AggieDave 6 #1 December 11, 2001 By chance are there any designs available to use to sew a Freefly suit yourself? Being a broke college student needing a jumpsuit I was considering just sewing one myself. Has anyone tried this who isn't a professional level tailor? Or am I destined to make a complete mess if I try to do this?AggieDave '02-------------Blue Skies and Gig'em Ags!BTHO t.u. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SkydiveMonkey 0 #2 December 11, 2001 One of my friends had his girlfriend make a pair of frefly pants for him and they were some of the best I've seen. Just take your time on them. I skydive, therefore I am Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites TheMarshMan1 0 #3 December 11, 2001 I saw a guy get on a plane with a jumpsuit that his girlfriend made him. Unfortunately, it wasnt quite as in tact when he landed. In fact, it was in pretty bad shape. I'd hate to have to explain that one to her, lol- "Uh, well, the jumpsuit you made me looked really great, until I jumped with it....." Guess it just depends on your sewing ability.... Blue skies,Marshall Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites freeflir29 0 #4 December 11, 2001 I was having this discussion at the DZ this weekend. Apparently you have to be careful on the quality of fabric you use. I guess a lot of fabric out there just won't hold up to all the flapping. "and I'm not easily impressed...Ooohh look...a blue car!" -Homer Simpson Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites VivaHeadDown 0 #5 December 11, 2001 I used to sew pull up cords to the bottom of a pair of baggy jeans, like a stirup to put my foot in so when I went to a sit they wouldn't ride up my leg. It worked so well that the jeans came apart around the thighs and knees from head down long before the straps came undone. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites airann 1 #6 December 11, 2001 Funny you should mention this...I have been in the process of making a suit. I had black material laid out on the floor to make a pattern. I took my FF suit I have and laid it inside out over the black material and sprinkled it with white powder. When I took away my suit, I cut around where my FF suit was, (that would be the non white powdered areas) plus 1.5 inches aprox -allowing for margins of error and seams. Well, it worked. Another guy just went in the store and draped material all over himself and he made a corduroy suit. And about material..., its true. My friend told me that my unfinished suit is great, but he gives it 2000 feet before it blows all to hell. AirAnnBAWAHHH! and click on Hey Jude! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Slappie 9 #7 December 11, 2001 I saw a guy a couple of weeks ago who made his own suit. He went to the fabric store an bought a "jumpsuit" pattern the kind old men in the country wear. All he did was make it bigger for the bagginess and sewed in a tie for the waist. Looked pretty good too I can see it now an Aggie trying to sew. He'll be luck if he doesn't sew it to himself!!My New Website with 24hr Chat Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites airann 1 #8 December 11, 2001 Riggers have to know how to sew and sew well. I have great respect for a guy who can sew. Dude out at hardly any Rulz dz, Chris... - he made himself that 18 sq foot canopy that Cyber watched open and spin. I was in the front of the plane as usual with the FFers. So I couldnt see it. Anyway, I asked him whats up with that and he said, -Heh, I ran outta material. He told me how many cells it was but now I have forgotten. Thing is the experimental canopy did not rip, it spun pretty darn hard, but it didnt rip. Wonder if I could borrow it for kite surfing??AirAnnBAWAHHH! and click on Hey Jude! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites ramon 0 #9 December 12, 2001 I would probably go to a cloth store and look at patterns for a clown suit. For you...baggy.Pick strong materialadd reinforced stiches, strong zipper and velcro on sleeves and cuffs and some sort of velcro or snap to keep it zipped up and Oila!!!If you have a grandmother that sews, it would be convenient. a good taylor might cost more than buying one from say Michigan suits, hahahahahaha.A cheap seamstress shop, like maybe the ones next to the nail salons, they might cut you a dgood deal.ramon Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites FallnAngel 0 #10 December 12, 2001 Hi, AggieDave!I have a couple of suggestions for making some freefly clothes for yourself...first, start off with a pair of pants instead of a full jumpsuit. It will be much easier to sew, much easier to fit & finish, and less investment of time & money are needed to get started.There's a pattern here: Green Pepper Patterns for a pair of rain pants ($5). They can easily be altered to add a zippered front & waistband instead of just elastic, and you can add a "facing" at the hem to accomodate a velcro closure, snaps, elastic, whatever. Bagginess isn't a problem either, since it's a fairly straight-legged pattern...just add the volume you want equally to all 4 leg seams (try not to add too much to the crotch area though, or you'll end up looking like mc hammer) Be absolutely certain to double stitch the seams, serging is even better if you have access to one, and use the best quality fabric you can find (you can buy them online if you don't find any locally). Trigger, which is a medium weight polycotton might work (to give you an idea, it's slightly lighter weight than the fabric used to make Docker's) although it's not super "drapey" if you know what I mean. It runs about $6/yard & you'll need 2-1/2 to 3 yards for each pair. Also, for your initial pair, you might try making a template with inexpensive unbleached muslin ($.99/yard). Once you get the fitting just right on the muslin pair, you can start cutting away at your intended fabric. Expect to spend about 5 hours making your first pair, and have some fun! Anyway, hope this helps you some. If you need some help or have any questions, feel free to email me and I'll help if I can. Blue skies, light winds,KarenP.S.Green Pepper also makes a full jumpsuit, with some pretty butt-ugly details if you ask me, but those could easily be eliminated or changed...so, if your pants are a success you might try the jumpsuit. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Jabeln79 0 #11 December 13, 2001 I just went to Champs sporting Goods at a local mall and bought a real light weight pair of snowboarding pants with draw string bottoms. i bought one baggy pair and one small tighter pair for a sit, in the winter. Then i bought an XXL windbreaker with extremely large arms. The wrist are tight. The combo works great so far. and i paid less than $20 for each.. I have now problem with it in free fall. and saved lots of money instead of buying regular freefly clothes and its not a bad looking combo either. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites skyhawk 2 #12 December 13, 2001 i just where regular clothes its alot more comfortable i have no prob freeflyen in them Click Me Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites skreamer 1 #13 December 13, 2001 QuoteBeing a broke college student needing a jumpsuit I was considering just sewing one myself.Is this why you use a pumpkin as a helmet??? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites AggieDave 6 #14 December 13, 2001 skyhawk--I have been using regular clothes, I have no problem freeflying. The problem is I don't have anything baggy enough or with thick enough material to slow me down. (we're talking burning out of the sky at around 200mph in a sit) Ahh, pumpkin, yes, well, I've been using what ever melon is in season, ya know? Right now I'm using the melon that God gave me and lucky for me, it's quite thick and hard enough to withstand what I've encountered so far. AggieDave '02-------------Blue Skies and Gig'em Ags!BTHO t.u. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites airann 1 #15 December 13, 2001 You have to wear giant clown shoes. To slow you down Ag Davie!!!http://www.AirAnn.comSports don't build character.... they reveal it. -unknown Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites skyhawk 2 #16 December 14, 2001 I don't have anything baggy enough or thats why you have to dress like a homie i where a big pair of jeans with a belt of course Click Me Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites AggieDave 6 #17 December 14, 2001 I have a couple pair of pants that are ultra-baggy and have pull-ties on the legs that I've been using, but the material isn't right so they don't slow me down enough. Otherwise they would probably work really well.Upon arriving at home for semester break, I found out that my mother's sewing machine tracked for the pond, so I may not even get a chance to attempt this unless I can find/beg/borrow/steal another one from somewhere. AggieDave '02-------------Blue Skies and Gig'em Ags!BTHO t.u. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites cobaltdan 0 #18 December 14, 2001 "I used to sew pull up cords to the bottom of a pair of baggy jeans, like a stirup to put my foot in so when I went to a sit they wouldn't ride up my leg."my first freefly pants were exactly the same. after about a month they completely exploded up the seams, while i was doing a speed jump in a stand. i landed in my undies with what was left of my pants flapping behind me like a flag.......i was definately the butt of some jokes for a while...btw. EG of EG skytechnologies (listed under the dealers page @ www.extremefly.com) makes some very inexpensive freefly suits and pants. he is great guy give him a ring, he might have some close outs for the budget minded !sincerely,danatair Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites jfields 0 #19 December 14, 2001 Quotebut the material isn't right so they don't slow me down enough.From what I've read, Dave, you need a drogue. JustinMy Homepage Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites freeflir29 0 #20 December 14, 2001 "From what I've read, Dave, you need a drogue."Just cause the rest of the world is light in the ass........ya gotta go sayin we have a problem....."and I'm not easily impressed...Ooohh look...a blue car!" -Homer Simpson Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites lewmonst 0 #21 December 18, 2001 A friend of mine in Georgia is a seamstress/tailor. She'd never made anything for skydiving before, but I explained to her freefly pants and showed her some examples and gave her measurements and she made a sweet pair of pants for me. I don't have any photos at the moment, but i will post some asap. Anyway, she understood how to make the stitches strong and all that. I've jumped them and they're great. If you want to see other clothes she makes, or get her contact info, go to [link]http://www.madebyjoene.com/[/link] she's also willing to work with you on pricing and or soem sort of barter...And she'd love more business. lew Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites AggieDave 6 #22 December 26, 2001 Well for Christmas my folks "gave" me a suit, I just have to go find one I like and buy it...so much for sewing, thanks to everyone who gave me some great ideas. I may still do this in the future, though. AggieDave '02-------------Blue Skies and Gig'em Ags!BTHO t.u. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites jtval 0 #23 December 26, 2001 cool gift dave- cool parents too.i was just talking about this with a whuffo friend of mine. I'm in korea where anything can be made. so i was in kunsan city looking for a "seamstress." but i figured i'd d/l some pic and fabric selections b4 i try to explian to these ppl what this SUIT is. i dont speak hongul, nor do i wish to! (actually i have a FF suit i was looking for an rw suit for them to sew)Have fun, LIVE FREE, SkydiveJT Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites freeflir29 0 #24 December 26, 2001 "d/l some pic and fabric selections'Good idea!!! The last "Made in Korea" RW suit I saw was pretty funny looking. Just get some good pictures and examples of materials for O'dgi-ma and I'm sure it'll turn out fine. There's two things Korean chics are good for.......one of them is sewing......."I got some beers....Let's Drink em!!!"Clay Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites jtval 0 #25 December 27, 2001 one of them is sewing...actually thats the second thing they're good for.========================================i was wondering about their stitching. if i understand correctly, their thread sux. so many considerations, so little ...oh wait all i got is time.Have fun, LIVE FREE, SkydiveJT Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Prev 1 2 Next Page 1 of 2 Join the conversation You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account. Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible. Reply to this topic... × Pasted as rich text. Paste as plain text instead Only 75 emoji are allowed. × Your link has been automatically embedded. Display as a link instead × Your previous content has been restored. 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TheMarshMan1 0 #3 December 11, 2001 I saw a guy get on a plane with a jumpsuit that his girlfriend made him. Unfortunately, it wasnt quite as in tact when he landed. In fact, it was in pretty bad shape. I'd hate to have to explain that one to her, lol- "Uh, well, the jumpsuit you made me looked really great, until I jumped with it....." Guess it just depends on your sewing ability.... Blue skies,Marshall Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
freeflir29 0 #4 December 11, 2001 I was having this discussion at the DZ this weekend. Apparently you have to be careful on the quality of fabric you use. I guess a lot of fabric out there just won't hold up to all the flapping. "and I'm not easily impressed...Ooohh look...a blue car!" -Homer Simpson Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
VivaHeadDown 0 #5 December 11, 2001 I used to sew pull up cords to the bottom of a pair of baggy jeans, like a stirup to put my foot in so when I went to a sit they wouldn't ride up my leg. It worked so well that the jeans came apart around the thighs and knees from head down long before the straps came undone. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
airann 1 #6 December 11, 2001 Funny you should mention this...I have been in the process of making a suit. I had black material laid out on the floor to make a pattern. I took my FF suit I have and laid it inside out over the black material and sprinkled it with white powder. When I took away my suit, I cut around where my FF suit was, (that would be the non white powdered areas) plus 1.5 inches aprox -allowing for margins of error and seams. Well, it worked. Another guy just went in the store and draped material all over himself and he made a corduroy suit. And about material..., its true. My friend told me that my unfinished suit is great, but he gives it 2000 feet before it blows all to hell. AirAnnBAWAHHH! and click on Hey Jude! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Slappie 9 #7 December 11, 2001 I saw a guy a couple of weeks ago who made his own suit. He went to the fabric store an bought a "jumpsuit" pattern the kind old men in the country wear. All he did was make it bigger for the bagginess and sewed in a tie for the waist. Looked pretty good too I can see it now an Aggie trying to sew. He'll be luck if he doesn't sew it to himself!!My New Website with 24hr Chat Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
airann 1 #8 December 11, 2001 Riggers have to know how to sew and sew well. I have great respect for a guy who can sew. Dude out at hardly any Rulz dz, Chris... - he made himself that 18 sq foot canopy that Cyber watched open and spin. I was in the front of the plane as usual with the FFers. So I couldnt see it. Anyway, I asked him whats up with that and he said, -Heh, I ran outta material. He told me how many cells it was but now I have forgotten. Thing is the experimental canopy did not rip, it spun pretty darn hard, but it didnt rip. Wonder if I could borrow it for kite surfing??AirAnnBAWAHHH! and click on Hey Jude! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ramon 0 #9 December 12, 2001 I would probably go to a cloth store and look at patterns for a clown suit. For you...baggy.Pick strong materialadd reinforced stiches, strong zipper and velcro on sleeves and cuffs and some sort of velcro or snap to keep it zipped up and Oila!!!If you have a grandmother that sews, it would be convenient. a good taylor might cost more than buying one from say Michigan suits, hahahahahaha.A cheap seamstress shop, like maybe the ones next to the nail salons, they might cut you a dgood deal.ramon Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
FallnAngel 0 #10 December 12, 2001 Hi, AggieDave!I have a couple of suggestions for making some freefly clothes for yourself...first, start off with a pair of pants instead of a full jumpsuit. It will be much easier to sew, much easier to fit & finish, and less investment of time & money are needed to get started.There's a pattern here: Green Pepper Patterns for a pair of rain pants ($5). They can easily be altered to add a zippered front & waistband instead of just elastic, and you can add a "facing" at the hem to accomodate a velcro closure, snaps, elastic, whatever. Bagginess isn't a problem either, since it's a fairly straight-legged pattern...just add the volume you want equally to all 4 leg seams (try not to add too much to the crotch area though, or you'll end up looking like mc hammer) Be absolutely certain to double stitch the seams, serging is even better if you have access to one, and use the best quality fabric you can find (you can buy them online if you don't find any locally). Trigger, which is a medium weight polycotton might work (to give you an idea, it's slightly lighter weight than the fabric used to make Docker's) although it's not super "drapey" if you know what I mean. It runs about $6/yard & you'll need 2-1/2 to 3 yards for each pair. Also, for your initial pair, you might try making a template with inexpensive unbleached muslin ($.99/yard). Once you get the fitting just right on the muslin pair, you can start cutting away at your intended fabric. Expect to spend about 5 hours making your first pair, and have some fun! Anyway, hope this helps you some. If you need some help or have any questions, feel free to email me and I'll help if I can. Blue skies, light winds,KarenP.S.Green Pepper also makes a full jumpsuit, with some pretty butt-ugly details if you ask me, but those could easily be eliminated or changed...so, if your pants are a success you might try the jumpsuit. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jabeln79 0 #11 December 13, 2001 I just went to Champs sporting Goods at a local mall and bought a real light weight pair of snowboarding pants with draw string bottoms. i bought one baggy pair and one small tighter pair for a sit, in the winter. Then i bought an XXL windbreaker with extremely large arms. The wrist are tight. The combo works great so far. and i paid less than $20 for each.. I have now problem with it in free fall. and saved lots of money instead of buying regular freefly clothes and its not a bad looking combo either. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skyhawk 2 #12 December 13, 2001 i just where regular clothes its alot more comfortable i have no prob freeflyen in them Click Me Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skreamer 1 #13 December 13, 2001 QuoteBeing a broke college student needing a jumpsuit I was considering just sewing one myself.Is this why you use a pumpkin as a helmet??? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AggieDave 6 #14 December 13, 2001 skyhawk--I have been using regular clothes, I have no problem freeflying. The problem is I don't have anything baggy enough or with thick enough material to slow me down. (we're talking burning out of the sky at around 200mph in a sit) Ahh, pumpkin, yes, well, I've been using what ever melon is in season, ya know? Right now I'm using the melon that God gave me and lucky for me, it's quite thick and hard enough to withstand what I've encountered so far. AggieDave '02-------------Blue Skies and Gig'em Ags!BTHO t.u. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
airann 1 #15 December 13, 2001 You have to wear giant clown shoes. To slow you down Ag Davie!!!http://www.AirAnn.comSports don't build character.... they reveal it. -unknown Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skyhawk 2 #16 December 14, 2001 I don't have anything baggy enough or thats why you have to dress like a homie i where a big pair of jeans with a belt of course Click Me Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AggieDave 6 #17 December 14, 2001 I have a couple pair of pants that are ultra-baggy and have pull-ties on the legs that I've been using, but the material isn't right so they don't slow me down enough. Otherwise they would probably work really well.Upon arriving at home for semester break, I found out that my mother's sewing machine tracked for the pond, so I may not even get a chance to attempt this unless I can find/beg/borrow/steal another one from somewhere. AggieDave '02-------------Blue Skies and Gig'em Ags!BTHO t.u. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cobaltdan 0 #18 December 14, 2001 "I used to sew pull up cords to the bottom of a pair of baggy jeans, like a stirup to put my foot in so when I went to a sit they wouldn't ride up my leg."my first freefly pants were exactly the same. after about a month they completely exploded up the seams, while i was doing a speed jump in a stand. i landed in my undies with what was left of my pants flapping behind me like a flag.......i was definately the butt of some jokes for a while...btw. EG of EG skytechnologies (listed under the dealers page @ www.extremefly.com) makes some very inexpensive freefly suits and pants. he is great guy give him a ring, he might have some close outs for the budget minded !sincerely,danatair Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jfields 0 #19 December 14, 2001 Quotebut the material isn't right so they don't slow me down enough.From what I've read, Dave, you need a drogue. JustinMy Homepage Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
freeflir29 0 #20 December 14, 2001 "From what I've read, Dave, you need a drogue."Just cause the rest of the world is light in the ass........ya gotta go sayin we have a problem....."and I'm not easily impressed...Ooohh look...a blue car!" -Homer Simpson Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lewmonst 0 #21 December 18, 2001 A friend of mine in Georgia is a seamstress/tailor. She'd never made anything for skydiving before, but I explained to her freefly pants and showed her some examples and gave her measurements and she made a sweet pair of pants for me. I don't have any photos at the moment, but i will post some asap. Anyway, she understood how to make the stitches strong and all that. I've jumped them and they're great. If you want to see other clothes she makes, or get her contact info, go to [link]http://www.madebyjoene.com/[/link] she's also willing to work with you on pricing and or soem sort of barter...And she'd love more business. lew Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AggieDave 6 #22 December 26, 2001 Well for Christmas my folks "gave" me a suit, I just have to go find one I like and buy it...so much for sewing, thanks to everyone who gave me some great ideas. I may still do this in the future, though. AggieDave '02-------------Blue Skies and Gig'em Ags!BTHO t.u. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jtval 0 #23 December 26, 2001 cool gift dave- cool parents too.i was just talking about this with a whuffo friend of mine. I'm in korea where anything can be made. so i was in kunsan city looking for a "seamstress." but i figured i'd d/l some pic and fabric selections b4 i try to explian to these ppl what this SUIT is. i dont speak hongul, nor do i wish to! (actually i have a FF suit i was looking for an rw suit for them to sew)Have fun, LIVE FREE, SkydiveJT Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
freeflir29 0 #24 December 26, 2001 "d/l some pic and fabric selections'Good idea!!! The last "Made in Korea" RW suit I saw was pretty funny looking. Just get some good pictures and examples of materials for O'dgi-ma and I'm sure it'll turn out fine. There's two things Korean chics are good for.......one of them is sewing......."I got some beers....Let's Drink em!!!"Clay Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jtval 0 #25 December 27, 2001 one of them is sewing...actually thats the second thing they're good for.========================================i was wondering about their stitching. if i understand correctly, their thread sux. so many considerations, so little ...oh wait all i got is time.Have fun, LIVE FREE, SkydiveJT Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
