Sewing cuben

Flat felling would be a good choice, I definitely don't recommend sewing it like nylon with raw edges, and binding.

If you want something strong but simpler than flat felling, I suggest adding an extra 1/4" seam allowance all around each panel, and then folding that 1/4" back (one time, no need to roll) into the panel, sewing through those two layers will reinforce very well, and mitigate the spectra fiber pullout/delamination at the edge that seems to be the usual failure cause.

Longer stitch length, and high quality bonded nylon thread I think is ideal. Make sure you've got it right also, since cuben is the least forgiving material when it comes to ripping stitches, since it doesn't "heal" like nylon/poly.

I've always liked the French seam but thats on my packs I argree with you javen that flat felled is the way to go with cuben I'm just kind of freaking out with all the "cuben's so hard to work with hype"

In my opinion (and it's just that), it's B.S.

Especially the heavier weight cuben, I find to be supremely *EASY* to work with. It's very predictable material, unlike nylon and poly that seem to have a mind of their own, with various levels of stretch, deformation, etc. Cuben lays out easy, marks easy, takes a fold and holds it without pressing (which barely works with sil), and doesn't deform.

There are some caveats; don't use your shears to cut it unless you feel like being angry and having dull scissors (I recommend a utility-knife with a fresh blade over a large self healing mat), make sure you get your stitches where you want them, and make sure your machine can feed it correctly (don't try to be too aggressive with the feed).

Like anything it has it's quirks, but it's much easier to work with IMHO than any but the heaviest "fabrics", as long as you take the time to figure it out.

I agree 100% with Javan on this. Cuben fiber is much easier to work with than any of the other materials I have sewn. Keep in mind that Javan has oodles of experience more than me and his stuff is beautifuly made to say the least (basically, I'm trying to say that you can trust his advice/opinion). I would consider myself a complete beginner at best, but that should only convince you more that cuben is great to work with.

I find M90 and Sil very slippery and tough to leave nice straight stitches. Cuben holds a fold amazing, more so as you go up with the thicker stuff, so don't be afraid of it. Maybe I got lucky but I just set my machine to the longest stitch length and use the thread from thru hiker. It always looks pretty decent and I will admit I barely know what I am doing. :)

Practice on some scraps first and I bet you will be confident after just a few passes.

Good luck!

Wow Steven, I'm going to have to take lessons in humility from you man. You're about as far from beginner as it gets, the next stage is just "full time and hating it". ;P

I think the issue with cuben that makes it "hard to work with" is strictly price related. It's expensive material to mess up on, and I think that psychs out a lot of us. Once you get over the sticker shock, it's a dream.

There's a saying amongst the knifemaking community about grinding belts: "Use them like they're free.", they're not, they're expensive, but if you worry about the cost upfront, you'll end up costing yourself a lot more in the long run.

My take in regards to material costs, even as a "professional", is that I'm paying for the education, not the end result. It's cheap entertainment when you compare it to just about anything.

hahaha… OK, to be more specific, I have lots of experience with cuben fiber, but sewing is not my strong point. :) There is a reason why I don't post close up pictures of my seams! All my products and most of my R&D stuff is sewn by my mom or my seamstress – both of which put me to serious shame.

finished my pack and tarp and let me say it was a joy to work with pics coming soon

I have Two question about sewing cuben since the only thing I own in cuben I stuff sack by Brian at Oware for a tarp. he used about a 3mm stich and folded it over.

Question #1: What size tread do you use and needle size?
Question #2 What do you use to bond the cuben together?

My thinking is would be better to bond the seams together and the fold and stitch over to make the seam stronger or sew to stronger nylon material. I might try some purchase some cuben fabric from Z pack and sew a few things.
Thanks,
Terry

I use a very small needle. On my last pack, I used a 9 sharp I believe. I just use the same polyester thread I always use. It works for me.