Sewing Techniques
Where to find a starter Industrial Sewing machine
by Tom on Mar.16, 2010, under Sewing Techniques
People often struggle sewing through heavy coated fabrics like nylon and web with a home machine. But they may not have the funds to buy a new industrial sewing machine either. So here’s a suggestion. There are several resellers of industrial machines in the US and would suggest you check out one of these companies. They all do a great job of prepping the machine to your requirements. Just give them information on what types of fabrics you plan to sew, the size of the needle, and whether you want 110 or 220 power. Chances are you will save significant money for a machine that will still last you a long time.
T&T Liquidators: www.t-tliquidators.com
Advanced Sewing: www.advancedsewing.com
Nick-O-Sewing: www.Nickosew.com
Walking Foot Machines – A Primer
by Tom on Sep.11, 2009, under Contract Sewing, Sewing Techniques
A walking foot machine is great for industrial applications that require working with heavier materials. It looks just like a straight stitch/single needle machine, but it is designed to move materials evenly together during stitch formation.
How it works?
The sewing foot on this type of machine features a set of teeth that interact with the sewing machine feed teeth to grip the fabric while running the machine. Instead of relying on the bottom feed dog to pull the fabric through, the foot keeps one foot on the fabric as the other rises with the needle. This even feed motion allows both pieces being sewn to go through with minimal slippage, keeping patterns and cut pieces straight during sewing. The needle actually makes a circular motion as it rises and falls. The needle will rise up, come down in the hole, but the hole and needle move together to the back along with the fabric and the needle rises up again.
The purpose of this walking motion is to keep your layers from shifting as they are receiving equal pressure from the top as well as the bottom. It will also prevent puckered seams when working on items with longer seams.
These machines are very popular in the tactical gear sewing industry. In mass production, time is money and the customer won’t pay you to spend a lot of time sewing any one piece, so a walking foot is often used.
