Please LOGIN or Join PatternReview

Go to Page: 1 of 1

A machine to fit the job Recommendation for the best sewing machine to make messenger and duffle bags
Daliro Member since 1/16/13 Posts: 4	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 1/17/13 1:02 AM I'm currently using a Pfaff Smart for making clothes, mostly dresses, it's great for this use. I just made a duffle bag with this machine, it turned out alright, but not the right machine for the job. Please any recommendations for a sewing machine for heavy fabrics and projects would be greatly appreciated. Thank you, Isabella LeBeau
knitstitcher   Intermediate Member since 8/17/10 Posts: 301	Login to reply to this post 1 member likes this. Date: 1/17/13 6:57 AM What kind of fabric are you sewing with? Are you looking for an industrial machine or regular machine? I have a sailrite for all my heavy bags. It's a portable machine.....kind of noisy but it will sew through many layers of ANYTHING. ------ Lorri Bernina Artista 730, Babylock Evolution, Sailrite LSZ-1, Singer 201-2,
PattiAnnJ   Advanced OH USA Member since 12/3/06 Posts: 4982	Login to reply to this post 2 members like this. Date: 1/17/13 3:50 PM I would look for vintage or industrial. Don't use your good sewing or serging machines for the heavy work.
Daliro Member since 1/16/13 Posts: 4	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 1/17/13 9:49 PM Thanks for the input:) I'm using fabrics of upholstry/tapestry. Double layer, lined with a fleece and plastic mesh middle for support. Trying to upload an image but not sure how to post here.
Daliro Member since 1/16/13 Posts: 4	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 1/17/13 9:53 PM Also, should the seems inside be surged? The tapestry fabrics unravel so much. Is there a heavy duty machine that also surges, or would I need 2 different sewing machines to accomplish this? Thanks
Daliro Member since 1/16/13 Posts: 4	Login to reply to this post 1 member likes this. Date: 1/17/13 10:03 PM
PattiAnnJ   Advanced OH USA Member since 12/3/06 Posts: 4982	Login to reply to this post In reply to Daliro << 1 member likes this. Date: 1/18/13 0:09 AM Quote: Daliro Also, should the seems inside be surged? The tapestry fabrics unravel so much. Is there a heavy duty machine that also surges, or would I need 2 different sewing machines to accomplish this? Thanks If you serge the individual cuts this will be an easier task for the serger. Then stitch the seam with the sewing machine. A serger is best used for clean finishing. They do not give a good, tight seam. Test a a couple layers of the fabric and you will see the sewing machine provides a stronger seam than that of the sergers left needle.
ThePadre Advanced Beginner PA USA Member since 1/27/09 Posts: 815	Login to reply to this post In reply to Daliro << 1 member likes this. Date: 1/18/13 8:11 AM Quote: Daliro Also, should the seems inside be surged? The tapestry fabrics unravel so much. Is there a heavy duty machine that also surges, or would I need 2 different sewing machines to accomplish this? Thanks Most of the bags that I've come across use bias tape on the inside seams. This has the advantage of letting you use a durable material (more durable than the bag itself) on the seam, as seams tend to get rubbed a lot. (Again, looking at the assorted bags and backpacks around here.)
tgm and Kittys   Advanced Beginner WI USA Member since 3/8/10 Posts: 6941	Login to reply to this post In reply to Daliro << 1 member likes this. Date: 1/18/13 8:20 AM Oh boy I tried something close to what you are using & you can easily damage the motor & throw off the timing in many machines. Even my 306 Singer & 201 could not do it ......... had to go very very slow & use heavy duty denim needle. .......... I would be very careful with the new sm........... it is high price to take it to sewing machine repair for motor work, timing, & anything else that can happen... uh bent feed dogs etc...................... wish I could be more help................. My friend has managed a few such bags on her Neechi that is about 45 years old ... going slow & using heavy duty needle .... very slowly & only straight stitch. ..... first zig zag the edges of the fabric is what she does after cutting out the bag & then sew seams. .... hope this helps a tiny bit.... ------ I am a gal from Kalamazoo.... oh what a gal... smile.... It is in Michigan... la la la ...love that Glen Miller classic! Home of Abigail The Babykins & Lil Mittee kitty >^,,^ Be Still, & Know That I am, God + Please say a prayer for my poor feet. ... + ..one month down .. 6 weeks more to go.. They are healing. Thanks everyone for your prayers. 5/8/13 smile
dscheidt Member since 6/8/09 Posts: 250	Login to reply to this post In reply to ThePadre << 1 member likes this. Date: 1/18/13 2:04 PM Quote: FrBasil [quote] Also, should the seems inside be surged? The tapestry fabrics unravel so much. Is there a heavy duty machine that also surges, or would I need 2 different sewing machines to accomplish this? Thanks Most of the bags that I've come across use bias tape on the inside seams. This has the advantage of letting you use a durable material (more durable than the bag itself) on the seam, as seams tend to get rubbed a lot. (Again, looking at the assorted bags and backpacks around here.) [/quote] another advantage of using tape on the seams is it lets you do the entire bag with a single needle machine. (With the right attachment, applying tape is pretty easy and fast) Also, tape will make the seams stiffer, which may mean you can use a lighter fabric and still have a bag that has shape when it's empty. That's true even if the tape itself has no body.

Go to Page: 1 of 1

Please LOGIN or Join PatternReview

Printable Version

* Advertising and soliciting is strictly prohibited on PatternReview.com. If you find a post which is not in agreement with our Terms and Conditions, please click on the Report Post button to report it.