I ask a lot of nooby questions in here about bikes, so I thought I'd offer my non-nooby sewing knowledge for others to pick through.

Do you have a question about sewing? A specific project you are working on? I won't be able to answer all questions, but give it a go anyway. Please speak up or all these years of my being anti-social in my sewing room will go to waste.

Where can I find patterns for practical bike clothes, like a windbreak/reflective vest or jacket?

We should talk. I've been wanting to make a few things out of really thin ripstop nylon for some time now. Covers for my lobster mitts to keep out the cold breezes, and rain covers for my summer shoes to keep them dry in rainy weather. I've been dissatisfied with all of the other shoe covers I have ever tried, so I foolishly think I can come up with something better.

The goals would include:
- universal clipless compatibility
- quick and easy to put on and take off
- cover sides and top of shoes against water
- withstand a bit of walking without wearing out the straps that pass underneath
- not so baggy that they get in the drivetrain or flap all over the place
- ankle covers with elastic or velcro at the top would be sweet
- ripstop nylon or similar material to be impervious to water yet dry quickly
- small and lightweight when packed so you have no excuse to leave them at home

While I mostly draft my own patterns, I would suggest looking at a brand called Kwik Sew. I'm not sure if JoAnne's carries it, it is a smaller pattern company that I believe is Minnesota based. They tend to have more outdoor clothing patterns. They may not have anything bike specific, but I'm sure modifications wouldn't be too hard- like adding a few extra inches to the back panel. Hancock Fabrics in Southtown I'm pretty sure carries Kwik Sew and they may also carry reflective fabrics, although if I remember correctly, it's only small patches of reflective material.

This would require some trial and error to find out what would work best for those things, but I'm sure it could be done.

if i sew gortex, will the seams be leaky?

Probably. I'm not sure how to procure that seam seal tape that one finds in the higher end rain wear, but I do know that there are glue-like substances available for sewing with vinyl and preventing the seams from leaking. I'm not sure how it would affect the thickness of the seams on something like goretex, or how flexible it would be when dry.

My favorite resource:

Specialty Outdoors

Penny is awesome and moderates a couple of cycling/hiking forums. There are oodles of links and a ton of advice on sewing outdoor gear on her site.

My sewing expertise lies outside the bicycle/outdoor clothing and accessory realm unfortunately.

Hopefully that will change.

I have several clothes with holes or tears I have been meaning to fix, so I may be availing myself of your kind offer of sewing advisory soon.


edited because my previous post were commentary that to me read something like "conversations are awesome, I'm so glad you are all having one" *shakes head at self and peers at empty beer can collection*

You can buy the seam tape in outdoor gear stores. I think Midwest Mountaineering has it. Also go up to thrifty at Midwest Mountaineering and talk to the person who does the repairs there for sewing and other info on making gear. They also have big rolls of the gortex fabric there and sell it by the yard.

Okay ejm,

I need warm, tunic - hoodies..
Like this:


Apparently they only make them in Japan.

Any ideas for where to find a pattern?
& would an inexperienced/beginner/crappy seamstress like myself be able to tackle something like that?

whoa, those are awesome. i might have to make myself a couple!

PM sent.