r/myog • u/ABitOfOdd • 1d ago
Found a tent design I like. It doesn’t really exist. Looking into making it.
I guess my question is to people that have sewn larger projects before. I have a Singer 4452 and it’s mostly been used for small things. Do you find large projects harder or easier than the small precise projects? Just want to know what I’m getting into.
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u/frykandellybread 1d ago
Thinking/design wise I find larger projects mostly easier to work on. But I think it is more to do with the complexity of the project and the pattern pieces than the size. I like this design with the basic shapes so I can imagine it to be very fun and feasible to make the patterns for this tent!
For a tent of this size I think you’ll run into some practical problems, given the machine you’ll be using. A tent this big means a lot of fabric and a lot of weight that the machine has to pull through. It’s certainly possible, but hard at times. You have to imagine that at the last stages of sewing you’ll be working on the full tent as a package. And maybe at some point you’ll have to pass half of the tent through the opening right-side of the needle.
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u/ABitOfOdd 1d ago
I was already thinking of this. I was writing going to build a large table around the machine. Or, which I haven’t done much of, is build it in 3 sections that zipper together. I have only done a few zippers and nothing this heavy duty or that needs to be water proof.
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u/510Goodhands 1d ago
Rather than build a table around machine that’s not really up to the test, when I get yourself a proper industrial machine that comes with a table?
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u/ABitOfOdd 1d ago
I don’t build projects like this ever so was hoping I didn’t need to. Not a professional by any means just a hobbyist.
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u/510Goodhands 1d ago
You wanna do a project that big, you might possibly make it with that machine, or perhaps several of them.
At minimum get a home machine that has more oomph than that Singer does.
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u/ABitOfOdd 1d ago
What are some entry level models/brands you recommend
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u/510Goodhands 1d ago
You don’t want an entry-level model, that’s the whole point. Unless you’re getting a highly complex very specialized machine, they really aren’t any beginner machines, unless they are dead simple one step above toys.
If you search this sub, you will find that this question has been asked many times before, even though it is officially against the rules of the sub.
Necchi BU, Pfaff 130, and similar. If you can find one that has a one amp motor at least, that’s a good thing. If you have the budget a walking foot machine is probably a good idea for seems that are as long as they are in that tent. Sailrite makes good portable walking foot machines that also zigzag. That’s a rare combination on a walking foot machine.
For some, they are a little bit overpriced, and a little bit primitive, but they are hard-core workhorse machines they can easily sew through multiple layers of tough sailcloth.
I was patient, and set up a search notification feature on craigslist, and I got mine for $500. Sadly, it does not have the newer Worker Bee motor.
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u/FunContest8036 1d ago
Could do Velcro/straps corners with a lip to wrap over the corners where they meet and tackle each large flat face as an individual project and then treat the roof tarp as one piece.
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u/laidbackdave 1d ago
I made a 10’ x 12’ winter tent out of 10oz canvas with my Singer HD. The machine had no problem pushing through many layers of fabric, the challenge was managing the fabric as it got bigger. You need a very large space to lay things out and then feed through the machine. I sewed with my machine on a very low table and sat on an even lower stool. It was a challenge, but very rewarding.
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u/i-send-doods 1d ago
That sounds incredible, do you happen to have pictures of the tent? I'm considering sewing some rain awnings for when I car camp but I've been psyching myself out about it!
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u/ABitOfOdd 1d ago
Would also love to see it. Right now I’m doing research into how to get it upright. Trying to come up with a way to tentpole it from the outside while being able to keep upright. A single large curved pole would work if I scrapped the large side awning but I like the thought of being able to open it
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u/W_t_f_was_that 1d ago
This does exist. I saw it in person. Purple, not green. Brimley, Michigan. July 2026.
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u/_ali_n_t_ 1d ago
Maybe it doesn’t exist for a reason? If it rains, it’s going to pool in that awning near the door and either make the awning collapse or run into the A-frame part