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Stitching & Crafting Room:  MAchine sewing thicker fabrics  |
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willowtreecreek
True Blue Farmgirl
4813 Posts
Julie
Russell
AR
USA
4813 Posts |
 Posted - Jun 19 2007 : 06:30:25 AM
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I am not new to machine sewing but I don't use my machine too often and dont know all I need to know. I have a question.
I am working on a project that uses canvas fabric. When I sew two pieces together sometimes right at the beginning my thread bunches up underneath. Once I get going it is fine. I am assuming I am either using the wrong needle or the wrong foot or a combination. Any suggestions?
Jewelry, art, baskets, etc.
www.willowartist.etsy.com
www.willowtreecreek.com |
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cinnamongirl
True Blue Farmgirl
1682 Posts
Carrie
Canada
1682 Posts |
Posted - Jun 19 2007 : 06:44:25 AM
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| You will need to change your needle to a 18 and you may need to adjust your tension as you are sewing with thick fabric hope that helps. |
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SarahJ
True Blue Farmgirl
198 Posts
Shreveport
Louisiana
198 Posts |
Posted - Jun 19 2007 : 07:01:14 AM
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| I concur with the needle suggestion |
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Jana
True Blue Farmgirl
482 Posts
Jana
Eau Claire
Wisconsin
USA
482 Posts |
Posted - Jun 19 2007 : 07:55:40 AM
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| I would also add that you may want to hold the upper and lower threads to the back of your work as you start stitching. This may help the thread bunching. |
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Lizabeth
True Blue Farmgirl
560 Posts
Washington
560 Posts |
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willowtreecreek
True Blue Farmgirl
4813 Posts
Julie
Russell
AR
USA
4813 Posts |
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sunshine
True Blue Farmgirl
4877 Posts
Wendy
Utah
USA
4877 Posts |
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queenofdreamsz4u
True Blue Farmgirl
3845 Posts
Stephanie Suzanne
Smoky Mountains Tennessee
USA
3845 Posts |
Posted - Jun 19 2007 : 3:10:40 PM
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Another approach is to use a piece of paper (vellum, tracing paper, typing paper, etc..).
Place a piece on the underside of the fabric and then start sewing...this gives you a "tail" so to speak along with the threads to gently hold on to while getting it started and the smoothness of the paper glides the fabric right on through..
Also, can use this method a the end of the stitching where sometimes with you do your reverse stitch it wants to pucker or bunch up..this will give you a smooth as silk finish 
It's good for any weight of fabric and works wonders when dealing with lightweight or sheer, or stretchy fabrics.
When finished just gently tear away paper...it will not disturb your stitches if you are gentle with the removal...
Peace, Stephanie
www.dreamkingdomdesigns.com
A Creative Journey
"hold close your inner child and always listen to the gentle whispers" ~queenofdreamsz
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mommatracy
True Blue Farmgirl
490 Posts
Tracy
My. Olive
NC
USA
490 Posts |
Posted - Jun 19 2007 : 5:41:31 PM
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| I agree that holding the upper and lower threads to the back of the presser foot will help to keep it from bunching up as you start to stitch and yes the size 18 needle. |
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therusticcottage
True Blue Farmgirl
4439 Posts
Kay
Vancouver
WA
USA
4439 Posts |
Posted - Jun 19 2007 : 9:17:16 PM
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Definitely a needle for heavier fabric adjust tension. But check to be sure that the weight of the thread is correct for the needle you're using. The 18 needles that I have at home work better with heavier thread -- even says that on the package.
Visit my Etsy shop at http://therusticcottage.etsy.com
http://therusticcottage.wordpress.com |
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Jana
True Blue Farmgirl
482 Posts
Jana
Eau Claire
Wisconsin
USA
482 Posts |
Posted - Jun 20 2007 : 08:16:21 AM
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OH one more thing. If you are stitching on heavy fabric, along with the bigger needle, use heavier thread, both bobbin and top thread. This may or may not help the bunching problem, but it will make your work stronger.
My dad always said "The right tools for the right job".
Jana |
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mikesgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
3659 Posts
Sherri
Elma
WA
USA
3659 Posts |
Posted - Jun 20 2007 : 09:02:17 AM
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| I ususally start sewing a little ways in from the edge of thicker fabrics, then backstitch to the edge, then go on forward and it doesn't bunch. |
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willowtreecreek
True Blue Farmgirl
4813 Posts
Julie
Russell
AR
USA
4813 Posts |
Posted - Jun 20 2007 : 7:22:25 PM
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I am using an upholstry weight thread. I think it was the needle. I got an 18 and I pulled my threads to the back and it is working FANTASTIC now!
Jewelry, art, baskets, etc.
www.willowartist.etsy.com
www.willowtreecreek.com |
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suzyhomemaker
True Blue Farmgirl
806 Posts
Clare
Tyler Hill
PA
USA
806 Posts |
Posted - Jun 21 2007 : 03:12:49 AM
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Don't forget to make your stitch a little longer for this project, 3mm. That will help, too.
Country girl in NE PA |
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Stitching & Crafting Room: MAchine sewing thicker fabrics |
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MAchine sewing thicker fabrics
