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The very basics of getting a good seam are: i) correct machine threading ii) correct top & bobbin tension iii) correct needle system for your machine iv) correct orientation of the needle v) correct needle type (ex. 135 x 16 for leather and 135 x 17 for fabric) vi) correct size of needle to handle the top thread vii) This next step is where people seem to be having a problem. Getting the seam started. You really need to hold both the top and bobbin thread as you start your seam. That can be a royal pain grabbing and holding those threads particularly with smaller sized thread like v69 and v92. If you don't hold both together weird things can happen like jams, bird nesting, skipped stitches, etc. A quick solution is: Tie both threads together by a simple knot. Chances are now you will be able to grab the threads and put consistent tension on both threads at the same time. viii) Locking the threads a) Typical method is sew forward 3 or 4 stitches and then reverse to lock the stitches then continue with forward stitching. b) More Advanced Method is start your stitching 3 or 4 stitches in and reverse sew back 3 or 4 stitches. The seam threads will be locked when you sew forward but with less thread bulk in the needle holes. kgg

This happens with leather also.

I have a 545-walking foot machine I was given in pieces and I am putting it together. I am having trouble getting the pressor foot to move up to allow the material to move rearward (away from you) when it is sewn, the rest of the timing is fine I might be missing a part it has got me tossed

Thanks Friquant, I'm pretty sure the machine sews ok but the sound raises some concern as it only started after I re timed the hook. Also removing the timing belt is a good tip I wish I thought of when trying to find where the sound was coming from. I think it might be coming from the large timing gear and the small gear on the hook saddle although nothing I do seems to fix the sound (I've tried re timing and moving the big gear to mesh with the smaller one differently a few times to see if that fixes anything but the sound still persists) but I will try messing with the feed dog eccentric as well. I only just got this machine a couple months ago and am pretty new to sewing in general so both you and wizcrafts advice has been really helpful.

Good call. I have some experience of grants. My motto, "If you take their money, you give them control". This applies to anyone who wants to contribute to your cause and for all values of "they, their and them".

That turned out great!

What company formerly and what company newly, if it's not impertinent to ask? I have a dabbling curiosity (and far less than sufficient money to scratch the itch) in fedoras and bought an Akubra offering a while back. Best value for the money I could find via internet research.

Thank you very much for the reply. If we have any projects related to this in the future, we will definitely consider it. Embroidering on leather was quite challenging—the needle broke multiple times. And yes, the embroidery was done directly on the leather.

And here is my favorite machine. I try to make more heavier projects because I can do them with my outlaw.

Here is the other electric machine that I have. Im guessing the answer is the same for this one as I think it's triple feed which is what makes it not a fit for a roller foot but I'll ask just in case.

Thanks Tommy. Never even thought about that.

Yes to books. Be careful of the Youtube vids. Some are experts with valuable skills to share and well-presented lessons, others not so much. Amazon tool kits made of chinesium? Some of those tools work out ok, some don't. You will end up with a box full of tools that ain't worth the postage and/or unnecessary to your chosen path in the craft. A mere few that serve well enough. Better to buy what you need when you need it, and be willing to spend for better quality tools that you know you want and need. So many paths to take down the leather trail! Tooling, carving, plain. and artsy. Saddles, chaps, tack and harness. Clothing shoes, boots, purses and bags. Belts, wallets, holsters, sheaths. Furniture, wall art. Braiding and whips. 'Adult' items and kink. Choose somethin simple to start with. A belt, a wallet, something like that. I suspect that most of us started with a kit from Tandy or a craft store. Start with the most basic tools. You need a cutting surface like a plastic cutting board. A very sharp knife, a Stanley utility knife works very well and an awl. stiitching or lacing needles if needed, PVA glue or contact adhesive as needed. Build a couple simple projects first, then move on to the more complicated stamping and carving. Buy tools as needed.

Looks like a good book, I've added it to my collection.

What are you actually going to use it for? If hammering rivets etc on it then aluminium will be too soft and will mark easily, steel plate will have to be pretty thick to avoid bounce when hammering. That's why anvils are so good (even little ones), they have mass to resist bounce.

Well, that's......different. Excellent workmanship.

Awesome!

I second Wiz' suggestion to turn the handwheel by hand for infestigation. If you can't isolate the cause, remove the timing belt. Then you can move the hand wheel (and arm shaft and needle bar) independently of the hook shaft. Also check if there is anything else contacting the face of those bevel/timing gears. On my Jianglong 341, the first time I moved the hook saddle to the left (to adjust hook to needle distance) left me with the bevel gears to rubbing on the feed dog eccentric. Once I also moved the feed dog eccentric to the left a bit, it was happy again.

Thanks. The loop would be simpler.

lol you're right about the sneakers. I have made and worn the huarachas, made them from old tires, they are nice to walk in, I know, and my kids were kids in them, doing whatever. Maybe a viable niche for you if there are no running shoe makers in Canada, after all, you like running.

The sandals are the ones used my Mr. H, for his trailrunning. The Tandy offering looks to me like a product from China, which doesn't really count. (in my crazy counting mind)

Nice work!

Hahaa, you are welcome sir :), LARP world is pretty good way to rest.

Damn man, I’m gonna get into LARP now so I can make sweet armor.

here ya go i've made these. probably not for winter use lol no anti frost toe guards https://www.earthrunners.com/pages/tarahumara-huarache-sandals-ultimate-minimalist-footwear or these can be Canadian-made lol.https://tandyleather.com/products/sneaker-starter-pack

About 2 weeks ago I start crafting leather armor for my self. Body piece is done now. For me this lace braiding was new thing to learn. Everything else is regular leather tooling. Here are youtube video as well, please like, it helps bit my channel