newbie with an upholstery/drapery question

Hi! I found this site/group while searching for any clue as to why my thread keeps breaking when sewing uphosltery/drapery fabric. I'm using a size 18/100 needle, and I've tried loosening the tension. The biggest problem I see is there is a backing on the fabric that appears to be fused to keep the designs in the fabric in tact. When I'm sewing, I can see that a gunky glue film is lingering on my needle. I'm certain this is the reason for the breakage, but tonight it got to the point of breakage every inch! I want to hang my new drapes! I'm very frustrated, so if anyone has any advice, please write back. Thanks much!

------------------------------------- GovMom60

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Reply to
Govmom60
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Try putting a sheet of paper against the gunk and sew through the paper. The stitches will perforate the paper and you can tear it away.

R
Reply to
rtc

why my

I'm using a

biggest

to be fused

can see that

is the

breakage every

anyone has

similar thing happens if you try to sew through tape like *duct tape* :)

The only suggestion i can make is to lubricate the needle so that it will not pick up the gunk.

i have had limited success with a lightly oiled cloth/cotton ball rubbed on the needle every couple of inches.

however, i have read (in this group maybe) where someone suggested rubbing "goof off" (?sp?) on the needle and it worked like a charm sewing through sticky gooey material and you do not need to apply it to the needle as frequently as the oil. Of course you may want to experiment to make sure the goof off does not discolor or bleed etc.

I like the idea by rtc about sewing through paper or maybe a heavy stock paper as it sounds like it could work.

BTW - what kind of thread are you using ? have you tried using a smaller needle like 90/14 or 80/12 that is if it is appropriate for the size of thread you are using

hth robb

Reply to
robb

I vote for using Goo Gone (if you are in the US) or rubbing alcohol if you are not. I don't think paper will help unless the gunk is on the top facing the presser foot. I have run into this trying to sew the "stick-on" velcro. Very annoying indeed!

Kirsten

Reply to
Kirsty Wursty

Ah hem... NEVER try to serge stick-on velvet.

Look, I'm just saying, OK?

;)

Reply to
Kate XXXXXX

[trim robb junk about *goof off* ]

alcohol if you

the top facing

"stick-on" velcro.

yes thats the stuff !!! *goo gone* what Kirsten said

that is what i was thinking about ... i goofed on the *goo gone* but you can see the mistake :( ... yes ?

robb

Reply to
robb

Govmom60 pretended :

Maybe Bees Wax might help if you rub that on the needle. It was once used to help quilters so I wouldn't think it would leave a bad residue.

Judi

Reply to
Judi

Bees' wax goes on the thread, not the needle. But there is a product called Sewer's Aid that is silicon that might help quite a bit. It's made by Dritz, and is available just about anywhere sewing supplies are stocked. It looks like this: http://63.210.199.180/03/57/0/35709.jpg.fpx?qlt=80&wid=265&cvt=jpeg

Reply to
Pogonip

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