Machine tension questions
#1
Machine tension questions
I am using my DSM to sew some covers for tools and gears for an airplane that my son is helping to restore. The material is duck and I am having a real problem getting the tension correct. There are three layers of fabric and the upper thread is looping through to the back and the bobbin thread is laying flat on the fabric. I have adjusted the upper thread tension all the way from 3 to 9 but the problem still exists. Do I need a commercial upholstery machine to make these? I am using a #69 weight nylon thread with a jeans needle in the machine. Need help before I throw the whole project out the window! LOL
This picture shows the top of stitching on wrong side of fabric
[ATTACH=CONFIG]512663[/ATTACH]
This picture shows the wrong side (bobbin side of fabric) which will be the upper side when project finished. Hope this makes sense.
[ATTACH=CONFIG]512664[/ATTACH]
Thanks for your suggestions.
This picture shows the top of stitching on wrong side of fabric
[ATTACH=CONFIG]512663[/ATTACH]
This picture shows the wrong side (bobbin side of fabric) which will be the upper side when project finished. Hope this makes sense.
[ATTACH=CONFIG]512664[/ATTACH]
Thanks for your suggestions.
#4
ManiacQuilter2, I think you might be right. I have tried different threads, tension, etc etc. Nothing works. Now I am wondering if an upholstery place might rent me time on one of their machines.
#5
I'm not sure what your machine is, but an older (mechanical/metal) machine should sew this. I have a 401J and it would handle it. I can't say re the newer electronic ones because I haven't tried to sew very heavy materials.
It might be cheaper to buy an older machine vs renting on upholstery machine if you could audition your fabrics on the machine.
(Guessing that this isn't the first or last project you may be helping with???)
It might be cheaper to buy an older machine vs renting on upholstery machine if you could audition your fabrics on the machine.
(Guessing that this isn't the first or last project you may be helping with???)
#8
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: east kilbride Scotland
Posts: 1,330
Might need heavier thread, if using a jeans needle, try jeans thread and as dottymo suggests try a walking foot. I quite often sew this kind of fabric and multi layers, the other foot that might work better is the roller foot as your fabric may be slipping as its too much for the feed dogs alone.
#10
That is a thought. I will pull out my Featherweight and see if it will handle it. My Pfaff has an IDT that I used with it but did not seem to make much difference. Thanks for all the suggestions. Love this forum!
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