Sewing anyone?

CaptainScott · Post by **CaptainScott** » Sun Dec 28, 2008 6:22 pm

OK, Here it goes . . . .

Captain Scott, Harley Riding, Corvette Driving, Software engineer at ATT Labs needs help sewing!

Yep. I feel silly here. I can sew but have no idea how to put my 1961 Singer 503A sewing machine in reverse.

The mainsail boom cover on Lady Jo has split its seams right down the center. I have already sewn it back up however if only I could put my machine in reverse I could back and forth over the ends and really synch it up.

Any of you folks have any ideas how to put a sewing machine in reverse?

any ideas would help. It is not obvious to me at all!

Thanks in advance!
Scott

Windward · Post by **Windward** » Sun Dec 28, 2008 7:14 pm

Don't know that particular machine, but I have an old Singer Featherweight 221 from the 30s or 40s that's a real workhorse. No zig-zag, but small, strong, nicely packaged in its own hard case -- it's what I'd take if I went for a serious cruise. Of course, I'd love to have a heavy duty SailRite machine with zig-zag, heavy duty clutch, hand crank, mag wheels, air shocks... um, strike those last two, but while I'd certainly be able to use a lux hog like that, the little Singer does astoundingly well.

On my unit, there's a slider that controls stitch length, located on the front of the vertical housing at the right of the machine. Sliding the lever all the way up causes mine to go into reverse. No need to stop as I make the transition, just slide up and it smoothly reverses, then back down to go forward again... I lather, rinse and repeat until it locks the stitching as much as I feel necessary.

Might yours have a similar control? If the stitch length adjustment is a slider, that seems the likely suspect in that vintage Singer. I've also seen newer models (don't think it was a singer) that had a push-button for reverse, but it's been years and I honestly don't remember much about it.

Let us know... I'm curious now.

FranS · Post by **FranS** » Sun Dec 28, 2008 7:21 pm

You might be able to post a question here.

http://en.allexperts.com/q/Sewing-3237/ ... _39602.htm

CaptainScott · Post by **CaptainScott** » Mon Dec 29, 2008 4:51 am

Windward wrote:
On my unit, there's a slider that controls stitch length, located on the front of the vertical housing at the right of the machine. Sliding the lever all the way up causes mine to go into reverse. No need to stop as I make the transition, just slide up and it smoothly reverses, then back down to go forward again... I lather, rinse and repeat until it locks the stitching as much as I feel necessary.

Now that was easy. You hit it right on the money. Simply lift the lever all the way up.

Thanks to both of you for the quick replys!

Scott

ronc98 · Post by **ronc98** » Mon Dec 29, 2008 6:41 am

I love this site. Always so much info!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

keysskipper · Post by **keysskipper** » Mon Dec 29, 2008 1:11 pm

I dunno, maybe thats why I browse this site because you workaholics are beginning to inspire me....and then I think boat drinks and it goes on my to do list, if I leave this site I won't feel so lazy

KS

CaptainScott · Post by **CaptainScott** » Mon Dec 29, 2008 2:02 pm

keysskipper wrote: . . . you workaholics are . . . KS

Clearly you aren't talking about me! If so, I'm sure my wife will argue with you! LOL!!!!

Scott

Alanhod · Post by **Alanhod** » Mon Dec 29, 2008 8:31 pm

CaptainScott · Post by **CaptainScott** » Fri Jan 02, 2009 2:49 am

That's a great idea howver, I'm looking for the educational experience also. I'd like to have fiist hand knowledge of some sewing experience!

Thanks fof the "heads up" though. I bet I've seen the Craigslist ads!

Scott

Windward · Post by **Windward** » Fri Jan 02, 2009 6:55 am

Scott, if you want some experience, why not come over to Tennessee for a week or two? You can stay in the spare room, and the sewing machine's all set up already. Once you've made Windward some sheet bags, a few internal stowage pouches, a bimini / solar panel mount and a dodger, you'll have enough experience to effectively repair that mainsail boot

Hey, I'm sure Tom Sawyer and the whitewashed fence is coming to mind, but this is different: I'm not going to charge you anything. Now how's THAT for a friendly, helpful offer?

Seriously, you shouldn't have much trouble doing the repairs. I made a new mainsail boot for Windward using the old one as a pattern. Also made a couple of anchor rode bags and a spinnaker turtle, and converted a hank-on lapper to roller furling (that was a bit tougher to sew).

Sailrite will have recommendations for decent thread and the right needle. Biggest thing then is probably getting the thread tension right. You want it set so that the stitch meets in the middle of the layers of cloth. Too much tension and you'll see loops from the lower thread (the one coming from the bobbin) pulled to the top of your work; inadequate tension and the top thread loops will get pulled all the way down. Use a couple of scraps of similar weight cloth to make the adjustments and you're golden.

CaptainScott · Post by **CaptainScott** » Fri Jan 02, 2009 9:23 am

WOW!
Such a generous offer!

I would be on my way immediatley however my driveway just thawed enough for me to ge the Harley out today for the first time in a few weeks! Given the major mountain passes here are all currently closed, guess I'll have to take a rain check. I've looked but can't find chains to fit my bike!

However the other advise is excellent and always welcome! I did manage to stitch up the sail cover and all is good. I did learn the hard way that the needle WILL NOT go through a brass ring on the cloth. GO Figure. Who'd have guessed that! So I now have a supply of spare needles and knowledge to go backwards! If only I could stitch straight!

Scott