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Sewing on Heavy Fabrics
The black button on presser foot “A” locks the foot
in a horizontal position when pushed in before
lowering the presser foot. This ensures even
feeding at the beginning of seams and helps when
sewing many layers of fabric such as welt seams
used to hem jeans.
When the point of an increased thickness is
reached, lower the needle and raise the presser
foot. Press in the black button. Lower the foot and
continue sewing.
This button releases automatically after a few
stitches have been sewn.
NOTE: Increase stitch length between 3.0 and 4.0
for heavier fabrics.
Gathering
Gathering/shirring evenly distributes fullness in an
area with very tiny pleats. Gathering is one row or
two parallel rows. Shirring is three or more parallel
rows. Light to medium weight fabrics provide the
best results.
Decrease thread tension to between 1 and 3.
Increase stitch length to 5.0.
Sew two rows of parallel stitches. Sew first row
next to raw edge using foot edge as guide. Sew
second row next to first row using foot edge as
guide. Leave long thread tails at beginning and
end of each row.
Pull the bobbin threads simultaneously from each
end of the fabric until the desired amount is
gathered. Knot the threads at each end and
distribute the gathers evenly.
Reset thread tension dial to 4 and decrease stitch
length to 2.5.
Sew between two rows of stitching to secure
gathering.
OR
Lay gather fabric over flat fabric and sew the
two fabrics together directly on the second row
of gathering stitches.
