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[bryanmartin]

Hi, I'm using late model truck seats in my custom build, they're from a 2006 F150. I'm making leather covers for them, but the bottom seat cover is attached to the frame with hard plastic clips that are sewn right to the factory cloth. I'm assuming my Consew 206RB-1 won't sew through this hard plastic. What would you recommend?

[John]

Hi Bryan! You should be fine to sew through those clips with your Consew 206rb-1. Go slow at first and make sure its working fine. Thats a nice machine and you'll be surprised what it can sew through. Youll probably want to use like a size 20 or 22 needle to avoid breaking the needle. I usually reuse the clips but you can also buy new ones at most supply stores. Sometimes the plastic does get old and hard. Then youll need to get new ones. Or you can also sew through the existing holes if its giving you trouble.

[bryanmartin]

Wow, ok. I'll give it a shot. Thanks!

[Carole Storm]

Hi! I'm having the same concern about attaching the plastic clips to the seat cover. I have two concerns: 1) my very old Kenmore machine (model 117.552) won't be able to handle it; 2) If my machine is powerful enough, can I get a 20 or 22 needle to fit it? This old machine is amazing. My mother made seat covers and bimini top for our boat with this machine. What is your advice? This is my first attempt at reupholstering a car seat. Doing ok so far, except for this issue. Thank you!

[John]

Hi @Carole Storm, Welcome to the forum!!

I cant say from experience because I have never used that machine before. Form looking a pictures on the internet I would assume that it wouldn't be strong enough. But I could be wrong too...
If you decide to try it I would use the biggest needle available make for that machine. Not sure what sizes come for that machine.
www.thethreadexchange.com is my favorite place to source needles from.

Worst case you an always set you stitch length to match the old holes in the plastic and very carefully sew it on making sure the needle lands in all your old holes.

If you do plan on doing a lot of upholstery like this. It would be a good idea to think about upgrading to an industrial walking foot machine.

[Carole Storm]

Thanks @John . I agree with your advice. I'll see if I can do it by matching up the stitch length. Regarding upgrading my machine to an industrial walking foot machine. Are there any brands that you DO NOT recommend? I've been looking at the JUKI 8700 on line.

[John]

The most important thing is to get a walking foot machine. The 8700 is not a walking foot machine. consew, juki, brother, singer, pfaff, adler are all good brands.
You can find good deals on Craigslist for use machines depending on where you are located. Its also nice to have a servo motor especially If you just starting out. Servo motors are much more controllable and easier to learn on.

Here is a video I did explaining why you need a walking foot machine.


I hope this helps.

[Carole Storm]

Thanks, John. Video was super! I'll start shopping!

[BigRig]

Hi Carole,

Do not be intimidated by the age of your machine either. I own a Kenmore and there is no possible way it can do what I need it to for the REAL work. If I was just doing my own cover or two then I would make due. I put # 92 thread in my Kenmore and it sewed it just fine. Plastic clips are another story not even my Consew punched through a factory plastic strip with a #17 needle.

My Industrial is old and is doing just a fantastic job.

[Carole Storm]

Hi @BigRig Thank you for the good info! Yes, I've had no problem with #92 thread in my old Kenmore and sewing typical furniture upholstery jobs. However, I have doubs it will do what is needed for the automotive jobs. I just ordered a Consew walking foot machine. I've been eyeing them for a few years. Time to bite the bullet and get one. As you said, if the projects were for my own use I would get by. I'm doing commissioned work, so I want to have confidence in my machine and final product. Big investment, but should be well worth it. Thanks for the advice!

[BigRig]

You are welcome Carole. I am really excited to learn all about your new Consew and why you chose that machine? Shipping costs can really be a factor in the choice for me. I have a color preference so until I see one that matches my current machine I will be a Consew guy.

[Carole Storm]

@BigRig Actually, I cancelled my order. I'm going to take John's advice and search for a used machine. The new ones are so costly. Sooooo, I'll plug along with my old tried-and-true machine. I'll figure out how to attach the plastic clips. It's an adventure!

[BigRig]

@Carole,

Call Albright and ask Torrie to send you the J-Hooks for the seats. The plastic J-Hooks they have that Kenmore will BLAST through. You can step down in thread size to a Tex 70 most likely for your machine and get it outfitted with a Walking Foot. I will go along with you on this and the only obstacle is getting presser foot height for the 1/2 inch foam. If you go with the 1/4 inch foam for your work everything will work out great!

I will send you info on where to buy a walking foot for your Kenmore, maybe change your thread weight and you are in business!!!!!

Its a good day to sew!!

[John]

Hope you find a good deal @Carole Storm! A good walking foot machine will pay for its self quickly.

@BigRig Thats a good point with the new j hooks. Old ones can defiantly get pretty hard when they get older.
Sorry not trying to correct you here but there really isn't any attachment that converts a sewing machine in to a true walking foot machine. They sell attachments called "walking foot attachments" but that's kind of a lie in my opinion. They might help feed material better but to be a real walking foot there has to be 2 separate feet moving independently from each other. This function is what keeps the material aligned while sewing.

[BigRig]

Very , Very good lesson here and something I think is VERY important. I have been sold a lot of stuff along my journey here and sometimes have wondered the intent behind why it was sold to me. @Carole Storm I bail on that idea was told that walking foot by a salesman. If you keep your eyes open you will get a steal of a deal like I did

Fabric gets HEAVY and an industrial can handle this.

[Revv Up]

I would think it could always be sewn on by hand through the old holes, not fun but doable in a pinch.

[BigRig]

This is exactly where I am tonight in my seat project, lining up the old J-Hooks to sew onto the new vinyl. I need to use these original hooks this time and am going to give it another shot sewing them.

[John]

Oh yeah @Revv Up you defiantly could sew them on by hand. Haha certainly not fun though