Biothane Woes

[TexasSewer]

I am trying to help out a dog trainer by making some dog leashes out of Biothane. I bought a Reliable Barracuda and was sure it would sew the Biothane. I am using #69 thread and the right needle but am still having trouble sewing it. I keep having issues with the bird nests underneath it and it will sew on top but underneath seems to be where I am having issues. I think my machine will sew it but I am doing something wrong somewhere that I am having issues. I am hoping someone can help me so I can get these made for the trainer. Thanks.

[dirtclod]

That stuff i really sticky best i remember. Try putting some baby powder in a sock and and tap it on where your sewing and see if that helps. You may need a bigger needle to.

[awharness]

I find using a round point needle a bigger size helps, the lr needles tend to birds nest on me... And you have to tweak the tension a bit too... Loosen it up a bit

[Northmount]

I'm not sewing biothane, but 2 different machines, if I get a rats nest on the bottom, I have to increase the top tension so it pulls the loop back up through the material. Works for me on leather and on canvass.

CTG

[gottaknow]

Two things that will help a great deal. See if you can locate some Teflon needles for your machine or a can of spray silicone textile spray for your thread. When we made Levi's, we'd soak the thread overnight in silicone so it would set the stitch properly. Also helps to cool the needle which will improve. Both are available from companies that cater to industrial machines. Good to have on hand even if too late for this project. As others said, tighten your top tension a bit.

Regards, Eric

[Scotthanna]

Hello All,

We are the manufacturers of Biothane. Here are some sewing tips

Feel free to ask any questions. Would be glad to help

Scott Hanna

440-327-0485