Canvas, denim, leather, and linen make up some of the thick fabrics you will find readily available on the market. They are, however, not easy to work with due to the nature of their material. It would be best if you had a suitable machine, know the kind of stitches to use, and the right tools for cutting.
In this guide, you will get four useful tips to help you when using thick fabrics, read on.
You may need a suitable machine if you use thick fabrics for a large market and not personal use. The right one will be a heavy duty sewing machine as its system allows it to handle these types of fabrics. They are durable and can produce in bulk, thus allowing you to meet your client’s demands.
Though the machines seem complicated, they are easy to use, and you can still sew light fabrics with them. If you doubt the right machine, you can check a variety of them online and choose one that will suit your needs. When you get the machine, ensure you check it before sewing to see if accessories are intact.
Checking it out first before working on your fabrics helps to regulate the tension of the machine. You also need to test on a piece of cloth before working on the main material. It helps avoid making errors that can be irreparable.
Needles to use on a given sewing machine are different in size and shank. For thick fabric, you need a large sized needle. The 100/16 or 120/18 sizes are large enough for use on tough materials.
When choosing threads to use with these needles, go for heavyweight threads. Good quality threads are also necessary as poor quality may cause breakage.
When it comes to thick fabric, not all cutting tools are efficient. It would be best if you had scissors that were sharp to make the work easier for you. Using a blunt pair of scissors not only gives you a hard time, but it can also damage the material or harm you.
Rotary cutters also come in handy if you do not have scissors. They, too, need to have a shape blade. When cutting, place the fabric on top of a mat to avoid causing damages on the table.
The type of thread to use is a crucial factor to consider when sewing your tough fabrics. Heavy-duty threads are suitable for thick materials. The threads can go through extreme tension and still be intact.
There are a variety of these threads to choose from depending on weight and finish. Your choice depends on what type of fabric you want to use. When sewing on canvas, for instance, you can use the heavy-duty thread since it can withstand wear and tear.
The color of the thread also matters in your selection. If sewing a blue fabric, it would look out of place if you used a red thread. It is preferable to use the same color thread for each of your materials.