Fabrics for sewing my own cycling clothes?
07-17-08 | 11:27 AM
#1
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 8
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Fabrics for sewing my own cycling clothes?
I have recently started riding my bike to work and would like to try making my own cycling shirts. What kind of fabrics would be best? I would like something that is lightweight and will help keep me dry and cool. I noticed there are not a lot of "performance" fabrics at my local fabric shops. If I need something special, where can I purchase it?
Thanks a bunch!
Thanks a bunch!
07-17-08 | 11:35 AM
#2
Post some pictures when you're done.
https://www.rockywoods.com/index.html
https://www.google.com/search?num=100...ra+fabric+shop
https://www.rockywoods.com/index.html
https://www.google.com/search?num=100...ra+fabric+shop
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shameless POWERCRANK plug
Recommended reading for all cyclists - Cyclecraft - Effective Cycling
Condor Cycles - quite possibly the best bike shop in London
Don't run red lights, wear a helmet, use hand signals, get some cycle lights(front and rear) and, FFS, don't run red lights!
shameless POWERCRANK plug
Recommended reading for all cyclists - Cyclecraft - Effective Cycling
Condor Cycles - quite possibly the best bike shop in London
Don't run red lights, wear a helmet, use hand signals, get some cycle lights(front and rear) and, FFS, don't run red lights!
07-17-08 | 12:42 PM
#3
tired
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 5,651
Likes: 2
From: Portland, OR
Bikes: Breezer Uptown 8, U frame
Seattle Fabrics has a good selection.
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"Real wars of words are harder to win. They require thought, insight, precision, articulation, knowledge, and experience. They require the humility to admit when you are wrong. They recognize that the dialectic is not about making us look at you, but about us all looking together for the truth."
"Real wars of words are harder to win. They require thought, insight, precision, articulation, knowledge, and experience. They require the humility to admit when you are wrong. They recognize that the dialectic is not about making us look at you, but about us all looking together for the truth."
07-17-08 | 02:42 PM
#4
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 13
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From: rural Southwest Washington State
Bikes: riding an 83 Raleigh Grand Prix, building a Surly Long Haul Trucker, planning my first frame (650B, fenders, horizontal dropouts)
Seersucker
I haven't tried it yet, but Rivendell in California recommends button up seersucker shirts for hot summer weather. They're big fans of regular clothes, wool and the like.
They claim their thin wool t-shirts are cooler than cotton.
The website makes interesting reading.
Zane
They claim their thin wool t-shirts are cooler than cotton.
The website makes interesting reading.
Zane
07-17-08 | 02:46 PM
#5
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 82
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Outdoor Wilderness Fabrics is similar to Seattle Fabrics, but they tend to be a bit cheaper. And they are really helpful. https://www.owfinc.com/
07-17-08 | 03:11 PM
#6
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2008
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Wow, thanks everyone! It may be a while before I get to this project, but I will be sure to post pictures. Like I said, I am just starting out and am mostly using it for commuting and running to the grocer so I probably will not make anything very technical.
You guys are great.
You guys are great.
07-17-08 | 03:13 PM
#7
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 122
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From: Sacramento
Bikes: Trek 7100
Try to find SPF fabric for sun protection. Here's one site: https://www.sungrubbies.com/product_i...SPF-Fabric.htm
Good luck.
Good luck.
07-17-08 | 08:37 PM
#8
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 3,811
Likes: 0
From: Northern Nevada
A big fabric store should be able to fix you up. There's one in Reno called Mill End Fabrics that's had everything I've ever looked for. Doesn't do you much good if you live in Virginia or somewhere, but they ARE out there.
07-17-08 | 11:14 PM
#9
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,383
Likes: 22
From: Calgary
Bikes: 2018 Ghost Square Trekking B2.8 e-bike; 2015 MEC Cote gravel/touring bike; 1985 Boyes-Rosser tourer, now outfitted as Winter Trundle-bike
This place is near me: https://www.campers-village.com/CVtextile.html
They don't have a big selection online but they do mail order. I have bought quite a bit of fabric there - Smartwool jersey, polarfleece of various kinds, Coolmax and the like. Um, most of it is still sitting in a basket under my sewing desk... :blush:
Forgot to say, they carry patterns for *everything* you can possibly think of (including bike panniers), plus the hardware to make ti, and they have chamois for bike shorts.
They don't have a big selection online but they do mail order. I have bought quite a bit of fabric there - Smartwool jersey, polarfleece of various kinds, Coolmax and the like. Um, most of it is still sitting in a basket under my sewing desk... :blush:
Forgot to say, they carry patterns for *everything* you can possibly think of (including bike panniers), plus the hardware to make ti, and they have chamois for bike shorts.
Last edited by Buglady; 07-17-08 at 11:15 PM. Reason: ADHD
07-19-08 | 12:51 AM
#11
Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 44
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www.rosecitytextiles.com is an excellent supplier and for some tips and ideas check out www.specialtyoutdoors.com.
07-19-08 | 08:51 AM
#12
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 82
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^^+1 on Penny's work at Specialty Outdoors. She's been really helpful on the backpacking forums for those of us that make custom gear. And, I'd forgotten about Rose City textiles. Never ordered anything from them, but they, too offer some nice fabrics.
