Replies

1. 
   Teaf5 | Jul 31, 2006 09:03pm | #1

   I use my regular sewing machine (a 1980 Wards basic machine) for upholstery fabrics of all weights and textures; just buy some large needles--16/18 or so, and try them out on scraps.  You may have to play with the pressure foot tension and thread tension, but most machines are better equipped to deal with heavy fabrics than they are for sheers or delicate fabrics.

2. 
   gogojojo | Aug 01, 2006 05:38am | #2

   I agree with Teaf5.  You'd be surprised at what most home sewing machines can handle.  I just finished a slipcover made from faux suede on my 1918 Singer 66.  If you want to do upholstery professionally, then an industrial walking foot machine would be the way to go.  However, if you are just doing projects for your own home, you can really get just about anything.  The key when working with large amounts of heavy upholstery fabric is to keep the weight of the fabric supported - roll up as much as you can to keep it off of the floor so the machine doesn't have to work too hard to feed it through.

1. 
   bmattingly38 | Aug 01, 2006 11:34pm | #3

   Thanks, for the good info, gogojojo.