butter

I have recently purchased a "new to me" industrial sewing machine to be able to make and cover car seats. My husband rebuilds/makes cars fron the ground up. He can do all aspects except cover seats, door panels and anything else that may require sewing vinyl.
I have set up many sewing rooms over the years for my sewing needs but what do I need to do for sewing with this machine and upholstery fabrics? How much of an area should I have around the machine to hold the weight of the vinyl, etc. Any and all ideas will be appreciated by my husband and myself. Any pictures of your area would help us greatly. Thanks so much.

tellabella

I have a JUki industrial and although I don't use vinyl much I do sew heavy drapery....it is a good idea to have a table extended to it..sometimes I turn my machine table so that the back is close to my cutting table and this helps with weight..also, you may want to buy yourself a Teflon foot for the plastics and vinyls..makes a huge difference and your foot won't stick...

dakotamaid

I use a walking foot on upholstery weight fabric (this includes vinyls and such) and a denim needle, don't know if they make one with a Teflon bottom.(?)

I also have a portable table I can arrange wherever I need to support the weight of the upholstery fabric.

pattypurple

agree with the above and some heavy vinyls I've actually used a leather needle. Also have found it helpful on "sticky" material to put a strip of tissue paper on both sides where the seam is sewn. Kind of a pain to remove the paper but makes sewing easier.
Good luck with your projects. I've made the upholstery for 3 antique cars that hubby has restored.

dakotamaid

I've never heard of the tissue tip. May have to try it on some vinyl cushions I'm making for the deck chairs. Thanks.