Ive heard, and seen some of stonewall's work. Im going in soon and I wanna get some practice in, mostly because I dont want to pay to have someone sew on patches. So I was wondering if stonewall or anyone else has any information on how to sew. Thanks anything is appreciated.
As far as sewing, I took home economics the same year I joined Civil Air Patrol in 1987 after my mom said she'd sew one uniform and that's it. Been sewing every since with a lot of trial and error. Even modified some gear in the Army.
If I were you, spend the money to get it done right. I don't live near an Air Force base so it is better for me to sew up my ANG uniforms. But back in DC, I took my stuff to Bolling.
I have the alterations folks do it, pretty cheap too. I need to get new BDUs and need to get my AMC MAJCOM badge sewn on the ones I do have... and need ALL badges on the new ones I get.
"If You Choose Not To Decide, You Still Have Made A Choice" (Free Will, RUSH) -J Hughes USAF Trainee Security Forces Apprentice
Usually it's easier to trust things like sewing patches on uniforms to the alterations shops, or you can ask people in your unit if there's a good tailor off-base who may be even better. But do try to learn how to do your own basic repairs, like button or seam repair, because sometimes you can't wait.
All I do are buttons for DH...there are generally wives on base though that sew patches ($1 a patch generally) for extra cash...just ask around your squadron...
I was never able to sew, or do anything that required the dexterity of like a six year old for that matter, its weird. I also was never offered home ec in school, i really wish i had taken the time to learn.
Rucksacks, BDU tops and much more. I'm a wiz with the sewing machine. Came in handy in the Army and even made a few bucks sewing patches and stuff for the guys.
I've had to learn sewing skills, I not only have to fix my uniforms, but my husbands and somehow, my own troops. Go figure. I tried having my mom do mine too, but she did so bad the first time, I just started practicing on an old one of mine. Definitely learn how to fix the seams on the back of the pants, those seem to be a problem with a lot of people. And buttons! They aren't as hard as people think! Good luck
I'll always remember this poor guy I saw in the clothing aterations shop when I was getting my first set of butter-bars sewn on my BDUs. He'd just gotten his blouse back from the alteration shop a day before, and didn't think to double-check their work. His stripes wound up on his elbow, and the SF badge was sewn on upside-down. Lesson: no matter who does it, make sure they know what they're doing.
If you're on or near a military base, take them to the alterations shop, usually located in or around the uniform shop.
If not, fold over the edges of the name tape (do not cut them off to fit even with the pocket) so the tape is the same width of the pocket and sew on the tape by sewing machine so that it touches the top seem of the pocket flap. Not on the pocket flap and not sewn to the pocket flap, but so it appears to be resting on it.
You can buy an inexpensive sewing machine, with all the bells and whistles you want, nowadays. Forget about cost, just consider time and labor. For no more than it cost to have it done, any alterations business around an installation is up to date on where the patches and insignia are placed on uniforms. Let them do it, unless you want the practice. Plus, they can usually have them done in a day or two, so you're not waiting around or trying to figure out how to setup a sewing machine. Get one and practice on some old material, until you get proficient, and then you can do your own work, or take a class at one of these centers that offer it. We had a flight member, who had one in the barracks. Any of us, who knew how to sew, would take turns sewing patches on uniforms for anyone in our unit. Just make sure you're knowledgeable on the Regs.
I have been taking my hubbys uniform items to an alterations shop I was just interested in doing it myself. I'm familiar with how to sew the name tapes on but I was actually interested in learning how to make the name tapes. I'm a stay at home Mom so thats why I'm looking into sewing his stuff. It sounds fun to me.
I'm familiar with how to sew the name tapes on but I was actually interested in learning how to make the name tapes.
I'm not sure about that one. Sounds like a proprietary issue. They have to order them through a Gov't contractor. Probably better leave that one to base alterations and just order the correct tags, so you can sew them on.
You want to make your own name tapes? If you have a lot of money and time, then go for it. An embroidery machine can cost over $1000, not to mention milspec thread and material.
Sorry, but I can't see where that would be worth it vs spending $1.99 a name tape and getting it sewn on at the shop.
