Technical The upholstery thread to end all threads

I bought his long arm machine.. Known Roger for more than 20 years.

 

Finished up another patina’d Chevvy box side chair. There’s now a pair out there…

 

Love this thread. Hoping someone can give me some technical ***istance. I picked up a Singer 211. I had it serviced and the guy told me it was ready to go. I am having a problem with the upper thread (black in photo, bobbin thread is gold) getting stuck in the bobbin area and becoming a 3rd thread! Another way to say this is when I lift the foot and pull the material away from the machine there is resistance and there is a piece of the top thread now underneath the fabric that is stuck in the bobbin area and it breaks as I pull the material away. I then have to clean this extra piece out of the bobbin area before starting again. Does this make sense? I hope the photos help explain. Kinda at my wits end here as I just want to get sewing! Thanks!

 

Are you turning the feed wheel towards you to make sure the s***ch is complete and the needle is at its highest point before you pull out the material? If you don't the s***ch isn't complete and will catch. Your picture looks like the needle is still partially down.

 

Try rotating the machine to different positions before pulling the item out. The top thread is pulled down around the bobbin once per s***ch, trying to remove it during that process may cause the problem you are experiencing.

 

Yes, I am doing that. Thanks for the reply K13.

 

Okay, I will try this tomorrow with more patience! Thanks

 

If you turn the wheel while you are gently pulling the material you will feel when the s***ch lets go. You are in the middle of a s***ch that's why it is pulling up three threads

 

I want to thank you guys (G-Son and K13) for the great help. Such a small thing but it was driving me nuts. I just put some tension on the piece and turn the wheel slightly and it slides out every time! Can't wait to get started on my Model A seats!

 

@meteorpete
You are probably aware; but just in case, a slight downward pressure on the treadle will release the brake and make the handwheel easier to turn.

 

It's hard to believe it's been 5 years since I started this thread.

A lot has happened since then. I need to get the new upholstery shop lined out. We are still unpacking etc. I will be nice to be back to normal.

Im still a hack,when it comes to sewing, but regardless thanks to all who offer up their experience on this thread. ( no pun intended)

 

Just wanted to echo meteorpete's thanks. I have the same machine and repeatedly experienced that same problem. I will give that solution a try in the near future.

 

Here’s the first piece for my 39 ford
This will be a kick panel

 

I’ve never sewn anything before. Just finished this practice seat bottom. I started sewing November 30th 2025. No schooling or mentoring Just wasted a few videos and asked a couple questions from a couple guys who are upholsters. It’s not perfect but came out decent.

 

You always putting out amazing work. Been following you for a while on instagram.

 

Cool thanks
Looks like you’re doing great yourself

 

One night I couldn’t sleep cause I was trying to figure out who those upholstery guys got those deep *** tuck and roll. Then I think I figured it out and gave it a try. Took me about two different styles to get what I feel was that stuffed look and yes it is stuffed.

 

I did a small test piece to determine shrinkage for 1.5” pleats on 1/2” sew foam and to see if white or light green top s***ching would look better. I also played with s***ch lengths. Online videos recommend 1/4” s***ch length on vinyl, but I like the look of 3/16” s***ch length. What would be the downside to using the shorter s***ch length? Does it even matter? FWIW I think the green s***ches look marginally better, it’s the closest match I could find to the vinyl color…

 

Bing Videos

 

Here’s a pair of kick panels for a buddy’s 40 tudor

 

Here's the interior I did on my pickup. No sewing on the door panels. Just some leather, 3/8 volara foam, a v cutter and landau top and trim glue

 

Outstanding!

 

Been slowly working on my Riv.

 

Finished up some seats out of a 1962 Dodge Polara. Was a big job. Had new foam buns for buckets that didn’t fit worth a darn. Had to reshape them to work. No foam available for rear which used molded and shaped foam to simulate a bucket appearance. All made from scratch from the springs up. Had to walk away more than once. lol. Good thing I’m retired and can do that. Made to duplicate the original design and color.

 

Looks pretty nice from here... .
Marcus...

 

Just keep at it and maybe they'll put you on full time....

 

Super!!