J Miller

...... to sew through denim? Mine will sew all day long through one layer, such as doing decorative stitches, and it will sew through two layers good two. But, when it comes up on a seam where the fabric goes from two to three or four layers, it just doesn't want to sew over it. I have to help the material pass under the presser foot.
I've tried varying the tension on the presser foot, but it doesn't seen to mater. I've tried different feet, doesn't help. The needle plate is all the way down, so the feed dogs are up as far as they go.
I like this machine, but this bugs me.

I have other machines that will sew over 6 to 8 layers of denim without slowing down.

So what I wonder is up with my 401A???


Joe

path49

My 403A sews thru several layers of denim easily. There's a good chance it's your needle. If you're not using one, try a jeans needle...it'll make a world of difference. It's got a sharper point than a standard or universal so it pushes thru denim much easier.

J Miller

Pat,

I had a jeans needle in it and it was dull. Not worn dull but actually had a round point on it. I looked at the others in the package and they were the same. So I put in a regular universal type and that helped a bit, but not a lot. I'll look at my needles again.

We have noticed on other Singer machines that the snap on feet tend to angle up and create a bad angle that won't walk over seams. Put on a solid ankle foot with curved toes and they do much better. That doesn't seem to matter with this one either. Perhaps being a slant shank has something to do with it.

Joe

Grannyh67

mine does great Joe, no problems with thick material. Just checked it out again.

Candace

Check your needle bar height. It may be off.

SewExtremeSeams

I haven't tried denim but last spring I sewed seams of boat tarp canvas with my 401a. DH had to manuever the lengths of canvas but my 401 plowed through easily. I imagine if it could sew through 4 thicknesses of that type of canvas it could sew through denim easily.

You know, I used a new denim Schmetz needle the other day and it looked rounded at the tip. I will have to look at my other ones.

J Miller

Hmmm, I guess I'm right, my machine needs some fixin.

Candace where do I find that specification? I don't have any manuals other than the reprinted owners manual.
Although I'm thinking most of the trouble is from the presser foot not wanting to walk over the humps of the seams.

Joe

kitsykeel

Joe,

I remember a few years ago I saw a tip regarding this issue. It said to put something like a matchbook or a folded piece of material behind and under the rear of the presser foot when you are ready to sew over the steep layer of fabric. This helps the foot not have to do the extra work of climbing over the fabric. I have used this tip with my 401A and other machines and it works for me. Good luck. Let's hope it is as simple as that.

J Miller

Kitsy,

Is that the thing I've heard about called a "hump jumper" or something like that?

Joe

Jingle

I was just reading, and I believe you are right, hump jumper, I have read that tip before.

By the way Joe have you heard of a Vandervoort 195 Deluxe, seems to thread like a Singer 15 Treadle. Looks brand new, I oiled it and oiled. All parts look like new metal. Has the tension in the back. I put some pics of it on vintage thread. I would appreciate any info. Made in Japan Serial # JA19.195TW.540078. Thanks.