Sewing Curtains and Seat Covers

Discussion in 'General Discussion' started by Zed, Feb 20, 2016.

  1. Zed

    Zed Gradually getting grumpier

    Time to tackle some curtain making. I have all the gear but not much idea so I thought if I do this thread and I'm going about it wrong someone might tell me. :)

    I've been to the habberdashery shop.
    upload_2016-2-20_15-26-45.jpeg

    ...and Wilkinsons (cheapy shop if you don't have these where you live)...
    upload_2016-2-20_15-29-11.jpeg
    Total spend £40. There was a £4 iron, but I splashed out on the one for a tenner.

    This is the sewing machine, a bit of a beast. First thing will be google how to thread it up ready, after sanding off the rust where the material passes...
    upload_2016-2-20_15-26-23.jpeg
     
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  2. MorkC68

    MorkC68 Administrator

    Is it a Singer :D
     
  3. Tom Jones???
     
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  4. MorkC68

    MorkC68 Administrator

    yes boyo :D
     
  5. Looks like as good a place to start as any. Have fun
     
  6. :thinking: This all looks to me very much like you need to contact some women.

    I have heard (from a friend) that you can contact these online somewhere :thumbsup:
     
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  7. Zed

    Zed Gradually getting grumpier

    Yes.
     
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  8. Fish

    Fish Administrator

    Have you found out how its threaded yet?
     
  9. The foot plate needs to be polished rather than sanded, but you can buy these fairly cheaply online if you are struggling - youtube is your friend when it comes to threading your machine. Always do a test piece prior to starting a piece of work to check both upper thread tension & underbobbin thread tension.... I have already said too much!!
     
  10. Barry Haynes

    Barry Haynes I dance in leopard skin mankini’s

    I've got a few friends who have sown mail bags in the past
     
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  11. Merlin Cat

    Merlin Cat Moderator

    Any thread with the word haberdashery in has got to be a good one :)

    Are you making van, or home curtains? I'm asking in a nosey rather than being able to offer advice manner. My sewing skills stopped at school home economics level :)
     
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  12. Zed

    Zed Gradually getting grumpier

    Well, I don't have a home, so...

    No, summats up.

    Is this right?
    upload_2016-2-20_17-48-44.jpeg

    Practice piece. :D
    Top looks ok

    Bottom is all to cock.
    upload_2016-2-20_17-48-44.jpeg
    Got top tension on max but not helping, is the bottom one too tight?
    Manual for similar machine says i shouldn't have to mess with the the bottom reel tension.
     
  13. Fish

    Fish Administrator

    no tensioner first like you have it but then up top then back down to where you havit coming off the tensioner and then to the needle
     
  14. To be honest, I'd stick to welding, Steve ;)...
     
  15. Zed

    Zed Gradually getting grumpier

    There isn't anywhere to go up to!
    I have it like a diagram I found.
    I'd been winding round the tensioner like a T1 fanbelt pulley but now I've let it slip right between the plates it seems to be better. Was i doing it wrong and so might I have sussed it?
     
  16. Zed

    Zed Gradually getting grumpier

    Can't be hard can it? My ex managed it...
     
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  17. Silver

    Silver Needs points/will pay!

    Start simple...something like a peg bag maybe!
     
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  18. Fish

    Fish Administrator

    is there a thin sprung wire hoop attached to the left of the tensioner?
     
  19. Zed

    Zed Gradually getting grumpier

    Yes there is but without letting the thread slip between the plates its doesn't do anything, even then can't see how it's pulled against considering the travel it has. Another turn on it to give it more tension snapped the thread. :)
     
  20. Fish

    Fish Administrator

    the yarn goes between the plates then under the spring wire and then up to the arm then back down to the solid capture to the left of the wire spring....
     

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