nanna-up-north

I've been looking for a Singer 15..... I keep reading that they are heavy duty and good for FMQ and such. Then, I was talking with my DGD and she's wanting to make some pillows, throw pillows using heavier fabric. I figured the model 15 would be good for that as well but she'll have to use a heavier thread. So, here's the question.....

How heavy a thread can you use on a singer 15? When I made cushions for my porch chairs using my Viking 1+, I used a heavy thread, almost as heavy as button and carpet thread. I had to load both the bobbin and upper with it but it worked. Could I do that with the singer 15 as well?

I know some of you (Nancy, I'm thinking of you) have done sewing on leather, etc. So, let me know what you think. I don't want to steer my DGD to the wrong machine.

miriam

You can use somewhat heavier thread but you will have to adjust the bobbin and the upper tension. You will need a 16 or 18 needle - if the needle and thread is too large it will not go through the needle hole, the thread will shred or the needle will hit the hole if it is too big. What stops that machine from using large needle & thread is the closeness of the needle hole to the feed dogs.

nanna-up-north

Thanks, Miriam. I don't think the thread would have to be as large as what I used on my cushions.... I can totally understand using the larger needle and would have to do some experimenting, I guess.

So would you suggest a different machine? If so, what would you suggest?

miriam

I absolutely would use a Singer 15 or a clone for what you are doing. The next best would be an industrial machine. BUT when I took the repair class Ray said the only difference is the needle shaft and a stronger motor. I think the needle hole is a consideration, too. Try it out slowly. If the needle and thread works, adjust the tensions if needed. If I were going back and forth from thin thread to the heavy, I would buy another bobbin case and set one up just for heavy thread and the other for regular weight.

nanna-up-north

Sounds like a good idea. Thanks. Now, all I have to do is find a 15...... I know they are out there....

miriam

LOL yup they just grow on trees...

Vridar

I used my 15-91 making a Sunbrella boat cover using V-69 polyester thread. The edging was a rolled hem over 1 inch nylon webbing reinforcement. That is three Sunbrella layers with nylon webbing rolled inside. It was more than up to the task. Like others have mentioned, match thread to the needle for the purpose and more than likely the 15 will perform. I've tried the 201, my favorite, with V-69 but it doesn't like the heavier threads. The 15 never dropped a stitch. I do sewing for a marina and use the 15 when no one watches. At the marina I use my walking foot industrial as showing up with an antique home machine would tarnish my image.

miriam

You are exactly right Ron. I think unless there is a lot of weight on the fabric pulling on the needle bar, the 15 is up for it.

Vridar

Miriam, Yes. I had to be very careful feeding the cover. Did it outside on picnic table. An aside, during my absinces a few times my needle thread ended 30-40 yards into the trees. Thought it was wind but captured a Baltimore Oriole on camera grabbing the thread and flying off. Got some great pictures.

miriam

I have sewn tents and awnings, too. The best is an industrial machine with a walking foot. Even then you have to be able to feed the fabric into the machine. I think if you can feed it the 15 can do an awful lot. I'd love to see the bird making off with the thread!