JRodz Report post Posted June 15, 2012 Hello everyone, I have read all of the patcher posts I could find on here but still have some questions. I am hoping the group could educate me on a few things about these machines. I recently purchased one and am picking it up tomorrow so I am trying to do as much "homework" as possible. (Wiz, I printed out your threading instructions and will keep handy right next to or in the manual.) I guess my first question is, why do so many people dislike them? Seriously though, these are the questions that I have: How heavy can these machine handle? How much 69 and 92 can these "small" bobbins hold? Can this machine be used to sew small goods like wallets, checkbook covers, journal covers, etc.? What do I absolutely need to know before I sew on this machine? Maybe it will help if I let you know what I am hoping to do with this machine: Sew embroidered and tooled leather patches onto jackets and vests Sew patches onto wallet backs Sew borders around inlays Add decorative stitching to projects Sew gussets and wallet guts Cigar tubes and round/tubular small bags Thank you in advance the collective knowledge of this group is awesome. Have a great weekend and Happy Father's Day to all you Fathers. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wizcrafts Report post Posted June 15, 2012 You can do all the things you described in your list of projects, on a patcher. The small bobbin goes a lot farther when loaded with #69 thread. If you decide to use #92, keep a couple bobbins pre-loaded. Buy an extra bobbin case or two. The thickest you can sew on that machine is about 1/4 inch, or possibly up to 5/16 inch, depending on the toughness of the leather. The only real concern you'll have is the tooth tracks left by the presser foot. Also, as the thickness increases, the stitch length decreases. So, you might be getting 5 to the inch into 6 ounces of leather, but only 7 or 8 per inch in 1/4 inch of leather. It depends on how tight the feed mechanism really is and the lift setting for the foot (max). Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wizcrafts Report post Posted June 15, 2012 I am guessing that a small patcher bobbin, tightly wound with #69 thread, would sew about 3 or 4 medium length dress belts. It will certainly sew patches onto several vests. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JRodz Report post Posted June 15, 2012 Thanks Wiz. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Anne Bonnys Locker Report post Posted June 18, 2012 I think Wiz mentioned on another thread using "Tool Magic" or similar - available from beading suppliers to fix the foot marking problems. My own experiments with this have been very positive. Nobody is against the patcher but like all machines it has its limitations. It is probably not the ideal machine to start with but certainly has a place in any well equipped workshop. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wizcrafts Report post Posted June 18, 2012 Yes, I use Tool Magic, which is sold at craft stores like Joann Fabrics. Methinks Harbor Freight Tools may also sell something like it, to coat the jaws and handles on pliers. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites