Sewing for guys: easy zipper project

[@broono25]

I watched many sewing guides for women and they just couldn't help me as a man figure out how to sell. Thank you for making this man only content for sewing./s

[@thejasonofalltrades]

I have watched this over and over, and read the title and description time and time again, and I can't see where it says, implies or suggests "man only." Maybe you can explain where you found that information so I can correct it.

[@torah57mitch]

Jason glad to see someone doing beginner projects for men. I have done upholstery But I am looking to step up my sewing game thanks for you project ideas

[@thejasonofalltrades]

Thank YOU for watching and commenting! Incidentally, I recently posted a video on a simpler zipper pouch you might want to check out.

[@jayknight850]

I have the LSZ1 bought for some boat projects, you have really opened the possibilities for me to make some really cool projects. BTW, I have the same binder, haven’t had much luck with it either. Glad to know it isn’t necessarily me! Starts off fine but within a few inches it is off center and loose. Thanks for your time, expertise, and efforts! They are appreciated! Jay

[@thejasonofalltrades]

Thanks Jay! Re: binding, I now do sewing work full time, and a lot of it is binding on cylinder-arm machines. What I've learned is that binding is just hard. I'd like to get a right-angle binder for myself, though, they seem to work better. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@dottiemathews6853]

HEY JASON, CAN I BORROW A ZIPPER, MAN? GO HEAD BABY!! YOU GOT THE MOTHERLOAD OF ZIPPERS! LOL!

[@thejasonofalltrades]

😂

[@rmcdaniel423]

Jason, just stumbled across your series of vids tonight. Good stuff. I like what you are doing to help demystify sewing for guys. Keep up the good work, and thanks for sharing.

[@thejasonofalltrades]

Thanks again for watching and commenting, comments like this keep me going!

[@ketiaperkinsformallydavis6337]

Turn your medals into a wind chime!! Love your videos and Bobbin!!

[@thejasonofalltrades]

That's a great idea! Thanks, and thanks for watching! (And I love Bobbin, too, but I'm pretty sure that's obvious lol ....)

[@BonitasBounty]

I didn't know that you could just by acres of zipper - ribbon? - and cut it to size. My very little knowledge of sewing is/was based on patterns, which tell you the size and type of zipper to buy, and then you are supposed to find a zipper in a matching color. I took an 8-week sewing course once, which was great for understanding a few important things about sewing from patterns. I was working week the instructor went over zippers and shoulders. I've never tried either. Your practical approach to materials, applications, and stichery makes me think that this could be possible. It also makes me think that before I ever toss away anything ever again, I should think about reclaiming viable zippers (that could be cut down) - like the lame luggage I bought, but the zipper was actually pretty decent. Fittings, like rings and attachments, too. Revelations, all. I inherited the family farm, and I am trying very hard to do a thousand new things (I worked in Boston at art museums and universities). Like learn to use a chainsaw. Build rabbit cages and chicken tractors.... and build things for my house and climb up on the (thankfully small) barn roof. There are so many things that I can improve, once I have the skills. Yes, I want to make some very simple stretch-cotton dresses because that's what I like to wear even when working outside, but there are more practical things that I think that I could do with a sewing machine.

[@ladyamalthia7688]

Mattress seam!!!! Brilliant. Ive watched a ton of pouch and bag tutorials... no one mentioned this option.

[@theflamingpi]

Your Sailrite fills me with envy. I have an old Janome SW2018E that started having weird mechanical troubles shifting into straight stitch mode. And, the zipper foot is wonky...really wonky. And, the thing is filled with dust. And, the previous owner thought they needed to oil the motor and other internals. But, there's just something amazing about having a sturdy machine that can sew through just about anything. My little buggar might have its issues, but it can still sew through more than a half inch of denim without complaining. It's really nice to see a company prioritizing this kind of sturdy construction on a consumer level. Also, nice pencil case. I can see many uses for it, such as keeping together all the infrequently used sewing tools.

[@thejasonofalltrades]

Funny you mention using the pouch for sewing tools, the mock-up one is currently holding all of the tools that came with the Sailrite! It sounds like your Janome would benefit from a thorough cleaning, that might help the shifting back to straight stitch problem. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@theflamingpi]

So long as you make these videos, I will be a viewer. Thanks for the cleaning tip. Time to figure out how to open the case and expose the internals.

[@thejasonofalltrades]

Thanks so much! I am no expert on sewing machine repair, etc., but I've cracked open a few, so if you have questions, feel free to email me and I'll help if I can!

[@theflamingpi]

I'm sure it will be fine. I'm no stranger to a screwdriver. It will just be a question of where the blasted screws are. Thanks, though! It was a very kind offer.

[@alisoneyers2450]

Hi. Really like your straight forward attitude to sewing. A tip for you.....I use an ordinary glue stick to hold my zipper in place for sewing. It is cheap, easily available, and if you carefully iron the ‘fix’ it dries immediately. (Plastic teeth melt)! Great thing about glue sticks, they are completely washable. Keep up the good work. Alison. X

[@thejasonofalltrades]

Hi Alison, Thank you! That's a great tip on the glue stick, I'll have to give it a try!

[@alisoneyers2450]

Do Jason. I use the glue stick for holding seams together which are challenging with pins like belts etc. Even good for emergency repairs to hems. When I say plastic teeth melt, iron up to the teeth to set the glue, not over the teeth. Works ever time then just washes out, great! Carry on the good work. X

[@jdub5413]

Jason, love the channel man. I started sewing again after a long hiatus and found your channel which inspired me to make a lot of my own gear. Great instructional videos and funny commentary. Nice job man.

[@thejasonofalltrades]

Thanks so much!

[@Sophie-ef5gn]

Love the zipper tab "pocket" and your wall organisation

[@thejasonofalltrades]

Thanks!

[@1goddarddr]

Thanks for your quick reply. I like sewing bags. Ones with top zip. That the zip ends can be hidden in the seam where the zip changes to gussy. When I think of it as The zipper is part of the gussy

[@berkmanyt]

GREAT DEMO,,,Sailrite looks GREAT !

[@thejasonofalltrades]

Thanks so much! I'm very pleased with the Sailrite. A full review is coming, as soon as the moving company gets around to actually bringing the rest of our things ... :( Thanks for watching!

[@jjjvclub]

Really like your channel! Great projects and excellent instructions. Thanks for sharing!

[@thejasonofalltrades]

Thanks so much for watching and for your feedback!

[@fritzferris3287]

Good video. Easy to understand your voice.

[@thejasonofalltrades]

Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@howardendo4941]

Thanks, Jason. You’ve given me the courage to make this handy man bag. Very well done!

[@thejasonofalltrades]

Thanks Howard!

[@timothythomas1345]

Just for FYI . I happily finished my first oilskin tarp today . My machine the singer 185-j had no problem sewing through the folded webbing I used as foundations for the corner and side loops . However I had to use the awl when doing the loops as they were folded over as well . I am very happy and surprised with the outcome . I used a high thread count sheet I got for free a lag queen flat sheet . All said I spent about $15.00 on A quart of both turpentine and linseed oil . It took it a little longer to dry due to the rain we had . But I hear it under the right conditions should dry in 48 hrs . There are forums on the process as well as videos if anyone is interested in making one . Just search "Oilskin sheet tarp" .

[@thejasonofalltrades]

Nice! I was wondering if you got the 185.

[@MedicAHK]

That's funny that you made this pouch for that reason. That is the whole reason that I began even thinking of making my own gear. I get off from the FD and wanna throw my knives and flashlights, pen, etc in pouch and have yet to find the right pouch for me. Love the videos.

[@rmcdaniel423]

Agreed. Any man worth his "man-card" should be competent with a wide range of DIY skills and tools. This is just another power tool to add to the collection. And being able to custom fabricate something particular to your needs is a very satisfying thing.

[@fabianodelima]

Jason, thanks for sharing your time with us. Is it possible to sew cordura (in low speed I suppose) in a simple portable home sew machine?

[@thejasonofalltrades]

Hi Fabiano, You can absolutely sew Cordura with a home machine. Depending on the machine, thicker seams might require you to help the machine feed, but it should be no problem to sew. I use several vintage domestic machines to sew Cordura all the time. Thanks for your question, and thanks for watching! Jason

[@reneeccrn]

I enjoy your videos

[@seoulman2u]

Jason is too funny. Great bag.

[@thejasonofalltrades]

Thanks!

[@makenchips]

Jason - really good vid - appreciate your efforts - I am going to use this project as a first sew - inspired.

[@thejasonofalltrades]

Thanks so much! Let me know how it goes!

[@drmichaelelinski6992]

Nice job on your pouch!

[@burninglion2584]

Hi Jason, thanks for putting the effort into this. I've made a few of these but can't get the gusset right - do I attach the gusset end (double hemmed I assume) to the tab ends? Or perpendicular to the main panel ends?

[@thejasonofalltrades]

Hi! I really need to make a revised version of this project, I've learned a lot in the years since and would probably go at this much differently. The gusset should essentially be a loop; one side gets sewn to each panel. The easiest, although not the most precise, way to get the gusset to be the right circumference (for me) is to make the bottom panel of the gusset (the panel that goes from the bottom of one zipper tab to the bottom of the other zipper tab) too long, baste it to one side panel and cut it to length in place. It's been a while, and I forget the details, but I recall having some struggles with this pouch. As I said, I need to update this project. I hope that helps. Feel free to email me at the jason of all trades @ gmail . com (remove the spaces) if you want to get into more detail. Thanks, and good luck!

[@burninglion2584]

@@thejasonofalltrades Thanks Jason, I look forward to your revised construction guide!

[@stoneblue1795]

I use that tape from Sailrite all the time on Cordura, etc. I have it in two widths, it's some handy stuff (PINS SUCK)!.

[@wilkbor]

Hi Jason. Thanks for the video.... If you had all the material you needed in advance and were able to work without interruption, without rushing and without stopping to explain each step, how long would it take you to put together this project?

[@thejasonofalltrades]

Hi Keefe, I haven't timed myself, but I'd guess I could make this in 30 minutes, maybe a little more depending on how many mistakes I had to seam rip, how many times I ran out of bobbin thread, how many cats jumped on the machine, etc. That's assuming I already have established sizes for all the pieces and I'm not figuring it out as I go. When I'm making something for the first time, there's a lot of time spent staring at the table scratching my beard. Thanks for your question, and thanks for watching!

[@stopthephilosophicalzombie9017]

I'm a little confused about the last step where you are trapping the unfinished edge (mattress seam). Are you doing that stitch with the bag inside out?

[@thejasonofalltrades]

The final stitch in the mattress seam (if that is indeed what this is called) is done with the bag right-side-out. That gives you a topstitch and a visible seam allowance with a clean, trapped edge. Alternatively, you can do the same thing the other way (sew the first seam right-side-out, flip the bag and sew second seam inside-out, then flip bag again). This would give you a clean finish outside with NO topstitch or visible seam allowance, but a trapped seam allowance inside (so no exposed raw edge). I did a better, simpler zipper pouch video sometime in 2020, I think I covered this somewhat in that video. I hope that helps, if you have more questions fire away! Thanks for watching!

[@stopthephilosophicalzombie9017]

@@thejasonofalltrades Thanks Jason. I'll look for that other video. I've got my Thompson running good now and I'm trying my first project using a zipper. Making a tool pouch.

[@mnkrck]

So happy I found your channel man, really nice content... also thats one fine looking jacket you are wearing there...any chance of getting a hint were you got that from? :D

[@thejasonofalltrades]

Thank you! I had to go back to rewatch the video, I live in Florida now and was like, "jacket? What jacket?!?" I bought that at Costco several years ago, it's nothing special but fit nice. It was nice and warm, too, which doesn't help me much these days lol. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@monicahaigh4490]

Thanks for sharing. Good instructions.

[@thejasonofalltrades]

Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@jenky1044]

I have a question, but first of all, thank you Jason for sharing... I like both of the pouches you made, but I like the 2nd one with the gusset you put in for more volume. Nice job. Thank you. ** Also where did you get that bundle of zipper.? Can it be bought in bulk like you have and how much.? Thank you.

[@thejasonofalltrades]

Thank you! I bought the zipper, plus a LOT of other stuff, from an extremely generous seller on Craigslist. She had closed her business, I showed up to buy one specific thing, and she threw in a ton of other stuff, including the zipper. I have something like 100 yards of that zipper. Continuous coil zipper is typically sold by the yard, so you can generally buy as much as you want. Outdoor Wilderness Fabrics has a good selection. The zipper in this video is size number 8. The only downside to having such a large supply on hand is I tend to not use anything else. There are situations where a smaller zipper, or a different color, or whatever, might be a better choice, but since I have this stuff, I just use it. I hope that helps, thanks so much for watching and commenting!

[@OmarRamahi2019]

Very nice. Thank you much

[@davidcarper1271]

Create! Just bought my Sailrite for boat projects etc. I'll be watching and thanks for the education.

[@thejasonofalltrades]

Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@peepers4763]

Nice 👍 - I saw another maker using a hot knife. Have you ever used one in any of your projects?

[@thejasonofalltrades]

I don't use one often, but I have considered using one more - I just never think about it, honestly. I'd like to have a better one to use for webbing, at least!

[@einars899]

Hahh! At 6:28 I just noticed that mug! I love (homemade) Kimchi and can relate to that. Hopefully not picturing the consequences of loving strong (Gochugaru) Chili-pepper. ;-)

[@farmermike9262]

how did you secure the gusset to the sides in place in order to sew it with accuracy?

[@thejasonofalltrades]

I just held it in place as I sewed it. I often use Sailrite Seamstick double-sided tape or office binder clips, but for this project it was easy enough to just hold it in place. Thanks for your question, and thanks for watching!

[@millermillerson1925]

Just a random dane checking in - Jason, your channel really has helped me "break in" my thrifted Bernina, thanks a lot for the efforts on this channel! It's my plan to use this pouch as a template to make a bag for my art supplies. However, I have a question regarding the long piece of fabric that makes the bag three-dimensional (3,5*46 cm). The length of the three sides of the side panel which are not connected to the zipper is 51 cm, while the length of the long piece is 46 cm. Are these 5 "missing" cm found through trial and error, or is there a trick to calculate it/get it right on the first try? Keep up the good work! /Emil

[@thejasonofalltrades]

Hi! It's been a long time, but I believe the 46cm dimension was the result of accounting for seam allowances and the fact that the gusset (the 46cm piece) doesn't go all the way to the corners, so some "length" is lost. I've learned a lot in the years since, and honestly this isn't the way I would go about making this style of pouch today, but it still serves the purpose of being a learning exercise and making something useful. Another way to accomplish this gusset piece would be to make the piece too long, then figure out where they meet in the center and cut and sew the ends together. That way you don't have to do any math :) I hope that helps, thanks for watching!

[@leckyman2010]

Ha love the devo intro.

[@drmichaelelinski6992]

Jason, did you sew that top stitching on BOTH long sides of gusset and sack sides, to conceal seams? Or did I miss a step that you did? Could I use a serger to conceal those seams, if topstitching was not important to me? Do you prefer topstitching for a particular reason? Merci bien...

[@thejasonofalltrades]

The topstitching is to trap the seam allowances/raw edges that would otherwise be exposed inside the bag. You could definitely use a serger (I didn't have one when I made this video), or you could use binding. Depending on the fabric, you could leave the raw edges since they won't be seen inside the bag, but the fabric could unravel and cause the bag to fail. I hope that help!

[@1goddarddr]

how to make the same pouch but with a liner?

[@thejasonofalltrades]

Hi, The simplest way would be to cut pieces of the liner material the same size and shape as the pouch pieces, and sew them wrong-sides together with the pouch pieces with a very small seam allowance (you could probably get away without sewing them together and just hold them in place while you sew the pouch). There are other ways to add a liner, but it's too complicated to explain here. You might check out my "Thrift Store Challenge" video for another way to do it. I also talk a bit about liners in my "Making a messenger bag" video. I hope that helps, thanks for watching!

[@Marcello1b]

Question: what make this noise? Time to time, I see "one other mades" some are noisier than others. But we know that they are poly much the same construction. Could you locate the mechanism that make this noise on this machine, please?

[@thejasonofalltrades]

I don't know why these machines are so loud (and my machine hasn't been delivered by the movers yet, so I can't look at it now ...). I have a Thompson (the predecessor of the Sailrite Ultrafeed) and the Sailrite, and they sound pretty much the same - LOUD. It might be whining from the gears, but I'm not sure. If you plan to do your sewing in a small apartment late at night while your family is sleeping, it might be a problem. My former employer had a portable bandsaw I had to use occasionally, and it sounded exactly the same. It's not so loud that you need to wear ear protection (I don't think, at least), but it's definitely louder than my other machines. Thanks for your question!

[@jvin248]

Where to get a roll of zipper stock?

[@thejasonofalltrades]

I got mine from a seller on Craigslist (a small shop that went out of business). You can order can order zipper like this (I have #8 continuous coil) from sites like Rockywoods.com, Seattle Fabrics, The Rain Shed, and others. It's usually listed under "narrow fabrics" or something like that. Thanks for your question, and thanks for watching!

[@csabi72]

do you also have a zipper pulls for that long zipper?

[@thejasonofalltrades]

Only a few hundred :)

[@chucklenz9011]

I'm going to the air conditioned garage right now and sew myself a bag....you see it's 99° at 8:00 pm here in Yuma Az.

[@thejasonofalltrades]

Since this video was made, I moved back to Florida. Not quite as hot, but VERY humid, so it's pretty uncomfortable at times. I feel your pain!

[@seoulman2u]

Jason-great videos! Wondering since having your Sailrite sewing machine, have you had any issues with it? I'm looking to invest in a good machine to tackle thicker tougher materials with ease. Thanks

[@thejasonofalltrades]

Hi, First, full disclosure in case you haven't seen it in one of my videos: Sailrite provided the machine to me, so take anything I say with a grain of salt. That said, I LOVE it. I've had the machine for almost 2 years now, and it is very much my primary machine. I have used it extensively. The only issue I've had was a minor spring broke - I didn't even realize it was broken until I packaged the machine for my move from Colorado to Florida. The machine still functioned fine, and Sailrite sent a replacement spring which was easy for me to replace. I have a full review, an unboxing and a video about the spring breakage all on my channel if you haven't already seen them. I also have a Thompson Mini Walker, the predecessor to the Sailrite Ultrafeed, and they are very similar. The machines are loud, not as smooth or "pleasant" to use as some of my finer vintage machines, but they are workhorses. I can't imagine doing what I do without them at this point. Feel free to ask if you have other questions, and thanks for watching!

[@csabi72]

where do you get long zippers that you can cut to size?

[@thejasonofalltrades]

Lots of online shops sell zipper by the yard. I've had very good experiences with Rockywoods Fabrics. I bought my zipper from a seller on Craigslist, but it's number 8 continuous coil YKK zipper, which is available on Rockywoods' site. Thanks for your question, and thanks for watching!

[@cwfan2]

That's an interesting sewing machine. I've never seen one like that before.

[@thejasonofalltrades]

Hi Sue, If you haven't already gone down the "rabbit hole," the machine is a Sailrite Ultrafeed LS1 portable walking-foot machine. I have a review on my channel, as well as a few other videos showing it in action. It's a very good machine if you need the capability to sew heavier materials! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@FabricFest]

Great video! When you show stuff, can you please hold it still:)

[@thejasonofalltrades]

Thanks! Yeah, I am aware of this terrible habit. Unfortunately, I usually only realize I'm doing it when I"m deep into the editing phase of a video. But, yes, you're right, and I'm working on it. Thanks for the great feedback, for watching and subscribing!

[@stephenbrunner482]

Jason, I know you have a lot of 8 YKK zipper, but I am having difficulty finding heavy use YKK zippers in my fabric stores. Any suggestions? On-line?

[@thejasonofalltrades]

Hi Stephen, I usually buy stuff from Rockywoods.com (no affiliation). They have #8 continuous coil in a couple of colors. You're right, it is unlikely to be found at typical fabric stores. Thanks for being part of my channel!

[@stephenbrunner482]

Thanks for the suggestion and putting out such useful content!

[@torah57mitch]

I have a sailrite Fabricator sewing machine

[@gstri5800]

i would love to practice and learn to sew better but I hate wasting material. So, I haven't sewn anything yet because I don't know how.

[@thejasonofalltrades]

Two thoughts: One, if you're learning something, you're not wasting material, you're using it to learn! Two, You may have something lying around your house that you can cut up and use, or you can find cheap material at your local thrift store, or buy inexpensive remnants from a fabric store. Find something free or cheap, and get after it!

[@DanTheFordFixer]

That was great, now if you could only teach me how to keep the zipper from falling apart I'd be in business.

[@thejasonofalltrades]

Um, buy better zippers? Seriously, can you elaborate on how they fall apart?

[@DanTheFordFixer]

I think it's the dirt and stress on them from being on my motorcycle, I've never had a zipper last very long even on the high end luggage I use, they tend to stick or just pull apart after you zip them up.

[@thejasonofalltrades]

Ah. I wonder if waterproof zippers are any less susceptible to dirt/dust, etc.? But yeah, I can see why buckles, etc. might be better for your use.

[@timothythomas1345]

What is in the skulls mouth on the cup ? I seen an interesting mascot symbol yesterday when looking at med poches getting ideas . And the company that makes the patch insignia of the sewing machine on tracks is ZULU .blkmkt.sharetribe.com/en/listings/164474-zulu-sewing-machine-tank-patch

[@thejasonofalltrades]

It's a skull holding a seam ripper in its teeth - a gift from my wife :)

[@timothythomas1345]

I figured it was sewing related . Speaking of seam rippers . I got ripped on the one I have . It must be a china . It feels like it is going to break when I even put medium force into it . And I don't know if it is supposed to be sharp . However mine have no sharp edges at all . I got it with a bunch of stuff for a couple dollars so I can't complain . I am going to check out what is available next venture to wallmart . Hope the Trip went well or is going well . Look forward to more content when you get squared away Thank You God Bless .

[@thejasonofalltrades]

Seam rippers are generally cheap and disposable. The inside of the curved part should be sharp. I haven't found a seam ripper that stands out as being superior to any others, what you'll find at Walmart will probably be fine. I like ones with a longer handle, personally.

[@timothythomas1345]

Yes , The one I have is stubby short . I noticed in the video you did on seam ripping you had a larger one .

[@antiussentiment]

We love the centre meter!! When youtubers talk in old English units my head is all "What??"

[@thejasonofalltrades]

When I was a kid, the U.S. tried to switch to metric, but it didn't happen. I wish it would have :( Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@bellot1]

please no centimeters!!!!!!!

[@thejasonofalltrades]

I tend to go back and forth, but the world would be a better place if we all used metric. It's so much simpler! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@donful1921]

i mean, that is a pouch. definitely needs some work though.

[@thejasonofalltrades]

Hi, A couple of things you might want to consider: One, when I made this video, I was a relative sewing novice, and this video is oriented at other novices, offering some information and inspiration to try to make a useful item that some might not think of, or quite know how to do. I'm pretty sure at no point in the video did I say it was perfect. Secondly, this video is 7 YEARS OLD. What actual benefit do you think your critique will have at this point? Either I have quit sewing (nope) and don't care what you think, or I have learned a ton since 7 years ago (yep!) and still don't care what you think. As always, I checked to see if you have any content to perhaps share with us all how we could improve our skills, and as usual, no, you're just one of the many, many KZbin commenters who show up to criticize others without offering anything helpful. Have a nice day!

[@paulputnam2305]

👌😎👍

[@makeoutdoorgear9012]

This is a great tutorial! Would you be willing to add this make and details to www.makeoutdoorgear.com ? We're looking at organising and helping outdoor enthusiasts find gear they want to make whilst helping makers promote their KZbin channels and personal websites.

[@thejasonofalltrades]

Thanks! I'll check your site out.

[@delmarterrenal758]

Thanks. I like your bives