16302✽
I'm puzzled and would love your input!
I'm working on a project for a fund raiser. I was given a bolt of very densely woven canvas. First thing I did was cut up the whole bolt for reusable grocery bags. My plan was to put an embroidery design on each bag. FAIL! The canvas is so dense that my thread keeps breaking. I've tried several types of thread (rayon, polyester, serger, cotton, etc.), several different bobbin configurations and threads, the whole spectrum of stabilizers, and several needles (ball point, sharp, top stitch, jeans). Has anyone found a magic solution to conquering fabric density?
If all else fails, I'll get some decorative fabric and put a pocket on the front of the bag for a little color, but would like to embroider if at all possible. Thank you for your time and input!!
Comments (10)
16302✽
by
justonlyme
30 Oct 2013
+5✽
PS
I'm also using redwork designs because the fill stitch designs are absolutely out of the question.
I'm also using redwork designs because the fill stitch designs are absolutely out of the question.
1 comment
if you can not sew on the canvas,then your idea of making a pocket would be great. a large pocket of other fabric embroidered before sewing on bag.lynne
15626✽
Maybe a patch with embroidery on it. This might be glued to the fabric.
1 comment
That may work pretty well! Thank you.
318555✽
by
dragonflyer
30 Oct 2013
+6✽
Have you up-ed the needle size...I would say at least a 16 or 18 might be in order...just guessing here, you may have already done this...If you can sew through this to make the bag, not sure why you can't embroider...slow the machine down and if you are hooping the fabric, I would think you would not need stabilizer either...
2 comments
Isn't the denim needle a real beefy one? The package does not have the sizes on them; neither does the top stitch needle. I'm running the machine as slow as it will go. I'm positively baffled here. I may run to the fabric store and get a bigger needle and see if that will work. Thank you.
It depends...I have a pack of Schmetz Jeans Needles that say 80/12 and one that says 90/14...I also have a leather needle that says 90/14 and another pack of leather needles that says 110/18...so, not sure what size you are using...also have some Schnetz Universal that are 110/18...the needle could make a big difference...
158718✽
I'm stumped on this one. Let us know if you find a solution. ;)
1 comment
rachap answered my question. This fabric is so heavily sized or starched or ?? that the needle squeaks when it goes in and out. I knew there was an answer somewhere!!
5402✽
Why not make some fsl butterflies and flowers and glue them on to the front of the bags to create a 3d effect. Bestofuck suelyn
2 comments
Sorry about the spelling. Should read best of luck
That is actually a very good idea. Thank you.
33451✽
by
marjialexa
30 Oct 2013
+3✽
I'm wondering like Haleymax said, if an embroidered patch wouldn't be less of a headache. Maybe you could make the patch big enough, and make a "pocket" out of it, where people could put their coupons for the things they're purchasing to put in their bags? Just a thought....
This fabric sounds like it's so dense, only a really heavy denim or leather needle will work. Best of luck with this, let us know how it turns out, please, what ends up actually working best. Thanks and hugs, Marji
This fabric sounds like it's so dense, only a really heavy denim or leather needle will work. Best of luck with this, let us know how it turns out, please, what ends up actually working best. Thanks and hugs, Marji
1 comment
Turns out, I have a bolt of sailboat sail fabric. When you use donated stuff, sometimes they are a mystery. It is treated with a waterproofing and a sizing. Once washed, it softened up considerably. But I bet the bottoms don't fall out of these bags!! I think I'm going to opt for a pocket for the rest of my bags. My embroidery machine will thank me!
8230✽
Other than suggesting you get some size 16 or 18 sharp needles I can't think of what you could do. Doesn't it seem like the charity projects that we think we can just whip out are always the ones that give us trouble!!!
2 comments
I've been rethinking this & realized my reusable bags soften up after they have been washed. Maybe there is a lot of sizing in the fabric. Perhaps you could experiment and take just one piece and soak it it warm water for awhile, let it dry and then try stitching it?
I KNEW someone would have the answer!!! I got very annoyed with one of the first designs that caused such a mess that it popped out of the hoop mid-design. I used a shaver to remove the stitching, which made a few holes. So I tie-died it. Now it is so soft that it stitches better than denim BUT has lost that "new" look. Thank you. Now I have my answer.
16529✽
by
vickiannette
30 Oct 2013
+3✽
If you have a sewing machine which will do the seams, use the pocket idea with pretty fabric/embr. or words. Not worth ruining your embroidery machine.
1 comment
I did the seams on the serger, and that can power through just about anything. That is why I was baffled when it came to embroidery. But now I have my answer. Sizing. I may do the pocket thing with my old workhorse sewing machine so that I don't mess up the timing on my embroidery machine.
7854✽
It may help to wash it and use some fabric softener.
1 comment
I'm thinking that you might just be right!
2093✽
Several cuties have mentioned gluing on patches; I would use Steam-a-seam. Just finished using this product to adhere some patches to a quilt that had some defects I saw after finishing; It was too much to fit it under the machine and stitch on the patches but Steam-a-seam is washable and drycleanable and does not need stitching. Good luck with you efforts.
1 comment
That might work pretty well. I'll have to experiment on one of the scraps to see how well it adheres, since I've discovered that there is waterproofing in the fabric as well. Thank you.