Sewing Small Items

[Trox]

I recently made a 1/2" wide watch band and when I tried to sew it, I screwed it up. I could not keep the needle in a straight line. And when I made the turn at the top and bottom, it pulled in the corners. they were not square.

I have a Singer 111W155. It is set to sew garments (saving up for a servo motor) but I know how to slow it donw and sew slow with what is in it.

I used #69 thread top and bottom.

Does anyone have any tips for sewing these small items straight? Anyone ever make their own guide for a machine like this?

Tom

[Trox]

I always use a stitch grover on both sides on work like this. The needle will take the easy way and the seam will lay protected in the grove. A Singer 29k or a Adler 30 with low foot pressure will do this job just fine. If you do not have one, go bare foot on the clutch pedal and hang on the flywheel. Use a thin needle and thread.

I recently made a 1/2" wide watch band and when I tried to sew it, I screwed it up. I could not keep the needle in a straight line. And when I made the turn at the top and bottom, it pulled in the corners. they were not square.

I have a Singer 111W155. It is set to sew garments (saving up for a servo motor) but I know how to slow it donw and sew slow with what is in it.

I used #69 thread top and bottom.

Does anyone have any tips for sewing these small items straight? Anyone ever make their own guide for a machine like this?

Tom

[simran]

I think it's a 20 or 22.. Don't remember. But it is not a leather needle. The only leather needle I have right now is a 23. It's huge for this band

I'm attaching some photos.

Thanks

Tom

Just a suggestion:

After looking at your pics. I'd think a lighter sewing machine; like a Singer 31-15 or 31-20 w/roller foot would be in order. Along with a guide and lighter thread. With a good eye and the original clutch motor on said machine you could get by without a guide; if you were careful.

[TomG]

Just a suggestion:

After looking at your pics. I'd think a lighter sewing machine; like a Singer 31-15 or 31-20 w/roller foot would be in order. Along with a guide and lighter thread. With a good eye and the original clutch motor on said machine you could get by without a guide; if you were careful.

Thanks.

On this particular band, the stamping is so close to the edge, a stitch groover would cut too much of the design, which the lady didn't want. I remade the entire thing and used contact cement to secure everything. Then burnished the edges together and so on.

I do have a couple smaller machines in the garage. I' need to dig them out and see if any of them are capable of doing this weight leather.

Later.

Tom

[Trox]

If you want to stitch it you must leave space for the seam and the grovers comes in all sizes.. U use the same as the tread size. I find this method easier than an edge guide on such small items. And looks better to. But a smaller machine will certainly be helpfull.

Thanks.

On this particular band, the stamping is so close to the edge, a stitch groover would cut too much of the design, which the lady didn't want. I remade the entire thing and used contact cement to secure everything. Then burnished the edges together and so on.

I do have a couple smaller machines in the garage. I' need to dig them out and see if any of them are capable of doing this weight leather.

Later.

Tom