What Needle And Thread For An Attractive Stitch On A Singer 29K

[Ian1783]

I'd like to sew up to four layers of upholstery leather (16 oz total? Measures about 1/4") where the stitch will be visible. I'd like an attractive stitch, so maybe contrasting a lighter thread against a darker leather, and want that stitch to look like it's meant to be seen (even felt).

Nothing radical - and maybe I'm overstating this - but just not a wimpy stitch; something appropriate to the leather thickness and the final product, which will begin as simple "stash" bags and rustic pillows.

The stitch won't always be visible, but where it is, I want it looking like it's meant to be seen.

By the way, I'll be using a Singer 29K60 Patcher, as that's what I have. I'm hoping to pick up a walking-foot machine at some point, but that's a future purchase.

So, mostly sewing two layers (1/8"), but up to four (1/4") at times.

What size thread would be appropriate for what I'm looking to do? And what needle size for that thread (given the use in a Singer 29K60).

I'm a complete newbie at sewing leather, having only sewn a couple of bags on a Consew 206RB (which I no longer have). I'm mostly a tinkerer with vintage domestic sewing machines as a hobby (not a sewist), but I'm turning my focus to vintage industrial machines that I can use to produce a small, rustic product line (bags and pillows to start).

When I have a clear idea of what I need, I'll be contacting Bob at Toledo for some needed parts and the needles and thread.

Ian

SF Bay Area

http://imcinnis.blogspot.com/

[Ferg]

Hi Ian,

Welcome to the Vintage Singer Sewing machines.

You can do a classy stitch with #138 thread with a "DIA" needle .

Access this site for charts that will give you needle sizes for thread size: www.campbell-bosworth.com

I find myself using a thread that has a gold line through a medium brown. Very attractive stitch. The thread exchange has a great selection in thread and are very prompt with delivery.

ferg

If you want rustic look I would use a needle such as a "TW" or "RTW". They will give you a saddle stitch.

[Ian1783]

I appreciate your input, ferg. Your comment on "...using a thread that has a gold line through a medium brown. Very attractive stitch." suggests the look I have in mind.

But just what is meant by: "DIA" needle, and "TW" or "RTW"?

Again, I'll be using a Singer 29K60. And if I use #138 thread, what size needle, and what needle system would I use?

Ian

SF Bay Area

http://imcinnis.blogspot.com/

[Ferg]

Got to the campbell Bosworth site I gave the URL to above. That page has your information.

ferg

[Anne Bonnys Locker]

Hi Ian,

1/4" with #138 may be a struggle for this machine so practice on scrap first.

Use the DPX16 (135X16) needle class in 22g for #138. Singer did make the special 29X4 needle system but the DPX16 will work perfectly and has the advantage of being more readily available and cheaper.

I appreciate your input, ferg. Your comment on "...using a thread that has a gold line through a medium brown. Very attractive stitch." suggests the look I have in mind.

But just what is meant by: "DIA" needle, and "TW" or "RTW"?

Again, I'll be using a Singer 29K60. And if I use #138 thread, what size needle, and what needle system would I use?

Ian

SF Bay Area

http://imcinnis.blogspot.com/

[Ian1783]

Thank you Anne! I did think I'd start out with something lighter, #69 - #92, as I'll be test sewing for a bit, and might find that the lighter thread will work just fine, as well as go a bit further in the 29K's small bobbin.

And I very much appreciate your info on an appropriate needle system. I've yet to list all I'll need to order from Bob, but I'll be feeling more confident when I do.

Ian

SF Bay Area

http://imcinnis.blogspot.com/