Boxerworks.com

Hey Charlie -
Do you know if an average Singer can be fitted to sew heavy stuff? Motorcycle seat vinyl?
I am sure it is all about the needle and bobbin and thread.

You guys showing off your modern machines!
I'll have to take a pic of my Singer.
I think it's 40's something.

Seat vinyl would be no problem I reckon Doug.

dougie wrote:Hey Charlie -
Do you know if an average Singer can be fitted to sew heavy stuff? Motorcycle seat vinyl?
I am sure it is all about the needle and bobbin and thread.

Doug, I use a 'Jeans/Denim' needle (100/16) and Guterman Upholstery thread. Fiddle a bit with tensioning as you try different fabrics and numbers of layers. For seat stuff you will need to be able to punch through four layers if you are doing piping, and a piping foot or zipper foot will be your friend. You can get pre-made piping from an upholsterer who does vehicle work, or make your own by folding vinyl over a length of thin insulated electrical wire and sewing with the zipper foot. I've been learning by googling 'seat upholstery' or such like and watching YouTubes. Have fun. Feel free to email me if you have questions about anything at all.

Airbear wrote:Wow Major, that is beautiful, and an impressive restoration. It looks like it is ready to take off at any moment.
They are spectacular machines. I'm awed every time I look inside and see the workings.

Mine is somewhat battered (like me). It once belonged to my 8yo grandson's great grandmother (on the maternal side). The grandson is interested in learning to sew, so I'm committed to teaching him and passing it on. Interestingly, I now know more males than females who sew.

Stock photos. Mine/wife's looks better.

Major Softie wrote: Stock photos. Mine/wife's looks better.

Ah well, consider my praise retracted ...
until such time as verifiable documentary evidence is provided.

Nice looking machine, anyway. As is yours, Steve.

ps: Yes, sewing machines. There's not all that much BMW action happening around here.

Airbear wrote:

dougie wrote:Hey Charlie -
Do you know if an average Singer can be fitted to sew heavy stuff? Motorcycle seat vinyl?
I am sure it is all about the needle and bobbin and thread.

Doug, I use a 'Jeans/Denim' needle (100/16) and Guterman Upholstery thread. Fiddle a bit with tensioning as you try different fabrics and numbers of layers. For seat stuff you will need to be able to punch through four layers if you are doing piping, and a piping foot or zipper foot will be your friend. You can get pre-made piping from an upholsterer who does vehicle work, or make your own by folding vinyl over a length of thin insulated electrical wire and sewing with the zipper foot. I've been learning by googling 'seat upholstery' or such like and watching YouTubes. Have fun. Feel free to email me if you have questions about anything at all.

Thanks Charlie.

Hello !
Ask for leather needles. They make HOLES in the leather and are,then, easy to push into the material.
I had one on my sewing machine when I bought it second hand. I did not understand why my fabric got these holes in it... Until a lady with sewing knowledge laughed at me...
Unfortunately I've long lost the needle but they are quite easy to buy.

Wow. That's some good looking stuff you did there, Charlie. The table is very clever. I love the simple and integrated design. I had neglected to check into this thread for too long, what with studying license plates and all.

Chuey

ME 109 wrote:You guys showing off your modern machines!

Now wait just a minute. Actually, our machines are too old for this part of the forum, as they both pre-date /5's.