I'm a Bro and I Sew... Who else is with me?

This is a great thread!
I'm a bro, and I sew. There, I said it.
Some of you know this already, but I sew mostly Star Wars costumes, specifically Fett-related items, but I've also done Jedi costumes, biker and snow scout soft parts, small commissions, and some medieval/Renaissance-era tunics.

My first sewing machine was an old, 60's era, hand-me-down metal beater from Montgomery Ward. I didn't have a clue as to how to use it, so it was mostly trial and error. I wound the thread onto the bobbin with a pencil.

After a few months of frustration, I bought a Kenmore machine from Sears, and it came with an instruction booklet! Suddenly all those little gadgets and whatsits on the machine made sense! I was off and running.

These days, I still do a little sewing, but as I get older, my eyesight is getting worse, and I have to wear reading glasses to thread needles and such. But I'm still using the same Kenmore machine I bought in 1998.

I've been thinking about getting a serger...

I'm a bro, and I don't have the kahonas to break out the sewing machine from under it's thick layer of dust in the garage.

I love this thread and it's great seeing guys sew. Back in the day men out numbered women as professional tailors and clothiers, but somewhere along the line sewing has become the 'thing women are supposed to do'.

My favourite machine was the one i was bought to start my degree. Cant remember the exact model number, but it was a Pfaff crafting machine that could sew through anything..leather, no problem. Thick wools, no problem because you could lift the foot higher than any other machine. Only needed one fix during its life until something big went wrong with it and found out to get it fixed would cost same as what it cost originally to buy (many machine repairers disapearing so actually hard to find someone to fix it in the first place.) So now it sits in it's box waiting to find someone who can fix it for a good price and i have a cheapy Silverline machine from Lidl (uk budget store) that does the jobs i need and a Toyota overlocker (serger) for all the stretchy stuff , which again was bought over 20 years ago for my degree and has never broken down!

It's so great to see guys sewing - unfortunately lots of my friends think it's a female hobby (and that attacking things with a dremel and hacksaw is a male hobby >_<).
Hopefully the fantastic pieces of work here can help convince my partner to put more effort into learning to sew. He's supposedly been interested for a year or so, but has only managed to put one extra panel to make a hood bigger, then gave up and got me to do the rest ^_^'
I've got two electric singer sewing machines kindly donated by elderly relatives, but I think I'm downgrading my partner to the hand-wheel one until he stops making the bobbin get tangled.

Freya Willia said:

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Just out of curiosity, what is everyone's preferred method for drafting a costume pattern? Butchering something that already fits and copying? Draping and pinning? Or drawing something on the fabric...going balls to the wall and hope what you cut out is the right shape?

I'd love to use the first method, but that never happens to something I'd be okay cutting up. The second only works occasionally. And the last approach I use for pretty much every costume I've made to date.

A little of both, for me. My Red Skull was from a pattern that I modded to work, but I'm working on the Avengers Captain America, and I'm starting with a pattern and draping from there. I once had a client sitting on my couch and watching TV in her underwear while I draped and sewed a costume for her in a couple of hours!

I've sewn a few things, though I'll admit I still have to hire a seamstress now and again.




First version of my satyr cap (all hand stitched and designed my own pattern)


Second version of my satyr cap (all hand stitched and designed my own pattern)

I sewed the cape and inner tunic for my ANH Vader from ten yards of wool and about as much satin. Also sewed the leather collar. In addition modified my faux leather body suit for the same costume.

Not really an expert at sewing, but good enough to pass muster for entry into the 501st.

I should add I did destroy my wife's sewing machine on my first cape attempt... so much for saving money making my own cape.

Sent from my A500 using Tapatalk 2

I am a bro who sews as well. Here is what I've been working on. Captain America TFA. I am always driven to new heights by how creative everyone is on here.

Darth Mule said:

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Gerbil: Nice work on the Lovett... Do we have a Todd to go with?

Sorry missed that first time round Thanks..and yes I am Sweeney Todd to her Lovett..
Largely bought pieces but modified and altered by myself to make more accurate..(the vest is actually Brown as it's supposed to be but always seems to look grey in photos..)
The machine I use is an 85 year old Hand powered Singer machine. Goes through practically anything.

I started learning to use a sewing machine! Now my wife has asked me to minor alterations. lol... Ive actually enjoyed what Ive been able to do. Not very good at it yet though...

Very inspiring thread, you guys! Thanks for sharing all your works

I've been wanting learn how to sew ever since. I'm hoping I'll finally be able to get some lessons early next year.

I have my toe in the water of the kiddie pool. So far I've been sewing velcro to various straps and vests. Nothing too complicated, yet, but I'm learning.

i thought this was from the movie...



very nice ^_^

I'm a bro and I sew! I re-upholstered my car seats in red, and made almost an entire Anakin (the pants are just brown jeans from pacsun ^_^) starting to work with foam tho - Iron man, TDK, Malgus, and hopefully soon some High Warlord gear! sewing where i can


IMG_0336 by ajakadoo, on Flickr

Hello, my name is Daniel and I too am a bro that sews.

I started sewing at a young age, too young most would say.
It started harmless enough with just "trying it out" by sewing velcro on things. And the spiral down began. Soon I was finding myself helping make my own Halloween costumes. Later in life I couldn't get that monkey off my back, and I continued to sew things. From sewing patches on my leather vest, to making costumes from scratch, I can't kick this habit. To this day I even have *gasp* TWO sewing machines!! I know, I know, I have a problem...

Welcome back thread and all new posters. I kind of forgot about this with the Dragon Con hubub...

akuzihs said:

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i thought this was from the movie...



very nice ^_^

I'd bet good money that was taken at the Hyatt during Dragon*Con. Heck, I could probably take you to the exact spot.

Anyhoo, learning to sew is one of those things that I want to punch out on the bucket list eventually. I have some screen accurate buckles for a Browncoat, see...

I'm a bro and i do sew. Mostly self learned with some help from my mother and grandmother
I like doing it when i need to, Just a new skill to add to the Hobby.

Chicks dig it also when i say that i sew.

Made a Fallout 3 Jumpsuit.


Sewed the anchor emblem on my haddock shirt and his sailer sack.

This thread (well, the women saying it is sexy) has made me finally get a sewing machine. I haven't used one since I had to take home economics in the 70's. Now the only thing stopping me from a job at the Tantalus Penal Colony is the boots.

Sent from my Etch-A-Sketch

I did my first bit of sewing outside of home-ec class (16 years ago?) this summer while I was visiting my parents. I made a black robe/cloak for my Sith Acolyte costume I wore to Celebration 6.
It was frustrating, but I'll be giving it a go again in the future. I was told after I finished my cloak that the machine I was using is a pain in the rear.

Small picture of my first attempt at sewing.

I think I need to get better at sewing!

Hi all

Sorry i have been a bit of a lurker here, and thought i'd show some costumes my wife and i have put together. I have been costuming since 2008, and enjoy it now as much as when i first tried it.

Here are a few costumes we have put a needle and thread to.......


First my Scarecrow from Dr.Who 'Family of Blood' & 'Human Nature'



Family Of Blood - YouTube


next my Clown, this character is one of Penguin's thugs from 'Batman Returns' the clown is from the Red Triangle Circus, we see them emerge from a great big parcel at the start of the film. My wife hand made all soft parts to screen accuracy, even my MP5K has been modded to screen accuracy, There are two varients of the clown, one with a red wig one who rides a motorcross bike........










Next we made this for my daughter Hit Girl,








I had to get Kick Ass so this is mine.....













I have a few more costume in WIP D.rWho Judoon's Captain Tybo, also Star Wars Garindan and soon a Gamorrean Guard.

Well I don't sew too much, but I have sewn together a couple military style harnesses for Metal Gear cosplays.

Peace Walker Big Boss SPIE harness (commissioned for a friend)



Snake Eater Naked Snake STABO harness



I'm actually about to take on my biggest sewing project with a military inspired jacket and pats for my Protoman costume.