I'm mainly focused on the interior of my car right now since it's in such lousy shape, including all the upholstery. It's in good enough shape that I could use it for patterns luckily. I've read a couple auto upholstery books, plus the great tech posts here, and I'm pretty sure I could do the work myself, but all the books recommend these huge $400 industrial sewing machines. Since the only stuff I need to do that actually needs sewing is the seat covers, after buying a big industrial sewing machine and the material I could probably just pay the same amount to have someone else do it. We've got a "regular" sized Kenmore/Sears sewing machine already, though. I'm wondering if it'd be capable of sewing vinyl of simu-leather or just regular upholstery. It doesn't have a very wide sewing area, but I don't think that'd be a problem, I'm just worried that it wouldn't be strong enough to do anything other than clothing. Anyone have any idea? I can get the exact model number of the machine, if it helps...
Try it. Set it for the longest stitches. You need the best thread, maybe carpet thread and you need a presser foot that allows you to get close to the welt. I bet some of the guys here can tell you better, but it is possible to use lesser machines and get a good job.
I'm no expert on sewing but i think the problem you would have using yor machine is the danger of damaging it because It's not heavy duty enough. Where is Skipstitch when you need him? Frank
I would highly recommend an industrial walking foot machine. If you plan on using a welt cord around the perimeter of your covers, plus have them backed up with foam, then you are talking about some serious material thickness. I looked for a used machine for over a year before I found one, then I got a retired ladies whole setup for $700. Still kind of pricey but I think it's the only way to go. I'll never sell it.
Hey Mach... hate to say it, but an industrial would probably be best. You're talkin' about some serious thickness that a home machine can't handle. You'd break a bunch of needles I think. I'd say keep a eye on the local papers for someone sellin' a used industrial one (look for a walking foot)..... Just my 2 cents. Stitch
Thanks guys. I found the manual for the sewing machine and it gives needle recommendations even for "heavy leather", and it DOES have a 25-year warranty, so I'd at least like to see how it works
Give it a try. You may be surprised at how well it might work. Then again... A walking foot machine will do a better job of keeping all the layers of material together as they pass through the machine. With a conventional machine you may find that the top layer will tend to slip out of position as you sew. Good luck, and don't give up on finding an industrial machine cheap. We found one for $200 just over a year ago, so there still are some bargains out there.
What is a "walking foot" exactly? Like the thing underneath the needle on this machine, but above it as well?
Many furniture re-upholstery shops and drapery makers also use the walking-foot machines. Depending on your needs, you may be able to cut, assemble, and pin your materials, then take them to a shop to be sewn. If you can find someone working out of their home, or moon-lighting, they will often work with you.
Your home machine would probably sew through the material just fine...BUT,it may have a difficult time when you add the thickness of foam and then try to sew in welt(piping)...the walking foot is the "thing" under the needle...I agree with skipstitch...Check your local papers for an industrial machine...OR spend the money on a good one, and maybe you can make yourself some extra cash... JP
I would keep my eye open for a used industrial machine. Check with your local colleges... sometimes they can make you deals. If you are willing to risk it on your home machine, I recommend using a leather needle, and putting a little baby powder on your fabric (makes it feed easier under the foot)... take it real slowly and let your machine cool when it starts to get hot. Oh, and don't forget to loosen your tention on the foot as well... makes life easier. Good luck ~Melissa
[ QUOTE ] the walking foot is the "thing" under the needle JP [/ QUOTE ] actually the things under the needle are called feed dogs, The walking foot feature is referring to the presser foot and they will walk in time with the feed dogs. On a conventional machine the material just slides under the pressor foot.
I have a consew 226r, and I misunderstood the dual walking foot...I guess if I had technical training, I would have known better...I bought my machine 10 years ago, and taught myself how to use it, and never needed to know much about what everything was actually called...I did replace the bobbin carrier when I bought it though... JP
Thanks again for all the great info. I checked out eBay, and found this - http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2387347392&category=20619 Is that really an $800 sewing machine? It sure looks like it'd be more than adequate, and it's within my price range.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3803339834&category=26256 This one looks like a decent deal...Check on the shipping before you bid though...
I bought my girl friend an old used one to do my old 54 Chevy. Cost about $600, works well, but it IS a bit finicky, needs adjustments often. got it from a company in Ohio that "rebuilds' old machines, and resells them. I was disappointed, though, as we did have to have some kinda major work done to it, not soon after we bought it. Worked OK after that, just the adjustmant thing. Later, after doing a bunch of cars for me, I got her a brand new one, cost about $1600, had a reverse on it, which she liked. This too, needs fiddling with every time, I guess it's just part of the game, like adjusting solid lifters! I still have the old one, and may be persuaded to part with it. Old Singer, lots of new stuff in it, new electric motor powering it, has a table with it. It's big and heavy, so it'd be easier to get it in person.
I would not doubt that the Morse machine is $800. The machine I've been eyeing up is $1500 with similar capabilities. I've sewn on that exact Juki model with leather before and honestly, that sucked ass. Left me with skipped stitches which was very frustrating for how slow the progress was going already. I don't know the weight of the material you plan to sew with, but from my past experiences especiallyb with heavier weight fabrics, I'd pass on the Juki and go for the Morse. I've never heard of Morse before, but I guess I look at that price and figure worst case senario... you have another home machine at a decent price. I'll ask around and see if anyone knows the brand. ~Melissa
That Juki doesn't have a walking foot. AT $350 its priced too high. I generally pay about $150 for those with a 3 phase motor. The Morse machine mentioned earlier is a home machine. Claims to be a semi-professional portable? No such thing. It would probably do ok for upholstering a car or 2. It is exactly what you need for making curtains or mending clothes. I don't think it would hold up to daily use however. I've got a couple of Pfaff industrial machines with walking feet. I'd be willing to part with one of them but unfortunately they are 220 volt, 3 phase and a 110 motor would cost quite a bit.
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