- Thread starter winchman
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rikrobson
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the Mrs just did a couple of Cessna Interiors in Vinyl on her non industrial machines (singer and Toyota) they are not industrial but old school and not modern rubbish.
But it would have been better with n industrial with a step foot. you need the power to get through several layers of material.
Some industrials are built for speed and would be to fast a feed for upholstery.
The step foot walks the top of the fabric and well as the underfoot you get on domestic machines
So it really depends on what you are going to make the covers from.
But it would have been better with n industrial with a step foot. you need the power to get through several layers of material.
Some industrials are built for speed and would be to fast a feed for upholstery.
The step foot walks the top of the fabric and well as the underfoot you get on domestic machines
So it really depends on what you are going to make the covers from.
GrahamGKD
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I have a couple of Bernina machines made (I think) in the 50s. I bought the first one and then my Aunt died so I took hers on as well. They are not industrial machines but are fairly sturdy and beautifully made. I have used them extensively for sewing heavy cordura. I even made a flight cover for a tandem bike, although I have say that job was a bit too big! I am away at the moment so can't check but I think they are something like Record 530s. Those machines are amongst my most treasured tools simply based on the build quality.
I have a Brother (domestic) sewing machine bought from Argos in the 80s, it has sewn denim, canvas, heavyweight curtain material, vinyl for motorbike seats and even leather when needed. Sometimes requires a bit of manual help on the really thick bits but keeps on going 
mrsbruce
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As said, get your hands on some old (not worn) iron, and there should be no problems with the material. You might find the corners and folds might push things a bit, but a bit hand sewing to finish off will work ok, for a man of your calibre.
(prize of a cardboard tie to whoever names the person who said “man of your/my calibre”
).
(prize of a cardboard tie to whoever names the person who said “man of your/my calibre”
).
winchman
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As said, get your hands on some old (not worn) iron, and there should be no problems with the material. You might find the corners and folds might push things a bit, but a bit hand sewing to finish off will work ok, for a man of your calibre.
(prize of a cardboard tie to whoever names the person who said “man of your/my calibre”
Thanks Do you do lessons?
Burdekin
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ask @Burdekin he managed to get a sewing machine
then we heard nothing much since then so I think its time we found out how they went on with there sewing
Did the sewing course and it was really good but covid meant we had to stop a week early. Made a few things and a cushion for a chair. Not done any since.
mrsbruce
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As with any project, the longest part of the job is making the pattern, and getting the measurements right. If in doubt, make a toile to check the fit, and proof of design.
Don’t skimp with either the quality or quantity of the upholstery material, as that will definitely affect the finish. Better to buy a bit too much, than be a couple of inches too short. Although a nice bit heavy curtain material can normally be picked up cheap, and works well, best to check the bias, nothing worse than finding your cushion goes bum shaped after one good sitting.
Use good strong thread, and as big a needle as your machine will take, and don’t be shy about changing it when it’s blunt. It’s a consumable, not for life.
Sewing upholstery material on a domestic is asking a lot from it, so take your time, and don’t force it. There again, you might be able to pick up an industrial machine at a good price just now. But that’s a whole new minefield.
Don’t skimp with either the quality or quantity of the upholstery material, as that will definitely affect the finish. Better to buy a bit too much, than be a couple of inches too short. Although a nice bit heavy curtain material can normally be picked up cheap, and works well, best to check the bias, nothing worse than finding your cushion goes bum shaped after one good sitting.
Use good strong thread, and as big a needle as your machine will take, and don’t be shy about changing it when it’s blunt. It’s a consumable, not for life.
Sewing upholstery material on a domestic is asking a lot from it, so take your time, and don’t force it. There again, you might be able to pick up an industrial machine at a good price just now. But that’s a whole new minefield.
Bernie the Bolt Cloth Merchant (facebook.com)
or Herts Specialist Fabrics (hertsfabrics.co.uk)
Both are fent end dealers. Well known in the re-enactment world, and as shows have been cancelled this year, they could do with some orders
or Herts Specialist Fabrics (hertsfabrics.co.uk)
Both are fent end dealers. Well known in the re-enactment world, and as shows have been cancelled this year, they could do with some orders
mrsbruce
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Basically, the bias is the direction the fabric stretches. Grab a tea towel, and give it a bit pull in various directions, you’ll see what direction, or directions the material will move in use. In clothing, you can use this natural stretch to allow a bit ‘give’ in, say, a shirt. Just avoid fabric with too much give, and you’ll be ok (think - horrible nylon ‘fitted’ settee covers from the 70’s).
