outside. |
User: cliffhanger
Member since: 03-05-2006 Total posts: 3 |
From: cliffhanger
Date: 03-07-2006, 11:52 PM (5 of 9)
| I have been seeing that many of the coveralls have taped seams. What do you generally use to make taped seams? Does this make them waterproof or water-resistent, if the material is also waterproof? Or should I just use some seam sealer the seams and just leave it at that? |
User: cliffhanger
Member since: 03-05-2006 Total posts: 3 |
From: Chrysantha
Date: 03-08-2006, 12:23 AM (6 of 9)
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I really don't know about the fabric you're using...if taping the seams is better than sealer. If the seams are inside, then I might tape them, less irritation. But if they're outside. I might seal'em. I guess it depends on the look, what you're doing and how strong the seams need to be, and whether tape on the outside will be pulled or ripped off more than a sealer. (I'm allergic to the sun. I don't go outside much, so I've never seen caving clothes except on t.v....I'm relying on my sewing knowledge and what -I- think/might/could/would happen to fabric thats abused against rocks.)  btw...if Garreth is really your name...::swoon:: I LOVE the name and never actually knew anyone in 'real' life with it... Chrys
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User: Chrysantha
Member since: 09-06-2002 Total posts: 2414
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From: bridesmom
Date: 03-08-2006, 01:55 AM (7 of 9)
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I just finished making a jacket with a waterproof fabric and used a seam sealing tape which is a clear tape that you iron own *using a teflon cloth over top* to seal the seam. It's really easy to use and I got mine at Sundrop textiles in BC but you could get it anywhere they sell outdoor fabrics I'm sure. It was way easier to use than the seam seal in a tube which is very messy to use. The tape is very reasonable in price. I paid $8 CDN for 10 yards.
Laura
Tickled pink with my Innovis 4000D |
User: bridesmom
Member since: 01-21-2004 Total posts: 2026 |
From: paroper
Date: 03-08-2006, 07:39 AM (8 of 9)
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Any place that a needle penetrates will leak. You will need to seal the seams with tape or something. I think they used to make a spray product that did that. It has been a long time since I have needed something like that and I'm sure the products have gotten better. The flat fell seams will be best, as already suggested. They are normally done toward the outside so that they don't irritate the skin. If you are going to have something on under them that probably isn't as important. You can also run a third row of stitching down the middle of the seam to help reinforce if you would like. Flat fells do not often fail, but I can only imagine the amount of stress you might put on those seams. pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: bunzino
Date: 03-26-2006, 05:46 PM (9 of 9)
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Definitely seal all the seams whichever method you like. I think you should use polester thread - stronger and lasts longer. nancy |
User: bunzino
Member since: 08-16-2002 Total posts: 119 |
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