Singer K6

[teatree]

I have just purchased a Singer K6.I've never used a machine before and was wondering what needle and size thread for just dress belts.(I normally sew by hand).This machine has been used to sew canvas and the hole appears a little large when sewing leather.I would like to use quite thick thread if possible.I am in Australia.As I am a complete novice any information would be appreciated.(Is thread size etc universal around the world?)

[Constabulary]

K6 is the subclass I guess. I think you have a 132K6, right?

Toledo Sewing has a nice chart for needle & thread combinations:

http://www.tolindsewmach.com/thread-chart.html

[Wizcrafts]

If you have a Singer 132k6, it is a heavy duty machine. You can sew dress belts, but not with the thinnest of thread. I would recommend starting with #138 bonded nylon thread, using a #23 (160) leather point needle, of the same needle "system" as the machine is set up for. Hopefully, you got a package of needles with your machine and that package will have the system as well as the size on the front.

When I owned a 132k6, I was able to sew with up to #346 bonded nylon, using a #26 leather point needle, into 3/8 inch of leather. But, if the project was a belt that I had polished on top, the presser foot slid on the top without helping to transport the belt for the next stitch. The result was stitches varying in length. If your belts are not highly polished, this probably won't be a problem for you.

It will be much easier to sew with #277 bonded nylon, or less. Use a #25 needle, or smaller, to match the top/bottom thread. As Constabulary recommended, review the thread and needle chart on Toledo Industrial Sewing Machines' website..