Vintage Sewing Machine Shop.....Come on in and sit a spell
03-18-2012, 03:28 PM
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Miriam,
The top of the shank to the eye is the timing length and yes it is the same. But, the 15x1's longer tip will still be in the fabric (especially with thicker fabrics) when the feeddogs start moving and this will affect the tension and stitching. It can also hit the bobbin case. It is always better to use the correct needle. Please don't let anyone talk you into retiming the 206 series to take a regular needle. I know that this can be a controversial subject.
The tip could be shortened and resharpened, but I would not recommend it. It would be very difficult to make the reshaped tip just like the original such as shape, sharpness, in line with the long axis of the needle, etc.
Cathy
The top of the shank to the eye is the timing length and yes it is the same. But, the 15x1's longer tip will still be in the fabric (especially with thicker fabrics) when the feeddogs start moving and this will affect the tension and stitching. It can also hit the bobbin case. It is always better to use the correct needle. Please don't let anyone talk you into retiming the 206 series to take a regular needle. I know that this can be a controversial subject.
The tip could be shortened and resharpened, but I would not recommend it. It would be very difficult to make the reshaped tip just like the original such as shape, sharpness, in line with the long axis of the needle, etc.
Cathy
03-18-2012, 03:32 PM
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Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Outer Space
Posts: 9,319
I got your message, and yes I will bring the spring! Are you talking about the spring/needle combo or the spring attachment? I didn't know you had a White Rotary! Why am I not surprised:>
Candace,
Fantastic! Glad that the spring needle works for you.
I just tried another style darning spring on my White Rotary, works but the machine doesn't like it much. Probably need to have "the discussion" with my machine. You know the "you can easily become a parts machine" talk.
Or I could blame the operator and practice more. <GGG>
I noticed on the picture that you posted the spring is over the needle clamp post. Slide (stretch) it over a little to the right to sit on the screw. That is one of the things that Monica did to make it work better.
Cathy
The only difference in the 15x1 and the 206x13 needle is in the tip. The top of the shank to the eye is the same.
Fantastic! Glad that the spring needle works for you.
I just tried another style darning spring on my White Rotary, works but the machine doesn't like it much. Probably need to have "the discussion" with my machine. You know the "you can easily become a parts machine" talk.
Or I could blame the operator and practice more. <GGG>
I noticed on the picture that you posted the spring is over the needle clamp post. Slide (stretch) it over a little to the right to sit on the screw. That is one of the things that Monica did to make it work better.
Cathy
The only difference in the 15x1 and the 206x13 needle is in the tip. The top of the shank to the eye is the same.
03-18-2012, 03:35 PM
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Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: England
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I agree. I think it is a finger guard. You can see that the lever for the presser foot is down, but if you watch one of the other Laga videos you will see a lady finish her sewing and pull the work out without lifting the lever. I think it is a finger guard to the left side of the needle and a fraction above the work. From what I can tell the material she is sewing (thin leather?) is firm and smooth, so so long as she is holding it down firmly it will not lift as the needle rises out of it with each stitch. It's free motion, but not quilting.
I found this video, along with Leah Day's videos, very useful before attempting FMQ on my 15K treadle. It showed the speed I needed to get the needle going at.
I found this video, along with Leah Day's videos, very useful before attempting FMQ on my 15K treadle. It showed the speed I needed to get the needle going at.
03-18-2012, 03:42 PM
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Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: San francisco Bay Area
Posts: 249
my 201 is my go to FMQ. Wonderful stitches. I use serger thread for quilting, it's a little lighter than regular thread. I want to build a BIIIIIG table for my spare 201 so that my quilt is supported on all sides, but for now i just cope. In case it helps anyone, when I teach people to FMQ I recommed that they write the alphabet with the thread. We all already know how to write our letters, and so it gives you the advantage of that part of the experience being automatic.
03-18-2012, 03:47 PM
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Join Date: Mar 2012
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Cathy mentioned that her White didn't like FMQ. I've tried to use my White for that, and it did not like it. At all. So it may be a white thing. May be the carbon based unit, though. (duck and run)
03-18-2012, 03:50 PM
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Seems like some machine do better than others... Some feet work better than others.... some days the carbon based unit works better than others... I'm still learning the FM and loving it. I haven't tried my name yet - just scribbling the center of some denim roses to decorate a couple tote bags. I need to work up the nerve.
03-18-2012, 04:03 PM
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Join Date: Jan 2010
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Here's a couple of pics of some of the smaller end FMQ I do. I need good visibility. The spring and the spring attachment I got from Cathy will both be excellent tools.
03-18-2012, 04:38 PM
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Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Northern CA near Sacramento
Posts: 1,107
Candace,
Good pictures. The shank length will not make any difference in sewing. Different brands have differences in the shank length. I agree that it does look like it can make a difference in fitting the spring on the needle.
Cathy
Good pictures. The shank length will not make any difference in sewing. Different brands have differences in the shank length. I agree that it does look like it can make a difference in fitting the spring on the needle.
Cathy
The difference in the 206 x 13's size 12 and size 14 needles (and what was a bit tricky) is that the shank of the size 14 is a bit longer than the 12 and the needle length below the eye is also a smidge longer. Both of the above are 206 x 13's. The left is the 14, the right is the size 12. I was showing this to let you all see how the spring will fit a bit differently around the 14 needle.
03-18-2012, 04:41 PM
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Join Date: Dec 2011
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03-18-2012, 04:44 PM
Super Member
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Northern CA near Sacramento
Posts: 1,107
Laura,
Probably the carbon based unit. I really think that is what the problem is with my White.
Cathy
Probably the carbon based unit. I really think that is what the problem is with my White.
Cathy
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