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Member since 12/14/12
Posts: 70
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Posted on: 7/23/13 10:25 AM ET
I am working on making adaptable wallets for people with limited strength or mobility.

I cant seem to sew thru 2 pieces of pelton72 double sided stiff craft interfacing unless I lift up the presser foo. However, the stitching looks horrible its hard to control.

If I try to sew it without lifting the presser foot the thread just loops in the back.

Should I switch needles when I get to this pat and use a 100 needle?

  
Member since 12/3/06
Posts: 10072
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Posted on: 7/23/13 10:37 AM ET
In reply to Dana Cetz
If the presser foot is up or is sitting too high, there will be no tension on the top thread and you will get a mess.

Test with the larger needle and maybe pound the seam line before stitching to see (1) how it sews and (2) if there is any distortion if the seem is flattened with a hammer.
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OLD CHINESE PROVERB: I HEAR & I FORGET; I SEE & I REMEMBER; I DO & I UNDERSTAND.
  
Member since 12/14/12
Posts: 70
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Posted on: 7/23/13 10:57 AM ET
In reply to PattiAnnJ
Do you mean a fabric mallet like you would use in leather making?
  
Member since 8/15/04
Posts: 1878
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Posted on: 7/23/13 12:05 PM ET
In reply to Dana Cetz
You can also double a piece of fabric and wedge it under your foot, then place in the back - much like the widget folks use when making jeans. This will lift your foot but give tension.

Folks who make jeans use a hammer and hit the thick seams a couple of times to flatten the fabric. A fabric mallet would probably do the same thing as a hammer.

Woggy
  
Member since 12/10/05
Posts: 1221
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Posted on: 7/23/13 9:34 PM ET
Maybe you need to leave the interfacing out of the seam allowance area, so that you aren't trying to sew through the two layers of Peltex.

You cannot sew successfully with the presser foot raised. It is not designed to work that way. You will not get good stitching, as the tension is not applied to the upper thread until you lower the foot. When sewing something very thick, the foot might not actually "drop" when you lower it, but that's OK. As long as the lever is down, the tension will be applied.
  
Member since 9/5/12
Posts: 996
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Posted on: 7/23/13 10:21 PM ET
I think I read once that some of the craft interfacings are not meant to be sewn through because of the type of adhesive on them. Maybe with some sicone on the needle?
Also, I would increase the pressure on the foot if you can make that adjustment on your machine.
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