topstitch

I am getting ready to rebind a very thick heavy antique quilt I have bound a whoooole lot of quilts but never one this heavy or thick. I would appreciate knowing what adjustments I need to make to my sewing machine. I will be using a vintage heavy duty machine rather than my prissy (but wonderful) Phaff.

Bree123

I'd put on a walking foot for the machine piecing part & would put in a fresh needle before starting. If I were really concerned, I'd put a bit of Sewer's Aid on my thread before machine stitching, but usually I don't have any issues with that. I'd also be sure to make my binding 2.5" (or add 1/4" to whatever width you planned to use) to allow for the extra fullness of the batting along the edge.
I don't always pin my bindings, but if you do, I'd use either the silver colored hair clips or Wonder Clips to reduce distortion in the seam.

Geri B

....and loosen your top tension a bit to allow that bulk to be moved thru....

ManiacQuilter2

I would certainly make the binding at least 1/4" wider than you normally do and would also use a walking foot. Good Luck.

cjsews

If you have one, use a heavier needle

Prism99

I would also lengthen the stitch.

DogHouseMom

Yes to all of the above! When I bind a quilt that has a different batting weight than usual, I generally make a "test" binding strip to make sure I have the right width. I'll make the strip about 12" long and use a basting stitch to attach to the front, then I test the wrap to make sure it will cover the stitch line.

You may also need to adjust the amount of pressure on your presser foot.

topstitch

thanks to everyone! I got the heaviest quilt in the whole wide world totally finished today--- binding and everything. I used all of the tips and they made it work. My customer was delighted