I have never sewed a quilt I’m
#81
Junior Member
Join Date: Jan 2019
Location: Pacific Northwest
Posts: 158
Okay, it sounds like the machine was previously used for leather and had some upholstery weight thread and a leather needle. So I was thinking stick with what the machine wants to do and get more of the same type thread. Its true and quite frustrating that a lot of companies don't specify their thread weight, hence the suggestion of Coats and Clarks upholstery thread which looks and feels pretty heavy duty to me, but no I don't know what weight it is. I have to admit I don't know where else you could get it, maybe search online?
Alternatively, do you have a way to change out the needle or other needles that might have come with the machine? That would help with using your Mom's old thread which is very likely 50 weight. I'll usually use a 80/12 or 90/14 size needle with 50 weight thread, and the 90/14 would be best for cotton duck fabric. Sigh, and the needle size is embossed on the side of the needle, which needs a magnifying glass, good light, and patience to decipher. Another issue is whether your machine will accept the currently manufactured needles. A few years back I bought a Singer treadle machine in a moment of total insanity and the needle on it is huge. Doubt if anyone even makes them. And of course its rusted. But I digress.
Here's a link to Schmetz needles with some info:Hope something here helps you out. Then there's always glue....
Alternatively, do you have a way to change out the needle or other needles that might have come with the machine? That would help with using your Mom's old thread which is very likely 50 weight. I'll usually use a 80/12 or 90/14 size needle with 50 weight thread, and the 90/14 would be best for cotton duck fabric. Sigh, and the needle size is embossed on the side of the needle, which needs a magnifying glass, good light, and patience to decipher. Another issue is whether your machine will accept the currently manufactured needles. A few years back I bought a Singer treadle machine in a moment of total insanity and the needle on it is huge. Doubt if anyone even makes them. And of course its rusted. But I digress.
Here's a link to Schmetz needles with some info:
#82
Junior Member
Join Date: Jan 2019
Location: Pacific Northwest
Posts: 158
More info for DougsterDoc as my morning coffee kicks in. I was sifting around and found this statement on QB. The lady has a Singer 15-91 and she stated that for quilting a quilt with a polyester batt she uses these settings: A universal needle 90/14, 30 weight thread, top thread tension at 7, and bottom tension at one o'clock. We know you're not "quilting" but maybe these settings can get you in the ballpark.
#83
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2018
Location: Havelock NC
Posts: 187
More info for DougsterDoc as my morning coffee kicks in. I was sifting around and found this statement on QB. The lady has a Singer 15-91 and she stated that for quilting a quilt with a polyester batt she uses these settings: A universal needle 90/14, 30 weight thread, top thread tension at 7, and bottom tension at one o'clock. We know you're not "quilting" but maybe these settings can get you in the ballpark.
I already miss the 15-91
I’m thinking I might just join some squares into a pillow.
#84
Junior Member
Join Date: Jan 2019
Location: Pacific Northwest
Posts: 158
Thank you for the update. Had been wondering about you and how things went. You went ahead and tried, that is no small thing. Admitting a less than glorious outcome is also a hard but honorable thing. I think you're a winner just because of these two characteristics.
One day you'll look back and laugh about the time you wrestled with a 15-91.
And this: Every quilter, I mean every quilter, has tucked away somewhere in the back of the closet, their first quilt. A miserable looking excuse, yet in spite of how badly it turned out, seemed to spark the imagination and begin the journey.
One day you'll look back and laugh about the time you wrestled with a 15-91.
And this: Every quilter, I mean every quilter, has tucked away somewhere in the back of the closet, their first quilt. A miserable looking excuse, yet in spite of how badly it turned out, seemed to spark the imagination and begin the journey.
#85
Super Member
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: North Dakota
Posts: 2,633
Been there done that as my first quilt but I kept going. My hubby bought me a singer n I started sewing clothing for my kids myself n my mother in law, was quite the journey to get where I am today I continue to evolve as I started out doing “around the world” quilts for a while n now I try other patterns. have sent my quilts out for long arming n I sew binding on n done. can’t handle moving all that fabric thru a machine any more. I now have a brother Innovis 3000 that I sew with now, still have my singers, yes, plural. I also have a janome 15000 horizon that I use for embroidery. 3 yrs ago my hubby passed n so last yr remodeled my unused garage into a sewing studio.
I just found this thread n found it very interesting. we have quite a few man quilters on this board. What did u end up making? R u still sewing? Glad you came on board.
I just found this thread n found it very interesting. we have quite a few man quilters on this board. What did u end up making? R u still sewing? Glad you came on board.
#86
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2018
Location: Havelock NC
Posts: 187
Been there done that as my first quilt but I kept going. My hubby bought me a singer n I started sewing clothing for my kids myself n my mother in law, was quite the journey to get where I am today I continue to evolve as I started out doing “around the world” quilts for a while n now I try other patterns. have sent my quilts out for long arming n I sew binding on n done. can’t handle moving all that fabric thru a machine any more. I now have a brother Innovis 3000 that I sew with now, still have my singers, yes, plural. I also have a janome 15000 horizon that I use for embroidery. 3 yrs ago my hubby passed n so last yr remodeled my unused garage into a sewing studio.
I just found this thread n found it very interesting. we have quite a few man quilters on this board. What did u end up making? R u still sewing? Glad you came on board.
I just found this thread n found it very interesting. we have quite a few man quilters on this board. What did u end up making? R u still sewing? Glad you came on board.
#87
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2018
Location: Havelock NC
Posts: 187
Thank you for the update. Had been wondering about you and how things went. You went ahead and tried, that is no small thing. Admitting a less than glorious outcome is also a hard but honorable thing. I think you're a winner just because of these two characteristics.
One day you'll look back and laugh about the time you wrestled with a 15-91.
And this: Every quilter, I mean every quilter, has tucked away somewhere in the back of the closet, their first quilt. A miserable looking excuse, yet in spite of how badly it turned out, seemed to spark the imagination and begin the journey.
One day you'll look back and laugh about the time you wrestled with a 15-91.
And this: Every quilter, I mean every quilter, has tucked away somewhere in the back of the closet, their first quilt. A miserable looking excuse, yet in spite of how badly it turned out, seemed to spark the imagination and begin the journey.
#89
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2018
Location: Havelock NC
Posts: 187
As life goes my wife is running a consignment shop in our garage. Mostly helping people move and sell there stuff for commission. If I brought it home it would be junk but to her it’s inventory. The stack of fabric above was junk to her when she brought it home. I see more there. I bought it for $5. Oh it came with a sewing machine cool little rig a euro pro 416 yes I’m going to sew something on it
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madamekelly
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03-30-2018 02:17 AM