Sewing denim is comparatively tough because of its being thicker thus heavyweight. But, if you know how to set up sewing machine for denim properly, half of the hassles vanish automatically.
In short, the importance of setting up your sewing machine appropriately for a successful denim sewing is unavoidable. Don’t you know how to do that? Keep following us till the end to learn the hacks in detail.
How to Set Up Sewing Machine for Denim?
In addition to presenting you with the pros’ recommended guideline of setting up your sewing machine for denim sewing, below we have gathered a series of extraordinary tips and FAQs for your further assistance. Here we go!
Which is the perfect needle for denim?
Undoubtedly, denim is one of the dense fabrics that you cannot sew with a regular sewing machine needle. Instead, to sew denim-like heavyweight fabric, specially designed and developed needles must be in use.
Although the recommended size is 90/14 yet it may vary depending upon the density of denim. For example, if your denim is too thick, you must have a needle of 100/16 size.
Another crucial thing is you must not only be concerned about size but also about strength and sharpness. Keep in mind that the sharper point and more robust physique a needle features, the less possibility of its bending and breaking is.
What is the best thread for denim?
Thread holds a significant impact on determining the quality of the produced stitches. And, the better the stitches, the better the overall sewing becomes. Eventually, the final product pays back all your hard work in the best possible way.
So, can you realize how important it is to make an appropriate choice of thread? Okay, the ideally recommended denim tread is quality polyester or upholstery.
In case, you have none of these in your collection right now and it’s an emergency, you can use 2 spools of regular thread. But, you should try to avoid adopting this technique as much as possible.
What is the immaculate stitch pattern for denim?
Ask any sewist about the ideal stitch pattern to sew denim and their first answer will be – topstitch. In case you just hate this stitch, it is wise to make the stitches invisible.
How to do that? You can do that by simply using the thread color that your fabric features.
However, apart from topstitch you may use any other stitch if you want or like, there is no hard-and-fast rule. Remember that we are just talking about the best option!
Which thread tension to adopt?
It is the thread tension that determines the tightness of the pulled spool and bobbin thread. Usually, loose or mild tight tension is used but for denim there is no option rather than maximum tightness.
This is why you should take your machine’s tension dial to the top where the highest mark is labeled.
What is the ideal speed range for sewing denim?
If you can walk faster or run with a one kg weighted plank, can you do so with a plank that weighs four to five times or so?
You obviously cannot or even if you try to do so, you may injure yourself by slipping yourself or the plank from grip.
Such is the case with your sewing machine. Although, it can sew thin fabrics with horse speed yet with denim you mustn’t make it go faster.
Doing so, you will not only cause disturbance to the inner parts and motor but also there remains a big chance of your making almost indelible mistakes.
However, if you ask us what the perfect speed range is, our answer will be 850 – 1100. Now, it is you who will decide the speed specifically considering the real-time situation.
Which presser foot is good for denim?
None other than roller foot will be the best option for you while sewing denim fabric. It is a presser foot that is designed and developed specially for denim.
The greatest benefits that this foot brings for you are reduced jamming and slipping. As a result, there is a big chance that your creation will be impeccable.
What is the ideal presser foot position?
Using the presser foot lifter you can set the foot at the expected position considering the two following facts:
- Doesn’t the fabric fit? Well, in this case you should take the foot to the highest position. As soon as the fabric fits, lower the lifter.
- Doesn’t the fabric feed? Lower the foot lifter further so that fabric can be fed without any hurdle. While feeding you should help the denim pass by your hands. By doing so, you will help it avoid unexpected slipping.
Tips
The following hacks should be followed even before you start sewing your denim:
- Pre Washing the fabric is the first and foremost step. The reasons are
- Denim shrinks and discards color when you wash it with water. So, it is better to wash the fabric before sewing, not after.
- Again, by pre-washing the fabric becomes far softer that you can manage far easily while sewing.
- Always use the sharpest blades, scissors or cutters to cut the denim fine. If you use a random blade or cutter, the fabric will fray a lot.
- In case your fabric has frayed a lot while cutting, you must zigzag or serge the uneven edges before jumping to sewing.
FAQs
Can I sew denim with a regular sewing machine?
Ans. You can obviously making sure that you are not sewing a number of layers at a time and the fabric weight is mild.
What tension should I use for denim?
Ans. The ideal thread tension is 6 but you are free to determine the tension after your own requirement.
Do I need a large working space to sew denim?
Ans. No, you actually don’t need a giant space but the space should be wider than that of regular sewing.
Final words
To conclude, sewing denim isn’t difficult as it sounds to be only if you know how to set up sewing machine for denim. However, don’t forget to wash your denim fabric and cut it with razor sharp scissors to avoid further complexities later.