Gear Repair - Needle and Thread

[MiddleWolf]

Guys used to laugh that I kept and upgraded my issued sewing kit. They'd take stuff out in town to get buttons sewn back on or whatever, I'd fix it myself. Still carry a small sewing kit in my toiletries bag when I'm traveling. Maybe I should stop calling it a needle and thread. Is "old school hand operated manual thread injector" more tacticool?

Actually I think it would be:
Thread Injector, Hand, Manual, GSA #????????

One trick to do is if you get an older heavy duty piece of clothing (like a shirt) for the bush, is to remove and resew all the buttons needed or not. Use a heavier nylon thread and you know that most of the unexpected "button pops" have been prevented.

[mountain girl]

One kit that I think is undervalued in the bigger picture is a sewing kit. Often, folks (myself included) are quick to seek out what's new and purchase new gear rather than breathe new life into an old piece of gear.

With practice and patience, I've had a lot of personal success repairing, improving, and creating gear that I use daily and others that I carry with me when hiking and camping. I did all of this with just a needle and thread and a high level understanding of how to sew (I am certainly not highly skilled but I can get functional results).

Here is an overview video of the simple tools I use and what I have accomplished with them:



I picked up this pack from mountain girl on a great deal. It had a couple of holes in it but nothing that was beyond repair. After spending a few dollars at a craft store, I was able to fix up the pack and restore it's original functionality.









And here is a close up of the dump pouch I made.



Thanks for looking and let me know if you have a similar philosophy.

I'm glad you were able to fix that little rucksack! I had actually bought it with all the repairs needing mended, but then realized I have a bag infatuation and needed to cull the herd. Good work!

[WoodsJack]

Thanks for looking and let me know if you have a similar philosophy.

Nice jobs.

Just last night I met a friend and before we went to a restaurant to dinner, he used my EDC kit to repair a coat.

I like to get good gear in new condition as much as anyone, but then I continue to make it last even if that involves repairs along the way. Sometimes I also get some "distressed" stuff and enjoy reviving or improving it.

I'm not especially skilled at sewing, but in terms of the basic practical features of restoring function and strength, especially common repairs, it's not rocket science.

[buckmaster]

I would like to think I have decent sewing skills. One of the very important skills in my opinion. I make quite a bit of my own gear, just finished up a chest pouch all hand sewn for quite a bit less than in the store. Good job.

I'd agree. and i just finished up a canvas bedroll and am starting on my whelen lean-to.

[Rinaldo]

Great thread, and excellent sewing skills.

I too have invested in needle and thread, and have repaired canvas seats for the boat, and even couch cushions. I'm amazed at what people are willing to thrown away which has so much life left in it.

I really must learn how to sew buttons properly, but most of all, zippers. I'm a zipper assassin and I have killed probably 40 pairs of pants.

[Looker]

My Grandma is a retired seamstress (now), and she taught me at a young age how to sew. I made good money on active duty in the Navy sewing on patches and whatnot. I also resewed a split seam in my boots while I was in Afghanistan back in 2011, because getting replacement boots from our battalion was a joke. Last summer I was hiking at Philmont with my Scouts and blew out a shoulder strap on my pack. I sat down in the middle of the trail and pulled out my needle and thread (I was the only one carrying them). 10 minutes later we were back on the trail!

Looker

[Pawoodsman]

Great video I keep a small kit in my pack . I just got a speed stich awl for heavy canvas and leather.

[TopherBean]

The Rinaldo, I'd say buttons are what I have repaired more than anything else. Definitely saved a lot of pants and shirts.

[OLD SKOUT]

I have three sewing needles stuck through a piece of card board all have thread already to use and wound around each needle on the card board. It is in a small vinyl case that I put in my pack.

I have the assorted heavy duty needles shown in one of the posts. I had, think one of my sons "borrowed it"; a sewing kit made by Patagonia
many years ago. It contained needles; thread; a small drill bit and a small plastic tap handle. This was so a person could "drill through" a heavy soled boot or heavy material to make repairs. I also have a Speedy Stitcher with a large amount of waxed thread.

I have an extensive assortment of needles and threads; a assortment of buttons in my big kit, not a trail kit. Some threads are not very durable so I sometimes use fishing rod wrapping thread. It comes in sizes from A to E. A is the finest and E is the heaviest.

[steve_t]

I think this is one of the top skills for self-reliance, not to mention (a) money saved (b) improvements you make in gear. Always carry a small sewing and repair kit, even if my work is not exactly professional standard