Originally Posted by MadQuilter
For heavy seams you can always use a seam buster or a thing-a-ma-jig. It is used to adjust the pressure foot height BEFORE and AFTER the thick seam.
I totally agree. I sold the lowest price Viking to a guy to make sails for his boat--you just have to know how. a #18 jeans or top-stitch needle is great--they are extra sharpand strong. sew slowly, and use a tool called a hump-jumper, or a jean-a-ma-jig. It isn't the fabric or the thickness that breaks the needle, it is the tilting of the presser foot as it goes over the big 'lump.' The foot tips so far frontward or backward, that the needle hits the foot, and presto! broken needle! I know there are people who certainly will disagree with me, but i would never buy a "little plastic sewing machine for $69.00" Check a dealer for tuned-up old machines--better every time! Good luck, and let me know how you do! :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: