Date: 11/23/09 10:04 AM

I love the look of the upholstery-type heavy fabric for purses, pillows, and other decor. I find pretty pieces when Hancock's has 50% off their regular discounted remnants. Even our few Walmarts left with fabric stock more heavyweight bolts than garment fabric.

Often it's hard to get through several layers or turn things...any tips? My machine only has the standard presser-foot lift for thicker sewing....

Reply to gramma b
Date: 11/24/09 5:18 AM

I love these heavy textured fabrics as well. I haven't done anything especially elaborate, zipped cushions and heavy table protectors are all in the last decade.

I'd make sure to use a thicker needle, 14 or heavier, a long stitch. If any seams are going to be under stress (eg seat cussions) then also use heavy duty thread. I've never had any issue with upto 3 layers of fabric, sometimes I've slowed the speed down and if I've had a 'bump" I hand turn the wheel to get past.

Inside corners can be awkward - I often layer seams to reduce thickness.

Have fun.

Reply to gramma b
Date: 11/24/09 7:45 AM

Be sure to use a denim/jeans/sharp type needle. You probably need something larger than a size 90, also.

Some sewing machines are not built to go through a lot of thick material. Recently, someone told me about her machine and how it wouldn't go through 4 layers of denim. I don't know what brand it is, but there is a difference in machines.

Reply to gramma b
Date: 11/24/09 2:53 PM

I love to sew handbags, and these are the tricks that work for me.

1. I use a size 125 Organ sharps needle. These needles are very hard to find, but they can plow their way through thick upholstery fabrics. You can order a set of 100 needles from CTSUSA.com for $11.95 plus free shipping.

2. I use a sewing machine with excellent piercing power. Three years ago, I replaced my wimpy Bernina 1008 with the far more powerful Viking Platinum 770. If you're serious about tackling projects with heavy duty fabrics you need a machine that's up to the task. Before I bought my Viking 770, I tested it with the thicker types of fabrics I like to use.

3. I use the handwheel when necessary. If my machine seems to struggle with a particularly thick part of the project, I will manually turn my handwheel for as many stitches when I need to.

4. Trim away bulk from difficult areas. Sometimes you can remove a layer or two from the interior of the project, and this may be enough.

5. Use regular thread instead of thicker topstitching thread on difficult projects. When my machine struggles with thicker threads, I will substitute my regular thread instead.

I hope this information helps.

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The essence of life is statistical improbability on a colossal scale.
Richard Dawkins

Date: 11/25/09 1:26 AM

I just finished a laptop bag from some heavy tapestry that I had purchased from Mary Jo's a few years ago. Laptop Bag Pattern This is the pattern. I used a heavier size 16 jeans needle and heavier thread. This pattern was made for double sided quilted fabric (softer and thinner than my tapestry). I sometimes sewed through 4 thicknesses of fabric due to pockets, etc. I have the Janome 11000 SE machine and it has super good piercing ability, so I didn't have any trouble. I did serge all the pieces before putting them together and I also underlined the fabric with some very thin cotton fabric to protect all those floating threads on the back of the tapestry. It turned out beautifully - but I should have enlarged a small amount because of all the thickness which took up space inside the bag. Getting the laptop inside requires a little manuvering! LOL I'll try to post pictures tomorrow - the bag is upstairs and I have daughters/grandsons sleeping in the living room on the couches and I don't want to wake them up at this hour.

I've used tapestry a good bit for apparel (vests and such) and love it,but you have to be careful that you use very simple designs with few seams and be sure to line it so it slips on easily. There are so many beautiful designs that can make igarments with a statement!

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Sewing in Wild, Wonderful West Virginia
Sewing Room Pics:
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Reply to annsew65
Date: 11/25/09 2:31 PM

Quote: Ann D Chafin

..... but I should have enlarged a small amount because of all the thickness which took up space inside the bag.

That's a good point you bring up --- turn of the cloth and the thicker type fabrics.