I bought some Momentum Fabric from thru-hiker.com and wanted a local Cambodian tailor shop who charges very reasonable fees to mimic a Thermarest pillow cover which I have but make the same design with Momentum Fabric, and they told me they could not do the sewing as the fabric was too fine. Does it take special sewing machines to work with fabric this fine? What type of needle and thread does one use? I have rudimentary sewing skills myself and a inexpensive Brother sewing machine. Any advice? Thanks.

Hey man, I recommend a size 70/10 or 65/9 needle, sharp point (schmetz microtex), and regular weight 100% poly guttermans, or the tex 24 hydrophobe that thru-hiker sells.


Any random home machine is capable of sewing it, but just make sure it has a good even feed, and that you have a very strong understanding of upper and lower thread tension if you want professional results.

Otherwise, I take on random sewing and prototyping projects for people here, and I'm sure some others will also, for reasonable prices. Although maybe not SE asian alteration shop prices. ;)

Thanks, Javan. I'll keep your offer in mind. There is one local backpacking gear repair center in town that I want to approach (save on shipping fees). Wish you lived closer.

Roleigh,

All my sewing is done on one of two "Brother" low end sewing machines that I have. Give them a scrap to play with and just tell them to have at it. If they are any good they will figure it out quick.

I sew light weight Silk, Cuben, Pertex Quantum which is about the same as Momentum and other light weight fabric with my machine.

Edited by bfornshell on 06/16/2010 23:22:44 MDT.

Javan and Bill pretty well nailed it. Fine needle. Careful thread tension. Good fine thread. Good hands.

--B.G.--

"Backpacking gear" usually means heavier duty fabrics. Maybe all they have is a big industrial machine with #69 and thicker thread. If you can find a tailor that works on normal clothing they may not balk so much. I know momentum was a big pain until I realized I really didn't need heavy thread and a large needle.