Consew won't "stitch" with smaller needle

[MG513]

1 minute ago, mikesc said:

Indeed it is visible now :)..and those are very small holes..you said above you changed the "needle"..it is a single needle machine ? if so, your stitching is real accurate on the second rows, looks like a twin needle was there..

Thanks a lot, but my stitching actually looks like crap lol. I mean it looks 5 star in certain angles, other places it looks like a 5 year old mashed the peddle. But I've only been sewing for a few months so I'm proud of my progress thus far. Next step is saving for a post bed because I just can't see where I'm going on a flatbed cuz my foot is in the way. 

And yes a consew 206 is a flat bed single needle

[mikesc]

Quote

And yes a consew 206 is a flat bed single needle

That is what I thought was the case, especially given your other thread I replied in about the tension discs and the pin /post, but as I see very few Consew machines here, wondered if there was not some variant or subclass that was a twin needle, specially as a lot of shoemakers seem to like double needle machines, that said, I know guy not far from me who makes leather and wooden "Sabots" ( kind of traditional Breton Clog* ) for kids, real cute they look too he uses Pfaff single needle walking foot flat bed and a Pfaff cylinder arm...the uppers are nailed to the wooden soles..

Some Breton Sabots were like the Dutch ones, entirely made from wood, carved out and then decorated and stuffed with straw in place of socks, my Parents in law ( deceased now ) both wore these until the 1970s , they had leather shoes aswell, but like many people, their leather shoes / boots were kept for best "wearing to church"  on a Sunday..real all leather shoes were really expensive compared to a wage in the countryside back then, even basic ones..

[Colt W Knight]

5 hours ago, MG513 said:

Thanks a lot, but my stitching actually looks like crap lol. I mean it looks 5 star in certain angles, other places it looks like a 5 year old mashed the peddle. But I've only been sewing for a few months so I'm proud of my progress thus far. Next step is saving for a post bed because I just can't see where I'm going on a flatbed cuz my foot is in the way. 

And yes a consew 206 is a flat bed single needle

I have had my Consew for a year, and I am just now learning how to use it right. I thought sewing was going to be easy.

 

[dikman]

6 hours ago, Colt W Knight said:

 I thought sewing was going to be easy.

 

[MG513]

11 hours ago, Colt W Knight said:

I have had my Consew for a year, and I am just now learning how to use it right. I thought sewing was going to be easy.

 

Lol. Now I did know better than that. 

But progress is progress! It would just be great if I could use this size 16 without having to make adjustments. But such is life!

[Wizcrafts]

1 hour ago, MG513 said:

Lol. Now I did know better than that. 

But progress is progress! It would just be great if I could use this size 16 without having to make adjustments. But such is life!

I think a #18 will serve you better, with #69 bonded thread. I rarely ever use a #16 needle except for super thin material using cotton or polyester garment sewing thread. Technically speaking, a #16 will allow #69 thread to flow through the eye, but it is tighter than would be with a #18.

My actual working range of needles for this type of machine is from #18 through 23, covering thread sizes 69 through 138. I use #18 or #19 with bonded 69 thread. I use a #19 or #20 with #92 bonded, or #80 polyester jeans thread. I use a #22 or #23 needle with #138 thread.

[MG513]

21 minutes ago, Wizcrafts said:

I think a #18 will serve you better, with #69 bonded thread. I rarely ever use a #16 needle except for super thin material using cotton or polyester garment sewing thread. Technically speaking, a #16 will allow #69 thread to flow through the eye, but it is tighter than would be with a #18.

My actual working range of needles for this type of machine is from #18 through 23, covering thread sizes 69 through 138. I use #18 or #19 with bonded 69 thread. I use a #19 or #20 with #92 bonded, or #80 polyester jeans thread. I use a #22 or #23 needle with #138 thread.

I've been waiting on you to comment! Thanks!

Ok I will stick to an 18 then. I'll just save these 16s for whenever I get my post roller. I do plan to make some wallets very soon, so I guess I will use this #22 for the 138 as you've suggested. 

So do I still need to adjust my hook like Eric recommended?? 

[Wizcrafts]

1 minute ago, MG513 said:

I've been waiting on you to comment! Thanks!

Ok I will stick to an 18 then. I'll just save these 16s for whenever I get my post roller. I do plan to make some wallets very soon, so I guess I will use this #22 for the 138 as you've suggested. 

So do I still need to adjust my hook like Eric recommended?? 

You will find that out shortly after changing to a #18 needle ;-)

Most upholstery grade machines are set up to use from #18 through #22 needles. I think your machine will be fine with a #18. If not, try tweaking the position of the check spring, or its travel. This little spring keeps the top thread taut as the take-up lever moves down. When it lets go can affect the quality of the loop that forms on the right side of the needle, as it begins its ascent from BDC.. The broader the loop, the less chance you have of getting skipped stitches.

[MG513]

2 hours ago, Wizcrafts said:

You will find that out shortly after changing to a #18 needle ;-)

Most upholstery grade machines are set up to use from #18 through #22 needles. I think your machine will be fine with a #18. If not, try tweaking the position of the check spring, or its travel. This little spring keeps the top thread taut as the take-up lever moves down. When it lets go can affect the quality of the loop that forms on the right side of the needle, as it begins its ascent from BDC.. The broader the loop, the less chance you have of getting skipped stitches.

I was with you up until that last paragraph haha. Im just going to buy the size 18s and see where it takes me first. 

While i I have an audience, what are your thoughts on decorative needles?? I found a cool link online describing some needle types that can make different types of holes in leather. I thought these needles could add a nice touch to my wallets since they will be machine stitched, although I plan to hand finish the ends of the thread. Are those speciality needles a no no for this machine?? Could it give me tension issues?