Will my sewing machine handle this project?

18 years ago

I have a Singer Touch and Sew machine that is at least 35 years old. I have used it to make drapes and pillows etc...Anything that is only regular weight fabric or decorator fabrics.

I want to make some slipcovers for my sofa - this will require welting to be sewn on and as a result, several large areas of 4 thicknesses of fabric. I was planning on using a medium/light weight velvet or velour type fabric. Not as thick as an upholstry heavy duty fabric like herculon or anything real stiff, but definitely heavier than drapery fabrics.

I would love to rent a commerical grade machine, but can't find one in my area...

Any recommendations? What type of machine have you used if you've done upholstry?

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Comments (10)

minnie_tx
18 years ago
I covered my couch a couple of times with my regular machine with no problems. That reminds me it is time to do it again!!
Rene54
18 years ago
I also have made slipcovers out of all types of fabric, I didn't have any problems, except for the weight of the fabrics and enough room to rest it on while sewing,
I have a wine velour slipcover it is pretty but it is a magnet, any bit of stuff, lint,dog hair, finds its way to that cover.so I don't use it often, rene
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Did you try reversing the bobbin?Sometimes what you describe happens when the bobbin is in upside-down or backwards..... ...or when upper thread tension is too tight &/or something is catching the thread & hindering it from coming off the spool smoothly. Or as Kathi sez, when needle is in backwards(or wrong size) - there is a lengthwise groove on the side of the needle where the thread goes in.There is no groove on the side of the needle wher the thread comes out. You can try pulling on the upper thread (where it comes out of the needle)while the presser foot is raised - it should pull smoothly (you can do the same test on the bobbin thread too) - just to see if something's caught. I always clean, oil & inspect a 'new' machine before using.Sometimes threads/lint build up inside the bobbin mechanism, etc.to interfere w/ easy movement. FWIW, HTH
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xstpenguin
18 years ago
Before you invest in expensive yardage, I'd strongly suggest you try some samples.

Buy a 1/2 yard of your intended fabric and make it up into the right number of layers and see what happens. Its quite possible your machine can cope - older machines were built to last!

But it wouldn't be a bad idea to get it serviced before you start on the big project.

Good luck!
AJ
loganhogan
18 years ago
Mother sews on a 70's model T&S and I sew on a 1964 one. She's made all sorts of things on her's recovering furniture, slip covers, etc. She sews alot and the original T&S from 30 years ago she's killed, but she buys all the machines she can find that's the model number of the original and we take parts of the "dead" one to replace things on the others. Somebody mentioned sewing with a small piece first, I'd try that and adjust the pressure of the presser foot too to see if that makes a difference.
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minnie_tx
18 years ago
I think you have to find out what kind of needle works best for your material.
CaroleOH
Original Author
18 years ago
Thanks for your suggestions..I do need to take the poor thing in for a tune up. It has started to skip some stiches when I use the zig zag disk...

I think I'll have the sewing machine guy help me understand the tension and how to adjust the pressure foot properly.

That's a good idea to try some samples because what I'm worried about is sewing through the thicknesses with using welting and then the two layers of fabric.
budster
18 years ago
Well, I've sewn some pretty thick things with my T&S (also a grand lady of the 60's) and she just keeps on ticking. I do keep her cleaned and oiled and get her looked over by a technician every 20 years or so LOL!
CaroleOH
Original Author
18 years ago
I just called the local singer repair guy and he said my Singer T&S should have the metal gears - it's model 603E.

He said bring it in and he'll give it a tuneup! Should last another 20-30 years!
loganhogan
18 years ago
Carol,
You mentioned skiped stitches earlier, I always forget to clean the lint out of the bobbin case. Mine is a 600. I clean the lint, oil and lube her and she sews like a champ. Purrs sometimes, LOL.
Susan
elizabeth_tx
18 years ago
Don't forget to use Sewers Aid on your thread also. It will help going thru the heavy fabric.

Will my sewing machine handle this project?

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