I want to do some sewing on the sail cover and maybe make a grill cover. can I use a normal sewing machine or do I need a heavy duty machine? What kind of needle do I need for Sunbrella and Macron sales? also what kind of thread should I use? Thanks, Rodger
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You can use a household grade sewing
machine as long as your seams don't get too bulky. You should use polyester thread for the needle and the bobbin thread. Talk to the good people at the local fabric store they can guide you. The needle size is determined by the thread size. The eye of the needle should allow the thread to slide freely. Practice on some scrap until you get the thread tensions right. They won't be the same as for light weight shirting.
machine as long as your seams don't get too bulky. You should use polyester thread for the needle and the bobbin thread. Talk to the good people at the local fabric store they can guide you. The needle size is determined by the thread size. The eye of the needle should allow the thread to slide freely. Practice on some scrap until you get the thread tensions right. They won't be the same as for light weight shirting.
Sewing Machine for sails
I went to a sail making seminar at St. Michaels Maryland and there was a very frugal and talented sailmaker who gave us many tips. He prefered older inexpensive sewing machines. What he said you may have to do is change the spring which causes pressure on the foot which holds down the fabric. With many layers in a seam you may require more pressure. Springs are available. He was quite adamant about not spending hundreds of dollars on a sewing machine. Search yard sales and flea markets. I have just aquired an old sewing machine and will report back on my progress.
I went to a sail making seminar at St. Michaels Maryland and there was a very frugal and talented sailmaker who gave us many tips. He prefered older inexpensive sewing machines. What he said you may have to do is change the spring which causes pressure on the foot which holds down the fabric. With many layers in a seam you may require more pressure. Springs are available. He was quite adamant about not spending hundreds of dollars on a sewing machine. Search yard sales and flea markets. I have just aquired an old sewing machine and will report back on my progress.
There is a small knurled knob on the top
of the machine directly above the presser foot that tightens the spring tension on the presser foot. You can adjust this and if it is noy enough go to a repair shop with the old spring and get a stiffer one.
of the machine directly above the presser foot that tightens the spring tension on the presser foot. You can adjust this and if it is noy enough go to a repair shop with the old spring and get a stiffer one.
Check shuttle hook to needle clearance
Besides the tension adjustments and the bigger needle mentioned earlier, also check the shuttle hook (what holds the bobbin) to needle clearance. Once you put in a larger needle, of that size, you'll probably have to adjust the clearance. Also, besides the upper tension, the bobbin tension should be adjusted too. With the thicker thread it'll be tight. One domestic machin to look for is a Viking a.k.a. Husqarvana. The Sweedish made ones have a cast steel frame and a 10:1 low gear. There were some cheapie models too but they don't have the cast steel frame. You really should use a machine with a walking foot - something that most domestics don't have, or didn't used to. The thicker overlaping sections will very likely wind up giving you fits. Before spending too much money make sure the machine will do the number of layers you need. That's why the professionals get the work.
Besides the tension adjustments and the bigger needle mentioned earlier, also check the shuttle hook (what holds the bobbin) to needle clearance. Once you put in a larger needle, of that size, you'll probably have to adjust the clearance. Also, besides the upper tension, the bobbin tension should be adjusted too. With the thicker thread it'll be tight. One domestic machin to look for is a Viking a.k.a. Husqarvana. The Sweedish made ones have a cast steel frame and a 10:1 low gear. There were some cheapie models too but they don't have the cast steel frame. You really should use a machine with a walking foot - something that most domestics don't have, or didn't used to. The thicker overlaping sections will very likely wind up giving you fits. Before spending too much money make sure the machine will do the number of layers you need. That's why the professionals get the work.
I bought an old Singer portable for five bucks
in a yard sale. It will sew eight plies of blue jenes (denim)without complaint. You don't have to spend a weeks pay for a machine that will do the job. You aren't very likely to find a Viking in a yard sale, BUT if you do buy it and run don't walk to the car.
in a yard sale. It will sew eight plies of blue jenes (denim)without complaint. You don't have to spend a weeks pay for a machine that will do the job. You aren't very likely to find a Viking in a yard sale, BUT if you do buy it and run don't walk to the car.
Check out the Sailrite website
Rodger, I've done lots of projects using sunbrella, but as one of the previous posters noted, it depends upon how thick the seams are as to whether a regular machine can handle it. I've had good luck getting information and materials from Sailrite (www.sailrite.com). They have needles and corresponding thread for such purposes. One thing on the thread is that it should be UV resistant. Good luck. Ed
Rodger, I've done lots of projects using sunbrella, but as one of the previous posters noted, it depends upon how thick the seams are as to whether a regular machine can handle it. I've had good luck getting information and materials from Sailrite (www.sailrite.com). They have needles and corresponding thread for such purposes. One thing on the thread is that it should be UV resistant. Good luck. Ed
Juki
Yes another import product, but HOLY COW this is as close to an industrial as SWMBO has ever seen, and a great value for the price. Not all sewing machines will handle sunbrella and the like. They may do it for a while, but not long.
Yes another import product, but HOLY COW this is as close to an industrial as SWMBO has ever seen, and a great value for the price. Not all sewing machines will handle sunbrella and the like. They may do it for a while, but not long.
Sewing machines are tools.........
Sewing machines are tools, and like all other tools, the usage should be considered. If you are going to sew canvas for yourself, then just about any older machine will work. If you are doing canvas work full time ot even part time for a living, then you will need a better machine. We dont always need gold flyswatters to kill cockroaches.
Sewing machines are tools, and like all other tools, the usage should be considered. If you are going to sew canvas for yourself, then just about any older machine will work. If you are doing canvas work full time ot even part time for a living, then you will need a better machine. We dont always need gold flyswatters to kill cockroaches.
Didn't work for me
My mother-in-law tried on two different machines to sew my sail. The sail/sunbrella hem was coming undone. Can't rememeber the brand of machines...one was older. Bent needles and not enough power to punch through the material. Your milage may vary...
My mother-in-law tried on two different machines to sew my sail. The sail/sunbrella hem was coming undone. Can't rememeber the brand of machines...one was older. Bent needles and not enough power to punch through the material. Your milage may vary...
try this
Best would be a walking foot machine. In any case, maximum thread size is V-69. If you don't have a walking foot, put the material higher than the machine and as you sew, let it fall into the machine. If you sew, you will understand this. I worked for Viking/Huskvarna and the machines were nice, but....a cast base ins the ticket, as well as the walking foot, and longest arm you can find. Talked with two guys in Marathon doing sewing with a home machine making seat cusion covers and such. Nothing fancy, no welting, and htey told me they do very well just using a heavy duty home machine.
Best would be a walking foot machine. In any case, maximum thread size is V-69. If you don't have a walking foot, put the material higher than the machine and as you sew, let it fall into the machine. If you sew, you will understand this. I worked for Viking/Huskvarna and the machines were nice, but....a cast base ins the ticket, as well as the walking foot, and longest arm you can find. Talked with two guys in Marathon doing sewing with a home machine making seat cusion covers and such. Nothing fancy, no welting, and htey told me they do very well just using a heavy duty home machine.
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