Hand stitching cordura/nylon

P

Psychopomp

Joined
Feb 21, 2005
Messages
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Greetings all.

I've been thinking about making a pocket sheath to hold my iPod and my EDC pen for a while now. But I don't have access to a sewing machine.

How difficult is it to hand stitch cordura or nylon, and what kind of thread should I use?

What I'm thinking about is a simple two pocket sheath that's just thick enough for an iPod to slip into one side and a pen next to it. I'm tired of my pens getting turned sideways in my pocket. I may stick a third, velcro pouch to the front for headphones as well.

Or better yet, does what I'm looking for exist to save me the trouble of making it from scratch?

Any ideas? I'm open to any suggestions.

Thanks.
 
I have one of those Speedy Stitcher awls (www.campmor.com has them). They are about $10 and will handle lots of heavy materials.

Alternatively, you can get a sturdy needle and just use a pair of pliers to press it through any tough fabric. I did that a lot before I got the stitching device.

DancesWithKnives
 
Those sewing awls work so well on heavy material that once you finish that project you'll go looking for other things to use it on. :)
 
Thanks for the suggestions. I think I'll pick one up sometime soon and give it a shot.

I've been toying with the idea of making sheathes for a few knives that need a better sheath (RTAK...) and would like to try a small project first.

If some where down the road, I need a sewing machine, I'll get one. But for what I'm wanting to do I think these sewing awls will work just fine.

Thanks again :).
 
I've made a number of sheaths for fixed blade knives. A thin plastic liner is made [heat form with propane torch] then the Cordura or nylon is sewed on.An awl isn't necessary .Just use a heavy needle with heavy duty thread .I didn't use saddle thread as it's really to heavy unless you want contrasting thread.The trick is to carefully stretch the fabric over the liner as you sew.
 
mete said:
I've made a number of sheaths for fixed blade knives. A thin plastic liner is made [heat form with propane torch] then the Cordura or nylon is sewed on.An awl isn't necessary .Just use a heavy needle with heavy duty thread .I didn't use saddle thread as it's really to heavy unless you want contrasting thread.The trick is to carefully stretch the fabric over the liner as you sew.
Click to expand...

hmmm... I haven't decided if I want a plastic backing or not... I'm not sure how rigid I want it. And it's going to be pretty small, so I don't want any unnecessary thickness.
 
For a fixed blade you have to have a liner ,something like 1/32" -1/16" polyethylene. Other things you can have a soft case.
 
mete said:
For a fixed blade you have to have a liner ,something like 1/32" -1/16" polyethylene. Other things you can have a soft case.
Click to expand...

Right. If it goes as well as I think it should, and I don't sew the damn thing to my finger, I may move on and try a sheath or two.

My RTAK could certainly use a less goofly looking sheath. And I've been toying with the idea of making a slipcase for a slipjoint that could clip to the back of my wallet (again, to keep everything nice and upright in my pocket).

Where's a good source for nylon or cordura? My google searches haven't really led me anywhere useful. I don't want to spend a lot, but I do want a good quality fabric.

Thanks.
 
I have been researching the purchase of a sewing machine to make cordura nylon backpacking gear and modify my clothing. If you search craigslist, you should find several cheap machines for sale. I took a 3 hour basic sewing class at Joann Fabrics for $35. It was MILF heaven. Don't be intimidated by using a sewing machine, it is easy once you get the machine threaded.

If you are looking for nylon. Search 'denier nylon' for several sources. The fabric is sold by the yard and it is around $12.
 
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