Pudge

I just finished sewing 3 covers made out of a packing blanket on my 15-91. I used a size 18 needle which was the largest size I have on hand. But I note that my manual says to use a size 21 to sew "very heavy materials comparable to sailcloth, denim, ticking".

I could have used a larger needle to complete the job. Does someone know if size 21 needles are sold and where I can possibly buy them?

Cheryl

sews

from the UK:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/SIZE-21-100-...item2a40c8e15e

Pudge

Wow. 100 is WAY more than I need, but thanks!

miriam

you can buy size 21 needles at an industrial sewing machine supply place and your shaft will most likely accept the needle. The questions: Is there enough room for the needle and thread to pass through the hole? If the needle hits will it scar, burr or possibly bend your needle plate - then below that, nick the hook and causing burrs. If the thread rubs against the hole or a burr it WILL shred. I would test this out very slowly.

ThayerRags

The needle should be sized to the thread size being used, regardless of the material being sewn. Small thread, small needle. Large thread, large needle.

CD in Oklahoma

Pudge

I get what you're saying. I checked the fit with the plate with the size 18 needle, just as you described, before I sewed.

And you've confirmed my belief that size 21 is an "industrial" needle. I was just not sure if they are also sold as "nonindustrial" because I didn't think they would be in my "nonindustrial" machine manual, if they were'nt.

Pudge

Yep. I get this too. I was trying to convey that although I made it through the project okay, I think a tad larger needle would have helped.

Thanks.

miriam

The biggest I've seen non industrial is an 18 and that is correct - match your needle and thread. I think the biggest I used was a 22 and it sewed through about 16 or more layers of canvas grudgingly then I think I nicked something and made a burr.

miriam

Actually with something small like a pillow a hand crank might give you more power than a motor.

Pudge

Oooooh. I covet a handcrank, but I can't find one in my area for any type of decent price. I envy the folks in other parts of the country who are still able to acquire vintage machines. Very little available around here. But I continue to look.