Fabric Testing Explained: Making Sense of Data Sheets

Send us a textData sheets help give quantitative data on how a fabric performs. This data is invaluable but can be confusing if you don't know what you're looking at. That's why we did this episode. Maddie Wilson from NC State's College of Textiles helps us understand how each test is performed and what the test value really means. Show Links: Here is an example of a data sheet. You can find data sheets in the photo carousel of most product pages. NC State Wilson College of Textiles Summer Course for High School StudentsPhysical Testing LabProducts Mentioned: Dyneema® Composite Fabric 1.0 oz MONOLITE Ripstop Nylon Mesh4.0 oz Pocket MeshChallenge ULTRA™ 800XFind Us on Social Media 🚀@RipstopbytheRollwww.ripstopbytheroll.com

Send us a textWe feature as the guest on this "ask us anything" style of episode. Listen to hear us talk about fabric application, sewing tips, business changes, and other things that makers have requested to know. Product Links: Schmetz Universal Machine NeedlesSchmetz Sharp/Microtex Machine NeedlesGutermann MARA 70Gutermann MARA 50210 Venom™ Gridstop ECOFind Us on Social Media 🚀@RipstopbytheRollwww.ripstopbytheroll.com

Send us a textIf you ask Chat GPT what the 5 keys to a great bikebag are, you'll get a good list. But it may not be vetted from professional bike bag makers like our list is in this episode. We talk with Lane and Steph from Oveja Negra. The so called, Black Sheep, of the bikebag work will surprise you in their keys to the bags that carry us on our two-wheeled adventures. Oveja NegraPlease note: Our guests were recording in their sew shop. This makes the conversation feel very organic, like two makers in their element. However, it can be disruptive and a bit loud at times. We want to apologize for the quality being below our standard and assure you that we will make sure this doesn't happen again. Find Us on Social Media 🚀@RipstopbytheRollwww.ripstopbytheroll.com

Send us a textWhether you're a DIYer or a small business owner, choosing the right machine can be overwhelming—and buying the wrong one can cost you time, money, and frustration. In this episode, we break down everything you need to know, from researching machine types and trusted brands to spotting red flags in listings and inspecting a machine before you buy.Maker Meet Up: https://form.typeform.com/to/lH0FEfYJApply for the 2025 Maker Sponsorship: https://ripstopbytheroll.com/pages/maker-sponsorship-2025Where to Look for Used MachinesZamir SewRecommended Machines: Juki DNU 1541Juki 1181Juki 8300 - 8700 Find Us on Social Media 🚀@RipstopbytheRollwww.ripstopbytheroll.com

Send us a textThere are DIY gems hiding all around us. From building precision patterns to upcycling materials - we're sharing creative ways to prototype, reinforce, and customize gear so you can optimize your projects. Listen to get inspired, think outside the box, and elevate your gear-making game. If you want to check out links for the products that are mentioned and read the blog associated with this episode, check that out here. Find Us on Social Media 🚀@RipstopbytheRollwww.ripstopbytheroll.com

Send us a textThis episode is a little different than most. Instead of skipping this week, we decided to give you a short episode because we have some exciting news! Tune in to hear about, the hardest pack Jameson has ever made, stories from behind the scenes of our newest fabrics, as well as the details on our maker meet up next month. New Products: Shop the New Year New Gear Sale https://ripstopbytheroll.com/pages/new-year-new-gear-2025210D Venom™ Gridstop ECO  https://ripstopbytheroll.com/products/210d-venom-gridstop-eco?rfsn=7912242.9c073860.9 oz MEMBRANE 15 ECO Ripstop Nylon https://ripstopbytheroll.com/products/0-9-oz-membrane-15-ripstop-nylon-calendered-eco?rfsn=7912242.9c073865.1 oz Lycra PowerMeshhttps://ripstopbytheroll.com/products/lycra-powermesh?rfsn=7912242.9c073864.0 oz Pocket Meshhttps://ripstopbytheroll.com/products/4-0-oz-pocket-mesh?rfsn=7912242.9c07386Fan Mail Questions: Youtube link for Derrick Hansen episode https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U8nJl4_n2k8Find Us on Social Media 🚀@RipstopbytheRollwww.ripstopbytheroll.com

Send us a textMany people know the joys of hammock camping and sleeping in an elevated system. But there are perils as well. For example, plummeting to the earth in the middle of the night. In this episode, we talk with Matt Smith from Dream Hammock about how to choose the right fabric and avoid injury, improve your sleep, and keep your base-weight down. Guest: Matt Smithhttps://dream-hammock.com/Products: 1.7 oz MTN XL Hybrid Ripstop Nylon1.6 oz HyperD 1.2 oz MTN XL Hybrid Ripstop Nylon 6.6 Find Us on Social Media 🚀@RipstopbytheRollwww.ripstopbytheroll.com

Send us a textIf you want to become a better maker, understanding the nuances of fabrics and fabric attributes is crucial to your development. We still hear a lot of people mention old or disproven theories about what fabrics can and cannot do. Don't be left in the dark. Listen to hear about 8 common fabric myths and how they impact your projects. The Myths1. Technical Fabrics are uncomfortable against the skin 2. The best insulation is always down 3. DCF is a weak textile4. DWR lasts forever 5. You need the perfect thread and needle for each fabric6. You can’t sew technical fabrics without professional gear7. Fabrics that include a ripstop grid are always stronger than ones without8. You need the HH to be as high as possible for functional gear Find Us on Social Media 🚀@RipstopbytheRollwww.ripstopbytheroll.com

Send us a textNo matter your skill level, all DIYers are trying to save time on their projects, clean up difficult skills, and become better makers. One way that you can cut time is by using gadgets. However, not all gadgets are the silver bullet you're hoping for. In this episode, Matt Evans joins us to share his experience using sewing and DIY gadgets. PLUS, we list 5 items you MUST have on your wishlist.  Wishlist: Spring Loaded Snips https://amzn.to/41f4GZhNeedleshttps://ripstopbytheroll.com/products/schmetz-sharp-microtex-machine-needle?variant=40910522581162At-Home Laser Engraver Laser Engraverhttps://amzn.to/41mfMLMWonder Clipshttps://ripstopbytheroll.com/products/clover-wonder-clipsMagnetic Wristlethttps://a.co/d/9HQrgw6GadgetsGlass Fabric Weights https://www.amazon.com/dp/B099NBRTQM?ref=fed_asin_titleSeam Guidehttps://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CP264LBH?ref=fed_asin_titleRolled Hem Attachmentshttps://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CNX1J678?ref=fed_asin_titleLaser Engraverhttps://amzn.to/41mfMLMWebbing Cutting Machine https://amzn.to/3ZAfBvaSeam Tape Iron https://amzn.to/4gbEIKeFiskars Snipshttps://amzn.to/41f4GZhKai Scissorshttps://amzn.to/3D78f9BStamphttps://amzn.to/3ZyTy87Stamp Inkhttps://amzn.to/4gimIOzFume Fanhttps://amzn.to/3Vl9SHjWonder Clipshttps://amzn.to/4gfqrMzPattern Hanging Rodhttps://amzn.to/3D5czpQPattern Ringshttps://amzn.to/4gbFqam1" Swingaway Binder Toolhttps://amzn.to/4fW77nO1" Plain Binder Toolhttps://amzn.to/3CRIESeManila Pattern Paper https://amzn.to/3ZzpYPWFind Us on Social Media 🚀@RipstopbytheRollwww.ripstopbytheroll.com

Send us a textDIY kits are an easy way to have a little MYOG fun. The pre-cut pieces and detailed instructions mean you don't have to think much, you can get to the fun part - sewing. We're introducing ways to have the bespoke nature of a custom project with the ease of a DIY kit. We'll go over three ways you can modify your DIY kits plus tips and tricks on how you can make each kit your own. Kit Sale 2024: https://ripstopbytheroll.com/pages/diy-kit-saleShop All DIY Kits:https://ripstopbytheroll.com/collections/all-diy-kitsFind Us on Social Media 🚀@RipstopbytheRollwww.ripstopbytheroll.com