MasonA Report post Posted February 20, 2014 So I finally got my sewing machine. I've been stitching holsters by hand until now. I got the machine set up (toro 3200) ran a few practice peices, and then stitched up a concealed carry belt. the stitch looks great on top. nice and even and about level with the surface of the leather, but the back side (I line my belts) has a rippled effect caused from the hollow in the feed dog. So to all of you sewing machine junkies out there, is this a normal look, or is there something that i should adjust?? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MasonA Report post Posted February 20, 2014 here's the top side Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Red Cent Report post Posted February 20, 2014 My swag would be the needle is too big. The needle and/or the thread is cutting too much leather on the bottom. Tension looks good. How many stitches to the inch? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sovran81 Report post Posted February 20, 2014 My first thought was reduce the SPI. You seem to be getting a lot of tear out on the backside. The holes look pretty good on the front side. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Andrew Chee Report post Posted February 20, 2014 Your backside looks about right for a lockstitch machine. The back is never going to look as nice as the front... Andrew Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Trevor Report post Posted February 20, 2014 (edited) Looks to me from the pictures that your needle is blunt (check that first) or the leather that you are using for the lining is very loose and fiberous. Do a test with some good leather top and bottom with the flesh sides inward and see how that comes out. Stitching otherwise looks fine. (layout evenness etc). Get yourself some new needles in the 794LR NM250/26 Canu: 53:20AX1 SCHMETZ cheers TRK Edited February 20, 2014 by Trevor Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MasonA Report post Posted February 20, 2014 Thanks for the info guys. Yeah I think I might try a smaller needle. this one is a size 25 with 277 thread on top and 207 on the bottom. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Red Cent Report post Posted February 20, 2014 Same sizes I use. That would make me think leather is the problem. First try a 24 just in case. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MasonA Report post Posted February 21, 2014 (edited) Shouldn’t be a leather issue. This is from a b grade Hermann oak back that I just bought. I dampened the leather and slicked it down which worked really well. Being a nube to sewing machines I wasn't sure if there was something that I could adjust on the machine. Not sure if you can adjust the height or pressure that the walking foot presses into the feed dog. Do any of you do this? Changing the height or pressure of the foot (the one that the needle goes through) as you sew different thicknesses of leather? Edited February 21, 2014 by MasonA Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
robertmeco Report post Posted February 21, 2014 Try a latherworkers hammer dampen the leather and tap it flat see if that dont help Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Northmount Report post Posted February 21, 2014 Was the leather wet when you sewed it? Kind of looks like the leather was quite soft. Is the leather from the belly? Also, are you using a leather point needle? Possible that your top and bottom tensions are too tight. They do appear to be balanced, so if you reduce the bottom tension, you will have to reduce the top as well. Tom Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Red Cent Report post Posted February 21, 2014 If the bottom was wet/damp that may be the problem. The thread is cutting through the leather. The 25 needle will leave a big hole but they won't touch. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MasonA Report post Posted February 25, 2014 The leather wasn't damp at all. Although I do wonder if the leather may have been too dry? I live in MN, and during the winter here it is extremely dry. The cold weather freezes the moisture in the air. You guys think that could be a cause? And if you have the info, what do you keep your humidity level at in your shop? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wlg190861 Report post Posted March 7, 2014 you will always get that. when ever you punch through anything the bottom will look like that, just take a roller and roll. I used to wonder the same as you. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wlg190861 Report post Posted March 7, 2014 you may also want to cut a groove stitch line on the back Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
