Moto Chic Jacket Sew-Along: Supplies Needed

For those of you who are saying "Ugh, who needs another sew-a-long", well follow along and learn something new as the sample garments are made in leather, so you can pick up some tips and tricks and hopefully be prepared to take on the challenge yourself. (Directions will also be included for woven fabrics as well).

October 4th: supplies needed

October 7th: Choosing your fabric or Leather (including leather weights and yardage to sq ft conversions)

October 11th:  Cut your pieces/ Leather tutorial on how to place, mark & cut

October 14th: Assemble the body pieces. Add Shirring for bottom peplum

October 18th: zipper insertion

October 21st: Insert sleeve, finish outer shell

October 25th: Make lining pieces

October 28th: Bagging the lining

October 31st: Finishing Touches

Adhesive Tape or cement: 

Traditionally, cement or glue is used to secure seam allowances since you are unable to press open and have it stay put. You can get all sorts of glue from Tandy.

My method of choice is to use adhesive tape. I purchase this from Sil Thread. As I do not read Korean, I don't know the actual name, but it gives you an idea of what to look for at what price. It is double sided ( I have peeled a portion away to demonstrate) and easy to apply (also kinda fun to peel off the back). It also comes in different widths indicated by MM. This is some really sticky stuff, but at least you don't have to deal with glue fumes.

if you are going to be sewing with a thick leather (anything more than 1.2mm thick) I would stick with an industrial machine or one specifically designed for heavy duty work with a walking foot (we all have those, right!?). However, I strongly encourage everyone to work with something much lighter for their first project, something garment weight which you can use your regular sewing machine with (more details on choosing leather to come).

Leather can stick to the foot and the plate. I recommend getting a Teflon foot which can also be used for some pesky knits that refuse to slide under the foot with each stitch so you will be getting your moneys worth out of this small investment.

• Teflon foot 

 

Thread: Polyester thread is readily available at your local supply store and is the best bet for durability. 

• Polyester thread

 

• Needles

 

Cutting Tools: 

A sharp pair of scissors will work, but if you really get into cutting leather you may want to go with the short knife. This is a good tool if you are cutting a lot of skins because the blade can easily be replaced. But you will need a cutting board underneath to protect surfaces.

• Fusible: 
• Fusible tape

• Paper- this is for those tricky pieces that insist on sticking to the machine. Put some paper underneath and stitch through with ease. When you are finished, peel away the paper.
• Binder clips and/or paper clips
• Marking tool of choice

 

Leather resources: 

Zack White: http://www.zackwhite.com/

Tandy Leather: http://www.tandyleather.com/en-usd/home/home.aspx