Good advice above. I made those before - very heavy. Warm though. We just tied knots - no batting - light weight backing on one and heavy on another for a picnic blanket. You already have it pieced so you know about weight. As far as the sewing machine goes I have seen a bent shaft on a vintage sewing machine because someone tired to PULL something very heavy through the machine. Possibly they got a jam and then pulled something through - usually the needle will break. I used to make tents. To get heavy stuff through the machine. Put the machine on a big table or put another table next to your sewing table Roll or fold the fabric so it will go in the machine with out hanging off the table. I've even used a roller cart to put the bulk of the material on and had a helper managing the cart as fabric goes through the machine. You can re-roll to do the other side.