Difficult to say since we don't know anything about the leather. Generally, a soft, thin leather can be sewn on a domestic machine. However, a thick leather will cause problems. A domestic machine does not do well stitching thick leathers/fabrics. Usually, leather stitching will require a heavier needle, ie a leather/denim needle, which is a size 16. Frequently, manufacturer recommendations limit serger needles to no larger than a 90/12 needle. Using a needle that is too large could strike resulting in broken parts or knocking the machine out of time. Also, sewing thick fabrics places undue stress on the machine. It can cause gears to break or the motor to overheat and burn out. Be aware that a serger trims the fabric as it stitches, so there could be issues with the knives trying to cut the leather.
Guess I am somewhat confused why you would want to use a serger to stitch leather. Normally, a sewing machine that stitches one single line of thread is sufficient for leather. Overlocking uses multiple threads which increases the thickness of the seam.
Maybe I have been misinformed, I was told that a serer would be a good option for doing the piping since it will sew a straight stitch and would cut the material. I have never used a serger just wanted to see if this machine would be a good option for $190 since I don't want to spend alot until I understand the serger a little better. I also have some quilting that I thought a serger might be useful for. So any advise would be greatly appreciated!!
Hm, so it sounds like you may be doing upholstery? To be honest, I've never done upholstery and don't really know if a serger or sewing machine would be better. The person who advised you probably has more knowledge in that area than I. You should know that a serger sews a lot faster than a sewing machine, so control is usually difficult especially for a beginner. There is a steeper learning curve to a serger because it uses at least 3 threads, whereas a sewing machine uses one needle and a bobbin thread. Piping can also be sewn with a sewing machine.
As for quilting, the control issue (and the speed of the machine) does make it a bit more difficult to quilt with a serger. It also depends on what kind of quilting you plan to do. A serger is good for doing strip quilts where you just stitch strips together to make your quilt. If you are planning to piece to create blocks of various designs, a sewing machine would be easier and more accurate to use to make blocks and points that match. Quilt blocks require very accurate cutting and stitching (usually a slight 1/4" seam allowance). A slightly larger or smaller seam means the points will not match and the blocks will not look good.
I would recommend you talk to some sewing machine shops and ask them for their recommendations of what machine will work best for you. Be sure to tell them you are just trying to figure out what machine would work best for your needs and don't let them talk you into buying something that is over your head and more than you want to spend. You need to have a good idea of what you plan to do with the machine. Personally, I've found a serger nice to have but I've had sewing machines for many years and believe a sewing machine can do more, ie buttonholes, zippers, decorative stitches, darning/free motion quilting, applique, pintucking... Perhaps, finding a used mechanical sewing machine (not computerized) would be affordable and give you a solid beginner machine. The dealer may even have something that was traded in that has been checked out by their technician. There are some nice older machines that are traded in because people want a newer machine.
A sewing machine will allow you to make many quilt designs to form stars, triangles, diamonds, squares, starbursts, etc. like these:https://www.quiltingcompany.com/150-free...
https://sew4home.com/tips-resources/sewi...
http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-s...
With a sewing machine, you would be able to stitch the top, batting, and backing together yourself either with a walking foot or free motion quilting. To finish a serged quilt, you would need to handstitch the quilt together or pay someone to do it for you.
This is a strip quilt. It is made of mostly long pieces of fabric strips. You'll be limited pretty much to making only this type of quilt with a serger.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YdONf2oa...
I'm sorry. I've probably thrown a lot of information at you. Obviously, you don't want to spend a lot of money at the outset, so I'd like to see you get the most value and options from the choice you make. Good luck!!!
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SOURCE: Hobbylock 774
If the needle bar is no longer available, the current needle bar can be repaired by cutting new threads in it and changing the screw. Not simple but not rocket science either.Most mechanics can do this.
sewman7
SOURCE: Viking 190 sewing machine stuck on backstitch
Found the problem (s) with Viking stuck on backstitch!!!
Two problems:
A: machine is "gummed-up" form old grease.
Solution: degrease machine with a high quality degreaser.. I used a spray electrical degreaser from an automotive store. Turn the machine up-side-down to preform this!
Then relubricate machine. Use a high quality sweing machine lubricant! Also lubricate the inner parts with a qigh quality "Sewing machine" oil.
B: Found that the return spring from foreward to backward was tired.
Soultion: Replace with slightly stronger spring from local hardware store.
If you need pictures, I took very detailed pictures of the reverse mechanism and "return to forward" spring.
Write to [email protected]
SOURCE: threading hobbylock 786 20 year old model
I have a manual. Will copy and send. Give me your address and off it goes.
SOURCE: I am looking for pfaff hobbylock 786 serger manual
ISBN 0-8019-8192-1(hc)? or ISBN 0-8019-8191-3(pb) by Naomi Baker & Tammy Young - "Know Your Pfaff Hobbylock" covers Pfaff Hobbylock: 797, 786, 784, 783 - Great book. This book is more helpful since it has detailed info pics in color- 182 pgs, @$3.00. Lists parts, projects, etc. The 786 manual has errors, 35 pgs. not detailed as the book above. Good luck! Fairlyart
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