Do I need a special machine for sewing webbing?

[flanagaj]

Looking at getting a sewing machine so that I can make a front / rear bag and was wondering whether s standard machine will be able to sew webbing?

I would also like to ask those of you in the know what bits and pieces would make the job easier?

For example, for the front sling I was planning on having a 5mm foam core so as to hold shape and then to edge with double fold bias tape before.  The reason for this is that I can see how you can sew inside out when you have 3 sides, but when you have 4 it would require houdini to turn it outside in again?

[Bill in Houston]

a standard machine can sew webbing.  just slow down and use a fat needle. 

for the rest of your question, i do not know.  if i am i understanding you correctly, my approach would be to fold the three sides, turn it right side out, then fold the fourth edge twice to hide the raw edge, and sew it.  that edge would be the edge you can't see when the sling is in use.

[flanagaj]

a standard machine can sew webbing.  just slow down and use a fat needle. 

for the rest of your question, i do not know.  if i am i understanding you correctly, my approach would be to fold the three sides, turn it right side out, then fold the fourth edge twice to hide the raw edge, and sew it.  that edge would be the edge you can't see when the sling is in use.

Thanks.  I now understand what you mean by sewing the final edge in that manner.  I suppose it all comes down to personal preference as to whether you stitch is that way or use a grosgrain to hide the raw edges.

[Bill in Houston]

I suppose it all comes down to personal preference as to ...

Yep!

[Eric]

machine- bring the stuff to the store before you buy the machine and try it. Then you know before hand if it will work or not.

If you are careful you can top stitch your 4th side closed with both edges folded inwards, they will want to go that way since everything else is flipped already.