Sewing vinyl?

I would use a teflon foot.

If it isn't already reinforced on the back with some kind of fabric, that's the first thing I'd do. Just where you want to put the zipper should do. Then the teflon foot suggestion is good, but I would use paper - like adding machine tape - over the stitching line. This could be tricky given that you have to see the zipper, too, but I think you can do it.

So I should buy a teflon foot, but does it matter what kind of needle? Also, if a teflon foot isn't available for my ancient machine, my sister suggested rubbing soap on the vinyl, do you think that would work? Is the paper to help the foot slide better? Are you saying teflon foot or paper, or teflon foot + paper? And, wouldn't there be little bits of paper stuck under the stitches when I'm done?

Teflon foot _or_ paper. I have had good luck using paper. You'll want to use a long stitch length so that the stitches don't simply cut the vinyl, and paper tears out fairly easily if you use a cheap, lightweight paper. No soap. Use a sharp needle, but not a leather needle.

I like to use one of the roller presser foot units for sewing vinyl. If it is rather long straight stitches, I prefer to use the foot that looks like a regular foot but has 4 sets of small rollers on the bottom. With this foot no paper nor lube are required. A walking foot is not needed either. Jim

I'm just guessing, but maybe a denim/jeans or leather needle and a long stitch length.

Maureen

Luna wrote:

Not a leather needle, they make a cut in the vinyl. Use a heavy needle, depending on the weight of the vinyl, jeans needle probably OK. Yes, long stitch length.

Jean M.

Good wishes

The only way is to reinforce the stitch line before you attempt to sew. I suggest very fine leather, using a leather glue to attach it.

Best wishes

Lynne

Greetings

Itsosimple. Use talcum powder on the vinyl, this stops it sticking to the foot, and gives you even stitching.

Hopehelps

Norma

Um, my dad would kill me if I got talcum powder in his sewing machine. Since you have to keep the parts lubricated, I bet that would seriously mess it up.

I like the roller foot better for vinyl. See which works better for you.

I like the roller foot better for vinyl. See which works better for you.

I have used silicone spray on a folded paper towel then wiped for a few inches in front of the needle to great effect.

There are no special needles for vinyl however you may need to increase the stitch length to nearly 1/8" per stitch. Small stitches make vinyl like a "Zip Lock Bag: !

Don Dando