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Sewing Resources and Information

This site has a strange way of taking a man down a rabbit hole he didnt even know existed ..... I decided to try my hand at sewing some gear and considering I have two daughters I went ahead and bought a machine they can use as well for now. I ordered a Singer 4452 but am curious if it will handle #92 thread? I ordered some 18 needles and some thread of that weight but was just wondering if anyone had run that machine with that thread?
 
This site has a strange way of taking a man down a rabbit hole he didnt even know existed ..... I decided to try my hand at sewing some gear and considering I have two daughters I went ahead and bought a machine they can use as well for now. I ordered a Singer 4452 but am curious if it will handle #92 thread? I ordered some 18 needles and some thread of that weight but was just wondering if anyone had run that machine with that thread?
I'm not certain. I'm leaving the needle will fit but not sure. Check owners manual on machine. It should tell you the largest size needle you can use. I started with my mom's Janome that advised size 16 needle was the largest. I was able to fit size 18 but it never had the power to get through the material. I upgraded to a Juki 8700-h... Best saddle hunting purchase to date!!!

As far as the thread goes, I'll have to check but I think I use size 20 needle with that thread. Check it jellyfish on YouTube. She had some good videos.

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The specs on the thread say size 18 - 20 needle so I stayed on the low end because of the machine .... I do have some #69 poly thread as well but would prefer to use the 92 if the machine will run it.

I looked at the Juki machines and will probably go that route if this is something I want to continue doing. They didnt offer all the fancy stitches for my kids is the reason I didnt get one now ....
 
The specs on the thread say size 18 - 20 needle so I stayed on the low end because of the machine .... I do have some #69 poly thread as well but would prefer to use the 92 if the machine will run it.

I looked at the Juki machines and will probably go that route if this is something I want to continue doing. They didnt offer all the fancy stitches for my kids is the reason I didnt get one now ....
Yes. The zig zag stitch is nice for helping to prevent edges from fraying. I have some pack cloth that is terrible. I bought a special scissors that helps but I still have to do a rolled hem with it for all of my projects. It really adds thickness quick going that route though. I thought about getting the same machine you have or a Sailrite LZ-1, which has the lifting foot and zig zag.

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I spent an hour and a half last night with a Speedy Stitcher doing what would probably have been a 5 minute job with a sewin...thread injector.

I may need to pony up some cash. lol
 
Would all of the singer machines in the blog article from the beginning of this thread be good choices to pick up for making a diy saddle. Not sure if one model is better than another.
... I can't believe I'm searching craigslist for a sewing machine...
 
Would all of the singer machines in the blog article from the beginning of this thread be good choices to pick up for making a diy saddle. Not sure if one model is better than another.
... I can't believe I'm searching craigslist for a sewing machine...

I've only used a 201...but from my research, if working properly, yes. Now you may have to help the machine through some of the materials depending on the number of layers. I did some of the thicker portions of my DIY kestrel by turning the wheel by hand. It was slower, but I got better results. Good luck!
 
What is a good recommendation for someone just getting into sewing and stitching
I’ve watched some speedy stitcher videos which look great and am confident I can use one efficiently, but are there any other methods without buying a few hundred dollar machine ?


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I found a Juki 8500 for around $400. Is this a good deal and will it sew cordura and webbing to make a saddle or a backpack?
Edit: I just saw a video and it looks like the 8700 has an oil bath under it. For just sewing one saddle this is probably over kill.
Would it be best to get a walking foot machine?
 
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For those using a speedy stitcher, here are some needles that don't have the sharp blade points of the needles that come with the awl. The blade points work well for leather but will cut the fibers of webbing or fabric. These are better for webbing:

Here's an educational article on hand sewing webbing, that opened my eyes to several things that I've done wrong over the years:
 
What is everyone’s opinion on the sewline so-106 triple feed and the sailrite fabricator.
To me there are some differences besides price, size of motor, and the sailrite machine is based out of Indiana I think and not sure about the support for the sewline, but I don’t know how much support would be needed with both of them being industrial machines.
Thanks
 
I was going to go look at a 15-91 about an hour away which is listed on craigslist. I decided to check the local thrift store first and the lady said these were all the machines they had, about 3. I looked around a little in the store and saw these cabinets on the other side which looked strangely like the cabinets of the machines which were raised but these were closed. I opened them and one was a 15-91. The price tag said $99 and I thought I would think on it. Under the leaves, additional tags said, clearance $19.99, so I bought it. When you are looking for a sewing machine keep on the lookout for these camouflaged machines which look like end tables. Now, to find a spot in the house for it where my wife will not notice. I can sense sewing machine collecting can be quite addictive considering the low prices you can find if you keep your eyes open. I picked up a Singer 227 last night which I bought on ebay when I saw it was nearby, and cheap, $30 with tax. I did remember a small toylike machine in my basement that was my wife's aunts which I pulled from the thrift store donation pile 25 years ago after she died. It is a Singer 221 without the box but has attachments and sewing machine oil. The 221 and 227 both run. I oiled them up but have to get a bobbin for the 221 and some thread. My wife just went to work, so I can go pick up the 15-91 now. Maybe if I keep it closed she will never notice. My wife does NOT sew. :D
 
What is everyone’s opinion on the sewline so-106 triple feed and the sailrite fabricator.
To me there are some differences besides price, size of motor, and the sailrite machine is based out of Indiana I think and not sure about the support for the sewline, but I don’t know how much support would be needed with both of them being industrial machines.
Thanks
I have been looking hard at the Sailrite Fabricator, I could get some good use out of it on other projects. Tagging along to see if anybody has any feedback on them.

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I have been looking hard at the Sailrite Fabricator, I could get some good use out of it on other projects. Tagging along to see if anybody has any feedback on them.

Sent from my Pixel 3 XL using Tapatalk
That’s I was thinking as well, I have been making other things on the wife’s sewing machine (brother can 6000i) and it is struggling when doing layered materials. I just about broke it sewing the corners with binding, 4 layers all together plus the binding on the edge. And I am thinking buy once, cry once with the sailrite.
I do have a an older Kenmore 117-552 but I have been struggling with getting the tension correct, have loops on the bottom side of the fabric.
 

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I have been looking hard at the Sailrite Fabricator, I could get some good use out of it on other projects. Tagging along to see if anybody has any feedback on them.

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The Sailrite fabricator would get the job done. It is a bit expensive at $1595 from their website. I was actually looking at the ultrafeed LSZ-1 before I got my Juki 8700-h.

Funny thing is now I'm again looking at the LSZ-1 for the walking foot. I'm looking at other cheaper walking foot machines but I want a zig zag walking foot to assist my Juki.

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The Sailrite fabricator would get the job done. It is a bit expensive at $1595 from their website. I was actually looking at the ultrafeed LSZ-1 before I got my Juki 8700-h.

Funny thing is now I'm again looking at the LSZ-1 for the walking foot. I'm looking at other cheaper walking foot machines but I want a zig zag walking foot to assist my Juki.

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I have pretty well talked myself out of wanting zig zag stitching, I would prefer to have the larger heavier machine for learning to do auto upholstery on. The walking foot is not optional for me.

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