Need Help sewing Denim Rag quilt
#11
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Nottingham, UK
Posts: 1,287
Oh Sharon
I do feel for you try not to get too worked up about it. I was going to suggest using a larger Denim needle too. Other than that I don't have any idea other than maybe taking it slowly when you get to where the seam blocks meet.:wink:
I am sorry I have no other advice, I sew with a Pffaff & have no problems what so ever, good luck & remember don't fret now.
Tisha
I do feel for you try not to get too worked up about it. I was going to suggest using a larger Denim needle too. Other than that I don't have any idea other than maybe taking it slowly when you get to where the seam blocks meet.:wink:
I am sorry I have no other advice, I sew with a Pffaff & have no problems what so ever, good luck & remember don't fret now.
Tisha
#12
Will soon be making a denim rag quilt and getting my denim ready by cutting out the denim from old jeans, some I bought at yard sales. I cut around the seams and didn't incorporate the seam. I will be placing a few pockets and a belt loop on a few squares, if I encounter any problems with the thick seam on those few pieces, I will stich them on by hand.
#13
Power Poster
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Perth, Western Australia
Posts: 10,357
I have an old Singer and an even more ancient Pinnock (small industrial). The Singer copes with denim as long as I go slow on the tricky bits and use a denim needle (changed regularly). Before sewing I pound the thicker bits then give them a good press, keeping the seams open. It is not a quick process, so don't be hard on yourself. If you get really stuck or worried you could hand stitch using a sharp mattress needle, but you'll be ok if you just stick with it. Let us know how you go and post some pics.
#14
When I but am using denim from jeans, I cut the seams off. Then I use a #16 needle. As I work along, the seams are ironed open to avoid huge lumps and bumps. When I include the pockets as part of the square, I cut it so I don't sew over a bug bump.
Use a strong machine, a good strong needle, don't sew over pins and go really slow. Be patient. change the needle every few hours. That is what works for me. Gwyn
Use a strong machine, a good strong needle, don't sew over pins and go really slow. Be patient. change the needle every few hours. That is what works for me. Gwyn
#15
DEAR
JUst go slow at it an do make sure you do have either a denim needle or
a red needle with a purple end on it.that is what I used for my denim.quilt an i even had flannul on th back side of my squares.that rascule got heavy by the time I got through with it.but it makes a great camping blanket or even one over my couch when it's the rainy season so the pups don't get so much stuff on the couch.
JUst go slow at it an do make sure you do have either a denim needle or
a red needle with a purple end on it.that is what I used for my denim.quilt an i even had flannul on th back side of my squares.that rascule got heavy by the time I got through with it.but it makes a great camping blanket or even one over my couch when it's the rainy season so the pups don't get so much stuff on the couch.
#17
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Northern Indiana
Posts: 20,306
I am going very slow over the bulk, but still the thread is breaking :cry: There are no seams from the jeans themselves. It is a layer of denim, a layer of flannel and then the backing which is cotton. But when you get to the seams ( where you join) is when I am having all the problems. I oiled the machine, put in a new needle, new bobbin UGH :twisted:
Where do I get the upholstery thread ? and do I use it the same as regular thread ?
Thanks for all the suggestions
Where do I get the upholstery thread ? and do I use it the same as regular thread ?
Thanks for all the suggestions
#19
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Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Western Wisconsin
Posts: 12,930
Originally Posted by sharon b
IWhere do I get the upholstery thread ? and do I use it the same as regular thread ?
It sounds to me as if your machine may not have enough raw power to pierce the denim. I know you have tried this on two machines, which makes this seem less likely, but still...... Do you know anyone who has a different machine you can try? If the machine itself is too weak for this job, changing the needle and/or thread isn't going to help.
Is there a machine you can borrow? Or perhaps you could take some pieces to a dealership and see how other machines handle the job.
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