Can you please recommend a machine that could handle thick batting please
03-03-2021, 11:31 AM
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: New York
Posts: 477
Can you please recommend a machine that could handle thick batting please
Hi...I like to sew small quilts (using cotton) to give to animal shelters, mostly they are given to cats and kittens. They are very simple but I am finding that I would like to make them thicker and my machine can't handle two layers of cotton and a thick batting. I am thinking that maybe four layers of regular batting would be good. I have been making them with just two layers of batting but they don't see as cozy as I would like. Is there a machine that you could recommend that would handle this? I am okay with spending a good amount for this as making these pads is something I enjoy. I also give them as gifts (every pet should have a quilt ..lol).
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
03-03-2021, 11:38 AM
#2
Power Poster
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Southern USA
Posts: 16,165
A straight stitch only machine will be perfect. Brother 1500 or Juki are what I have used. Nothing fancy and no electronics or computer to mess up. They do have features like needle up/down, auto thread cutter, threader, and knee control if wanted.
03-03-2021, 12:53 PM
#3
Super Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Mars
Posts: 2,549
I made some heavier kennel pads for my dogs on my old Singer 15-91.
I used white polyester gabardine and two layers of white fleece inside. This might not seem to make much sense, but the fabrics were tough, cheap and most important - they're bleach-able - I could run them through the sanitize cycle on my washing machine and they have stood up to many, many laundry cycles. The white fabric makes it easy to find stains for pre-treating. More practical than it sounds.
The fleece might be a better option than cotton batting, even if you want to pretty up the outside. I think you can get remnants of fleece at the fabric store to see if you like it.
I used white polyester gabardine and two layers of white fleece inside. This might not seem to make much sense, but the fabrics were tough, cheap and most important - they're bleach-able - I could run them through the sanitize cycle on my washing machine and they have stood up to many, many laundry cycles. The white fabric makes it easy to find stains for pre-treating. More practical than it sounds.
The fleece might be a better option than cotton batting, even if you want to pretty up the outside. I think you can get remnants of fleece at the fabric store to see if you like it.
03-03-2021, 07:10 PM
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Cedar Falls, IA
Posts: 919
Are you using a walking foot and a size 14 or 16 needle? If so, and it really is your machine, find an old vintage Singer 66 or similar. Oil it up good, put on a walking foot, and you are good to go. Of course an industrial would work even better, but they are generally quite a bit pricier.
03-04-2021, 07:02 AM
#8
Super Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Keller, TX
Posts: 1,934
Try a top stitch 90/14 needle, and lengthen your stitch. Do a practice piece.. try a walking foot. Rather than cotton , use fleece... there are some inexpensive heavy duty machines out there. I purchased !n HD5000 Janome for $399 last month for sewing leather. Great machine.
03-04-2021, 04:10 PM
#9
Super Member
Join Date: Jun 2017
Posts: 1,386
My Juki TL2200QVP mini will plow through layers and layers of thickness - it's my 'go to' machine for all things thick/heavy/etc.. And a I also agree with Lady Diana that up-sizing your needle, using a walking foot and lengthening your stitch is very helpful.
