puckers in waxed canvas stitching

[gottaknow]

26 minutes ago, georgeandgracie said:

As I study my sewing with Eric's comments in mind, it seems to me that the problem is not stretching but rather the opposite. Puckering occurs when I am sewing parallel to the lengthwise grain of the fabric (parallel to the selvedge). In waxed canvas, the fabric just doesn't stretch much if at all in that direction. If you look at the attached photo you can see that the stitched seam is shorter than the original fabric. Stitching has drawn-up the fabric.

If you sew that same seam on a machine without a walking foot, you'll get it to lay flat. Whether it's stretching or puckering, a standard needle feed will do a much nicer job for you. If you do a lot of this work, it would be worth the relatively minor investment when compared to a walking foot machine. You'll also get less fabric marking. As a work around, you can always loosen as much pressure as you can and pull the seam from behind while sewing.

 

Regards, Eric

[CowboyBob]

A 206RB-3 isn't a real old machine but there could be some wear in the upper feed that can cause a problem you want the needle   in the material before the inside foot comes down..But the material being shorter on top would lead me to think there is some wear front to back on the inside foot causing the plies to shift.Also what type of thread are you using?Nylon can cause puckers in canvas since it stretches like a rubber band & after it's sewn will relax & pucker.Polyester is supposed t have less stretch & so does cotton.

 

[georgeandgracie]

I'm using polyester, size 92.

[georgeandgracie]

I am now officially on the lookout for a Singer 211G157. Meanwhile, I will loosen the pressure and try the pulling technique. Eric, thanks a bunch!

[gottaknow]

1 hour ago, georgeandgracie said:

I am now officially on the lookout for a Singer 211G157. Meanwhile, I will loosen the pressure and try the pulling technique. Eric, thanks a bunch!

A Singer 211W151 is the same machine without reverse. You can still backtack without a reverse, just takes some getting used to. These are common on the used market. Head, table, clutch motor should be no more than $350 or so. Do try pulling as you sew on your Consew in the mean time and see what happens. 

 

Regards, Eric 

[georgeandgracie]

Do these Singers run like the proverbial bat out of hell, the way the Consew 206RB did before the servo?

[mikesc]

Yes ;) ..a small pulley on the motor shaft and a speed reducer are your friend..as is a servo motor in combination with the foregoing items..

[gottaknow]

If it comes with a clutch motor, then yes.  I'm a big fan of clutch motors myself, but I've been using them for 36 years. A servo would work fine, I wouldn't think you need or want a speed reducer.

Regards, Eric

[mikesc]

Whoops ..Yes Eric..( re speed reducer )I forgot that it was not for leatherwork ..mea culpa :)

[georgeandgracie]

In the lower right of this picture (an auction preview) is some sort of industrial sewing machine. I don't suppose this is a Singer 211W151?