Today is sewing day, I’m finally starting the assembly, but before I turn on the Jack S5 post-bed machine I will be embossing the heel and punching all of the eyelet holes.
I spent last night skiving the necessary edges, cutting out the white nubuck swooshes and chelsea blue suede backings. I also cut out and prepared the white mesh apron.
So far away from being perfect, or even decent for that matter, but I’m beyond proud of what I achieved with my very first attempt at sewing an upper together, and only second time using the post-bed machine.
Day 01 Progress
Loads of learnings were made on this trial run. I’ve never done anything like this before, so these learnings might have been glaringly obvious to those more seasoned than myself:
1. Bulk is definitely an issue with the white nubuck swoosh, even when edges have been skived and hammered…. Might have to switch up the material or change up the design a little to accommodate for this.
2. Stitching the Nike swoosh on is an absolute nightmare.
3. Stitch holes are extremely visible on the white nubuck.
4. I should have started with the inside swoosh before attempting the one that is most visible. Definitely feels like a rookie mistake.
5. I should have practised a bit more on the machine before sewing the upper… at least I have a load of extra leather for the ‘not’ test pair.
With all that said, I absolutely loved it, and I have an enormous amount of ‘job’ satisfaction with the result. I’m still going to attempt to get this one lasted so I can make some more learnings before attempting a proper pair of custom Nike Air Max 1’s. Cannot wait!
I’m very open to partnerships, so if you are a supplier of shoemaking tools, materials, or products and would like to partner up to promote them through our various social channels, feel free to get in touch.
Receive monthly updates on our custom sneaker-making journey, and gain access to the Complete Shoemaker Tools and Equipment Checklist for Beginners – with links.
Sewing Day
Today is sewing day, I’m finally starting the assembly, but before I turn on the Jack S5 post-bed machine I will be embossing the heel and punching all of the eyelet holes.
I spent last night skiving the necessary edges, cutting out the white nubuck swooshes and chelsea blue suede backings. I also cut out and prepared the white mesh apron.
How good does that embossed heel look? Punching eyelet holes and embossing heels. Quite a therapeutic process.
Assembling the Nike Air Max 1 upper
So far away from being perfect, or even decent for that matter, but I’m beyond proud of what I achieved with my very first attempt at sewing an upper together, and only second time using the post-bed machine.
Day 01 Progress
Loads of learnings were made on this trial run. I’ve never done anything like this before, so these learnings might have been glaringly obvious to those more seasoned than myself:
1. Bulk is definitely an issue with the white nubuck swoosh, even when edges have been skived and hammered…. Might have to switch up the material or change up the design a little to accommodate for this.
2. Stitching the Nike swoosh on is an absolute nightmare.
3. Stitch holes are extremely visible on the white nubuck.
4. I should have started with the inside swoosh before attempting the one that is most visible. Definitely feels like a rookie mistake.
5. I should have practised a bit more on the machine before sewing the upper… at least I have a load of extra leather for the ‘not’ test pair.
With all that said, I absolutely loved it, and I have an enormous amount of ‘job’ satisfaction with the result. I’m still going to attempt to get this one lasted so I can make some more learnings before attempting a proper pair of custom Nike Air Max 1’s. Cannot wait!
Partnerships
I’m very open to partnerships, so if you are a supplier of shoemaking tools, materials, or products and would like to partner up to promote them through our various social channels, feel free to get in touch.
email: partnerships@somy.ie
Keep Up To Date
Receive monthly updates on our custom sneaker-making journey, and gain access to the Complete Shoemaker Tools and Equipment Checklist for Beginners – with links.
Follow Us On Instagram
Related Posts
I Made a Tongue
It’s been another busy couple of weeks, with loads of updates on Instagram – green thread finally sourced (fingers crossed…
Starting from Scratch: Shoemaker Tools and Supplies
One thing that I have noticed since I started this whole journey is how hard it is to find shoemaker tools, resources, and supplies.
The First Cuts
Chances are I’m doing everything completely wrong with this process, and it may not seem like a lot, but it was so good to get the…
A Little More Progress
A little more progress on the NB 997 SOA Inspired Nike Air Max 1’s using the acrylic pattern from Sneaker Crafted and different…