I realize this is a late post to the question, but am trying to catchup after a family illness. I keep a small hammer in my sewing studio to bang those pesky thick seams into submission. A couple of good wacks with the hammer beats them down an allows my machine to sew over the seams without issue to machine or needles and lessens my stress as well. Have used this method for years and it works for me. Who knew a hammer belonged in your sewing tool box?!