Sewing Vinyl

[davidpbo]

We are replacing the headlining on our Jeanneau Tonic with similar foam backed vinyl. Up to now I have stripped the foam back a bit, folded the vinyl over the edge and glued it when needed.

I am experimenting with stitching, removing the foam and folding the vinyl back and stitching it on to itself. I can't get the stitch length long enough and the length adjuster does not have much effect, I have also briefly tried fiddling with the foot pressure .

An experiment with simple thin cotton fabric proved the stitch length was ok.

It is a Janome New Home domestic sewing machine Model no JB1410

Do I need a walking foot?
Would one of these do the job?
http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&id=201105773517

 

[Rigger Mortice]

Dunno, but at that price it's worth trying.
If you get one would you let us know if it is any good?

An alternative approach may be to use use double sided adhesive tape which you can get for sewing jobs.

 

[davidpbo]

Always a bit wary of tapes despite using gaffa & pvc a lot. Some tapes can be very good but it is look of the sewn edge I like. If I get a product having asked for advice I usually post about how I got on.

D.

 

[Hypocacculus]

You might have more success with a different needle - your machine is obviously struggling. There are needles specially made for leather and vinyl which have a blade like point to slice through the fabric. Bear in mind that your machine is being asked to do a lot; it might be worth beg/borrowing/stealing a commercial grade machine with more oomph.

I would also suggest asking this question on a sewing/upholstery forum rather than a sailing forum!

 

[fergie_mac66]

walking foot will make all the difference make sure the one you getis for the machine you have . When you get it you will wonder you havent bought one before

 

[HunterWanderer]

You need a "walking foot " attachment. Available on ebay for a few pounds.

 

[ffiill]

I usually use a leather needle on reinforced vinyl of the variety used for seat covers although I recall using a Jean needle.
The leather needle is triangular shaped like a sail makers needle whilst the Jean needle is just a little bulbous.

 

[davidpbo]

Already using a leather needle. The machine is not struggling to pierce the vinyl but does appear to be having difficulty moving the fabric.

 

[davidpbo]

There is quite a variation in price of walking feet. Anyone any experience as to whether there is a similar variation in functionality/quality?

 

[fergie_mac66]

I paid 7£ for a universal no problema with it. Used it on 5layers sail cloth and will run into 8 layers solong as I dont stop ,inertia keeps it going make sure it fits on your machine

 

[Ruffles]

I paid 7£ for a universal no problema with it. Used it on 5layers sail cloth and will run into 8 layers solong as I dont stop ,inertia keeps it going make sure it fits on your machine

Vinyl is a pain to stitch as it sticks to the foot. This I suspect is why the stitch length is not responding to adjustment.

Try using kitchen baking paper on the foot side of the fabric. You can then tear the paper away. Might be a pain if you have loads to do.

Thinking about it what about the clear tape used in stationary? The stuff that uses the post-it style adhesive. It tears easily. The danger is you'll be left with lots of little bits of tape !

 

[savageseadog]

You could use silicon oil to lubricate the needle, spray along the stitch line

 

[shan]

I had this exact issue. You will of course need a leather needle and from there you can either use a 'walking foot' or a teflon foot. I have tried both and found the 'walking foot' to be the better option.

I wrote about it on my blog: http://genesisbeneteaufirst26.blogspot.co.uk/2014/03/sewing-vinyl-headlining.html

 

[fishermantwo]

I stitch vinyl regularly on my machine with sail needles and threads. Easy and the machine loves it. Have a look at the Sairite web page for inspiration or peruse the youtube videos for how to set the bobbin tension etc. I do use a fair bit of pressure on the standard foot for dragging Dacron through and don't have any problems with vinyl sticking.

 

[davidpbo]

I had this exact issue. You will of course need a leather needle and from there you can either use a 'walking foot' or a teflon foot. I have tried both and found the 'walking foot' to be the better option.

I wrote about it on my blog: http://genesisbeneteaufirst26.blogspot.co.uk/2014/03/sewing-vinyl-headlining.html

Good write up of what you did and why.

I have ordered a walking foot but am continuing as before, taking foam off the back folding over and glueing. It is very time consuming but so much has to be done in situ even though I have the old panels as templates.

 

[shan]

Thank you.