Heavy Duty Sewing

This book is solid on technique. If you want to learn to sew items for heavy use, such as backpacks and other outdoor gear, this is a great place to start. You'll learn general principles for how to work with heavier fabrics (including what your fabric options are and how to choose the right kind for the project), sewing machine and hand techniques for items that are going to get a lot of wear and tear, etc. There are also patterns for about a dozen items, from backpacks to firewood totes to tool rolls.

The only reasons I'm not giving it 5 stars are: 1) I personally don't care much for the author's design aesthetic. The techniques are still good, I just don't like his projects. 2) Although marketed in the US, this book - at least the review copy - only contains metric units. I don't have a problem using metric, but for a lot of US sewing folks, this is probably a deal-breaker.

I'm probably not going to go out and start sewing my own backpacks and tents, but if I were, this book would be my starting point.

A very handy book for the novice sewing of heavy duty items. Easy to follow with simple patterns that can be easily drawn up from the templates provided. A couple of haversacks/ bags, a heavy apron with leather ties and some simple project for the home makes up this useful book. It isn't a big book, but everything is explained well and simply. And enough for someone starting out.

This is a great sewing reference book of practical items for yourself or the person in your life that can appreciate having items that are highly functional and will last.
This self-taught author gives the tools and knowledge needed to encourage your own creativity and with a little imagination, invent your own items to fit your needs.
He does a great job of describing the correct fabric, zippers and hardware to construct a sturdy product.
You will have to draw your patterns by carefully following the directions for the shape and measurements given. The book is written using metric measurements, however, there is a U.S conversion before the table of contents. If need be, the alien terminology may be queried on the internet.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley for my honest opinion.

I’ve always been intimidated by outdoor friendly fabrics. Aside from a few shopping bags whipped up to prevent the deluge of plastic from grocery shopping, I’ve never really considered heavy-duty sewing as a possibility. Anton Sandquist’s matter of fact treatment of the mechanics of making a backpack or a pair of gaiters, is reassuring and eye-opening. As someone who has never found a pair of ski pants to fit my 5’2” frame, it occurs to me that the solution is to make my own. I’ve already started shopping for zippers and fabrics online.

This is a terrific book! Mr. Sandqvist does an exemplarary job of explaining the equipment and tools necessary for heavy duty sewing. I have always wanted to try to sew some of the projects in this book and was so happy to find them. The photographs are exceptional and detailed. The directions for each project are well written and concise. My only suggestion would be to have a conversion chart from metric to US measurements. I plan on looking up the conversion for myself as I am anxious to tackle some of these projects. Excellent job!

This is a really nice beginner's book for people who are interested in starting to sew their own gear. It's short, and has good instructions.

This is an interesting starting point for someone interested in working with leathers, duck, canvas and other more commercially used products.
There are plenty of projects featured to help get your feet wet and learn the mechanics of putting the items together.

The author of this book, Heavy Duty Sewing, has done a remarkable job in describing the sewing process step by step. He tells us what all the items you need to perform all the projects in his book, by describing their use and by picture. Pictures are great by the way. He tells us where we might purchase these items and how to actually sew heavy duty types of projects. He has several functional types of projects that are described in detail in the book for backpacks, baskets and the like. The projects are masculine looking and would be excellent for the outdoors man for camping, boating and hiking. I was impressed with his completeness, as many "how to sew" books are not so descriptive and would make some people frustrated. I think this would be a great book for that person who wants to keep their projects basic, with natural fibers that hold up in the elements. Four stars, only because the projects are limited. Perhaps there is a plan for more advanced projects in the future.

Thank you to #NetGalley and the publisher for a pre-publication ebook in exchange for an honest review.

Have you ever tried to sew canvas, leather, or thick denim? It can be a challenge - but this book explains the process with clear instructions and photos, and offers tips to make it easier.

Sandqvist includes patterns for the projects shown on the cover. This is a thoroughly enjoyable way to start designing useful containers or garments with your own heavy-duty work fabrics.

If you are a sewist who thinks like an engineer you will love this book Heavy Duty Sewing: Making Backpacks and Other Stuff by Anton Sandqvist. Yes! That Anton Sandqvist! The one who is the technical and creative force behind Sandqvist Products, the renown Swedish outdoor gear company. Although Sandqvist is trained as an engineer his sewing skills are self-taught and these two traits shine through in his writing voice. Although he has the tendency to be dry and technical, his enthusiasm for the creative process is genuine and contagious.
Just like the company's products, this book takes a no nonsense approach to both the design process and the construction of the articles. Sandqvist gives a pragmatic overview of the how, what and whys of sewing products for use in the outdoors. He walks you through the mathematics required to produce your 3-dimensional design from 2-dimensional fabric and therein forces you to really think about what you aim to create and it's function.
I especially love that Sandqvist includes detailed steps for making eleven specific projects and addresses how to modify them for your own needs. If you are a beginning sewist I recommend you start with something simple like the apron. There is plenty here to challenge the experienced sewist too, I challenge you to create a customized duffel bag!
"I received a free copy of this ebook via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review”

#HeavyDutySewing #NetGalley #DYI #Outdoors

The book will not disappoint the outdoor and DYI lovers. Anton shares his experience by providing step by step illustrated tutorials which are useful items like a large pack using robust materials.

Heavy Duty Sewing is a welcome addition to the creative world. Anton Sandqvist, as a male designer, has a insightful perspective on useful projects.

While I personally sew, I have yet to work with heavy duty materials; I took careful note of his descriptions and explanations and I found them very approachable. These thoughtful additions will put those new to sewing with heavier, more durable fabrics at ease.

The projects aren't concerned with embellishment, choosing to let the materials and craftsmanship speak for themselves. They range from a work apron to a duffel, to even handled bags for plants and more. The range is useful, offering up different time commitments based on your interests or skill level.

There are color photos of each finished project. The one possible detraction I have is that there are no photos of the step-by-step process, which may slow some down. However, the text does its best to eliminate any confusion with clarity in words. And the lack of regular photos throughout the projects is understandable, given how much longer that would make the text. For those used to following online tutorials with frequent photography, you may have to grow in confidence and trust your instincts. However, with the range of projects and the helpful guides in the beginning, you have some good opportunities and motivations to sit at your sewing machine.

This book provides the tools necessary for the reader to gain a solid understanding on creating durable sewing projects. It fits in well with a collection focusing on making and repairing instead of replacing. If you have a DIY group of library members, this would be a perfect addition to your shelves. Sandqvist reminds the readers that you can't get a ticket for doing it wrong, so start creating, making mistakes, and learning the techniques that fit you, your needs, and your sewing machine.

Notes to publisher:
pg 25 : The 1 on the image is not very visible as it is positioned on top of a gridline. Maybe move it.
pg 30: The 5 is hard to see and the 7 is sitting on a dark area of the image. Maybe consider a white circle behind the numbers.
pg 37: caption reads Threading the Lower - but the image seems to depict the top thread.

Great pictures throughout this book help create a wonderful guidebook. The pictures along with the detailed information make this book very helpful. The ideas too create a wonderful sewing book. We recommend it as it is everything you need.

I was really surprised at how easy this book was to understand. Although I'm an experienced seamstress, I felt like the instructions were clear enough for even the first time sewer could understand. From the illustrations and type of projects, I felt like the book was geared for men. That being said, the projects are ones that would interest both men and women. Also, the projects weren't intimidating looking and used logical forms to aid the sewer to visualize the construction process. It is written with only metric measurements listed, I would have liked both metric and USC units.

I am yet to kickstart any project that I successfully complete and bring out in public on my sewing machine. I thought requesting this book would give me added insight on the complexities involved in more complicated projects than a basic pillow cover or quilt. 

I did not have the time to attempt any of the designs provided in the book before my access to the ARC ran out. They seemed detailed and with enough information for execution. There is more practical knowledge provided in the book in the form of the projects and does not have too much of the generic information you expect in such books.

It is an interesting angle to approach sewing in current practical uses. It would be a boon for those with more adventurous disposition when it comes to hand-made enterprises.

I would recommend this book for those who are accustomed to their sewing machine already. Beginners may attempt these projects but heavy duty sewing is more of a feat than, say, a cotton pillowcase. However, I truly encourage anyone willing to give it shot to do so! Sewing is a fabulous pleasure, therapeutic and peaceful. Sew on!

There has been a lack of do it yourself and sewing books related to simple and sturdy bags, packs, knife holders and work aprons that are made with heavy materials. Often I have attempted to use a pattern and instructions for a tote bag or apron and modify it for heavy fabric such as canvas or denim then suffer problems while trying to sew it on my old machine. The Heavy Duty Sewing book by Anton Sandqvist is a perfect guide for creating with heavy materials and I appreciate the publisher making the book available on NetGalley so that I might learn about Anton Sandqvist's talents and advice.
Full Disclosure: I was allowed to read a copy of this book for free as a member of NetGalley in exchange for my unbiased review. The opinions I have expressed are my own and I was not influenced to give a positive review.

A great book for learning to sew heavier duty items. Easy to follow and great images. Well laid out with patterns that a simple to use.