Double Threading A Needle On Cowboy Machine?

[Divafnk]

Divafnk,

Just use a larger needle and thread, even if you could somehow pull it off, what would be the purpose? As already stated, those machines will sew very heavy thread...

Hmm.. Maybe it seems more approachable to me than even trying to figure out what a larger sized needle is. I am still very confused on this. I don't know what range of sizes my machine can even handle. It's a Cowboy 227R. I still don't understand what the two numbers in a needle size mean, at all. I don't mean to be thick...

[billybopp]

Keep in mind ... The OP was presented the concept of two threads in a fabric sewing class. The intended audience is likely to have, on hand, small thread sizes rather than even what most leather sewers would consider small. It's most likely meant as a work around, but it may also present some interesting effects if the threads are different colors.

As for needle sizes ..Yeah. It's not so easy since there is more than one system in place.

The first number is based on the century plus old Singer system, which is more or less sequential numbers from small to large. The smallest you are likely to find is 10 or 12. The largest for my domestic machine is 19, which is about as big as domestic machines are likely to go (there may be exceptions, but I don't know). The sort of machines that leather workers are most likely to use START at around 19 and go up from there.

The second number is based on a European system, which is newer dating from 1942. It is supposed to represent the thickness of the needle in hundredths of a millimeter. So, again, the bigger the number the bigger the needle.

There have also been a number of other systems, but they are mostly no longer used, but there may be some exceptions.

Most modern needles will have both Singer and European / Metric sizes although in which order seems to depend on the manufacturer. But it's not hard to figure out. You are not likely to find a Singer designation higher than 30, nor a European designation under 60.

There are other variables, such as point type, shank type, and others .. But we'll leave those for another day.

Hope that helps

Bill

[Wizcrafts]

Hmm.. Maybe it seems more approachable to me than even trying to figure out what a larger sized needle is. I am still very confused on this. I don't know what range of sizes my machine can even handle. It's a Cowboy 227R. I still don't understand what the two numbers in a needle size mean, at all. I don't mean to be thick...

That changes things regarding the range of thread and needles you can use. We thought you had a big Cowboy CB3200, 3500, 4500, etc. Your machine is an upholstery grade walking foot machine, using a smaller size and range of needles and not capable of sewing with anything heavier than #138 on top and in the bobbin. There is a possibility that it will handle #207 on top, depending on how it was set up by the seller.

Your machine uses standard walking foot system 135x16 (leather point) and 135x17 (round point) needles. They are widely available is sizes 14 through 24. There may be some dealers who even have smaller and larger needles in this system, which is 1.75" long. Your machine is much smaller than the big "441" type most of us thought you had and our descriptions were off the mark.

You still only have one tension disk for the top thread. However, since the machine uses smaller needles, you can buy variegated thread (multi-colored) and use the appropriate needle for it.

As for needle/thread sizes, if you took a sewing class at Joann Fabrics, they mainly use domestic machines, with the exception of the long body quilters' machines, which are a step up. All of the domestic sewing machines can handle very small and soft thread. Zig-zag home machines accept a twin needle and some may even have a second tensioner on top for a second thread. Your CB227 does not have have zig-zag, cannot accept twin needles.

What needle sizes and thread sizes came with your machine? What are you sewing on the machine and what are your plans for it?

[Wizcrafts]

I neglected to mention in my last reply that the kind of thread (little spools of cotton or polyester) used in domestic sewing machines is smaller and softer than most thread used in walking foot industrial machines. It is normally sewn with needle sizes 11, 12 and 14, with 14 being the largest needle of the three. In contrast, a #14 needle is close to the smallest size usable in a walking foot machine, like the CB227R. The springs and take-up mechanism are not usually balanced for such soft, thin cotton thread, because upholsters and leather workers deal in much heavier threads.

[Divafnk]

Oh thank you very much for the explanations, that makes more sense to me now.

Te machine came with 125/20 and 110/18. I currently have size 69 thread.

At the moment, I've been making anything from leather armor, to briefcases and am getting into garments now as well (like skirts).

[Wizcrafts]

The #18 needle is the biggest you'll want to use with #69 thread. The #20 needle is for #92 bonded thread.

If you want to sew with #138 thread, get some #23 needles. Use leather point only for anything tougher than garment or light chap leather.

[Divafnk]

Thank so much for your help! I really appreciate it and it's really helped demystify the needles for me

[Divafnk]

Is there a range of needle sizes that this machine can handle? Smallest to largest? Thank you!

[Wizcrafts]

Is there a range of needle sizes that this machine can handle? Smallest to largest? Thank you!

I already answered that in one of my last replies on the first page of your topic.

"Your machine uses standard walking foot system 135x16 (leather point) and 135x17 (round point) needles. They are widely available is sizes 14 through 24."

[Divafnk]

Ok, yes. Thanks again.