cds Report post Posted March 15, 2015 Would anyone care to post some close up photos of the bottom side stitch of a properly tensioned lockstitch machine? I am clueless on what to look for. Every time I think I have my machine tensioned properly for what I am stitching, I see flaws. I know I will never get my bottom stitch to look like the top, but I do feel I could do better. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
amuckart Report post Posted March 15, 2015 (edited) Is there a particular weight/type of leather you're interested in? Can you post pictures of what you're getting out of your machine at the moment? That might help get suggestions on what to adjust. Edited March 15, 2015 by amuckart Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cds Report post Posted March 15, 2015 Is there a particular weight/type of leather you're interested in? Can you post pictures of what you're getting out of your machine at the moment? That might help get suggestions on what to adjust. I am mainly trying to get started with wallets. I am using 4-5oz outside leather with 2-3oz inside. I am still trying to figure out what thread size to use or looks best (69 or 138). The photos below are with 138 and a 22 needle. Top stitch looks good to me. Here is the bottom stitch, which I cannot seem to live with. In this example, I have mashed down the thread and edges around the stitch to try and make it look better. I really do not like the way the backstitch bunches or knots up. Not sure if this is a tension issue or the best my machine will do?? Another side of wallet (Bottom Stitch) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cds Report post Posted March 15, 2015 Close-up of backstitching on top Backstitching on Bottom Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wizcrafts Report post Posted March 15, 2015 (edited) Use #92 on the bottom, instead of 138. The knots will be easier to hide and it won't bunch up as much. I do most of my wallets using #92 top and bottom. For this size thread I would recommend a #19 needle. Edited March 15, 2015 by Wizcrafts Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cds Report post Posted March 15, 2015 I think I have figured out through reading around the forum that I will do my backstitching by hand. I made another wallet this afternoon and this is my result. Looks a lot better. I still got my curves to focus on but I will get there. Top Bottom Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gottaknow Report post Posted March 16, 2015 Looks better! I agree with Wiz and think you should try a smaller needle. If your needle hole is too big, your tension will be hard to keep constant. I think it will help your corners too. Your last effort is a nice improvement though. Regards, Eric Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
amuckart Report post Posted March 16, 2015 You might want to experiment with reducing your presser foot pressure at well. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cds Report post Posted March 16, 2015 Thanks everyone! I will try all these suggestions. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
