Sewing Machine

• The sewing machine used must have enough power to move the needle through the coated fabric. Many home models are not designed for this type of use. Check the manual for the machine to determine if it can adequately handle heavy fabrics. If not, consider renting an industrial sewing machine or using a thimble and needle to hand sew small patches.
  
  

Thread

• Polyester cotton cored thread is sold just about everywhere, but is not the correct thread for Cordura nylon. Polyester cotton threads break easily and rot when exposed to moisture. Use a nylon thread when sewing Cordura.
  
  

Walking or Stationary Foot

• A walking foot is a type of sewing machine foot -- the part that has the threaded needle -- that is designed to move to make pushing the fabric under the foot easier. The thickness of the material makes using a walking foot practical. If the machine does not have a walking foot, sandwiching the seam between two pieces of paper and then sewing through the paper will help the fabric slide under a stationary foot.
  
  

Cleaning the Needle

• Wiping the needle clean with rubbing alcohol during the sewing process will prevent the Cordura coating from gumming up the needle and machine. Make sure to raise the needle fully in the foot before wiping the gum to remove all of it.