07 September 2009

update and sewing question

Update: I finally have my sewing machine back. The fix it shop said it is either the thread breaking or not staying threaded correctly in the top looper (causing jams and breaking the bobbin area), or that I am trying to sew through too thick of fabric...or too many layers... Heres the question, how many layers of typical cotton material can you sew through at once?

5 comments:

Unknown said...

hmmmm... good question. Not sure I'm the best to answer this since I recently broke two needles trying to sew through 6 layers of upholstery fabric. ...sounds like such a bad idea now that I'm writing it, but at the time it seemed reasonable. And then I later tried to sew through 6 layers of regular cotton. Bad idea also, but I didn't break the needle this time. So, I've made a mental note not to sew more than 4 layers at once. I'm sure there's a way to safely do more though. Just not sure how.

Glad you got your sewing machine working!

Grandma said...

If you want to do heavy duty stuff, you've got to have a heavy duty needle - like 16 or 18. Having just broken 2 #14s myself on stuff I know I should have had a stronger needle on, it worked fine once I had the right needle. Six layers of upholstery fabric - is that possible? Six layers of cotton should be fine with a heavy needle.

Johanna said...

Sorry I am a bit late in responding here...I have made it through 4 layers of upholstery fabric before. My machine advertises that it can sew through 1/4 inch thick total fabric. I haven't tried anything this thick. I do know from experience that the proper needle is *key* in sewing through thick fabric!

Unknown said...

proper needle! good stuff! there's so much to learn about sewing.

i was sewing a seam with the upholstery fabric that was turned in twice (three layers) and when I got to the corners, it turned into six. I had to turn the wheel by hand cause when I used the foot pedal, the needle broke. But, it did sew through. Although, the bobbin thread got *really* messed up.

M said...

well the needle that I tend to have on a regular basis is a jean needle... but maybe it is getting dull.... Usually my problems come from trying to finish seams... that is why I don't make clothes... finishing seams scares me.... washing unfinished seams make me think it will fall apart, and finishing the seams is so much work.......