A question about denim

Hi all...long time reader/rare poster here. I come to the collective
wisdom of the group with questions.

I've got to do some sewing (not quilting) on denim today. My question
is, do I need a certain kind of needle for my machine? Also, what kind
of thread is best for this? And does anyone know anything about grommets?

Basically, I'm making a cover for a pad, so just two rectangles of denim
being sewn together on 3 sides. The pad will be tied to something,
which is why I was thinking about using grommets. I know this is all
very vague, but I'll take any wisdom you'd care to share.

Thanks.

Marcia aka ThreadHead
Apex, NC

If it's very heavy denim you might want to use a size 16 needle for
heavierweight fabrics.

As for grommets... they're a pain in the butt IMO and most of the ones that
I've ever used required a special tool. The tiny ones often have an
attachment thingy in the same package and you just need a hammer. The tool
for the really large grommets costs around $16. I've used them for renn
faire clothing, and based on my experience, you should use a bit of iron-on
interfacing on the spots you intend to put the grommets.

If your sewing machine makes good buttonholes, you might try doing that
instead. Just sew each one twice for extra strength.

Linda



"Marcia Smith aka ThreadHead" wrote in message
...
Hi all...long time reader/rare poster here. I come to the collective
wisdom of the group with questions.

I've got to do some sewing (not quilting) on denim today. My question is,
do I need a certain kind of needle for my machine? Also, what kind of
thread is best for this? And does anyone know anything about grommets?

Basically, I'm making a cover for a pad, so just two rectangles of denim
being sewn together on 3 sides. The pad will be tied to something, which
is why I was thinking about using grommets. I know this is all very
vague, but I'll take any wisdom you'd care to share.

Thanks.

Marcia aka ThreadHead
Apex, NC

There's a needle for denim, Schmetz blue band, but a regular needle in a
larger size would be fine. I'd use regular thread for the seams. But if you
don't mind a bulkier seam and want extra strength, your machine might have a
triple-stitch feature (sews 3 stitches forward, 2 back, etc.) Use the
heavier size 40 thread for topstitching if you want.

Grommets are satisfying in a weird perverted way, but get extras. You need a
couple to practice, and some are bound to get scrunched unevenly anyway and
need to be redone. Follow directions on the package, it's pretty simple.
Roberta in D

"Marcia Smith aka ThreadHead" schrieb im
Newsbeitrag ...
Hi all...long time reader/rare poster here. I come to the collective
wisdom of the group with questions.

I've got to do some sewing (not quilting) on denim today. My question is,
do I need a certain kind of needle for my machine? Also, what kind of
thread is best for this? And does anyone know anything about grommets?

Basically, I'm making a cover for a pad, so just two rectangles of denim
being sewn together on 3 sides. The pad will be tied to something, which
is why I was thinking about using grommets. I know this is all very
vague, but I'll take any wisdom you'd care to share.

Thanks.

Marcia aka ThreadHead
Apex, NC

I used grommets for a renn faire garment, too. The ones I used were big
enough for cording to pass thru and just came with a little tool that you
hammer the grommets on with.(Sorry about that sentence structure, but it's
early).

Oh, BTW, I have to (yes, *have to*) go on a shopping spree fairly soon.
Wanna come?

--
Wendy
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...MESE%3AIT&rd=1
http://griffinsflight.com/Quilting/quilt1.htm
de-fang email address to reply

"Marcia Smith aka ThreadHead" wrote in message
...
Hi all...long time reader/rare poster here. I come to the collective
wisdom of the group with questions.

I've got to do some sewing (not quilting) on denim today. My question is,
do I need a certain kind of needle for my machine? Also, what kind of
thread is best for this? And does anyone know anything about grommets?

Basically, I'm making a cover for a pad, so just two rectangles of denim
being sewn together on 3 sides. The pad will be tied to something, which
is why I was thinking about using grommets. I know this is all very
vague, but I'll take any wisdom you'd care to share.

Thanks.

Marcia aka ThreadHead
Apex, NC

I recently purchased needles that are actually called "jeans" needles. I
previously made three quilts out of old jeans and had a heck of a time with
breaking needles while piecing. Later was when I discovered the appropriate
needles.

Trixie

"Marcia Smith aka ThreadHead" wrote in message
...
Hi all...long time reader/rare poster here. I come to the collective
wisdom of the group with questions.

I've got to do some sewing (not quilting) on denim today. My question is,
do I need a certain kind of needle for my machine? Also, what kind of
thread is best for this? And does anyone know anything about grommets?

Basically, I'm making a cover for a pad, so just two rectangles of denim
being sewn together on 3 sides. The pad will be tied to something, which
is why I was thinking about using grommets. I know this is all very
vague, but I'll take any wisdom you'd care to share.

Thanks.

Marcia aka ThreadHead
Apex, NC

Have you gotten your serger yet? Just being nosey.....

Butterfly (found navy blue and more whites ; )

"frood" wrote in message
...
I used grommets for a renn faire garment, too. The ones I used were big
enough for cording to pass thru and just came with a little tool that you
hammer the grommets on with.(Sorry about that sentence structure, but it's
early).

Oh, BTW, I have to (yes, *have to*) go on a shopping spree fairly soon.
Wanna come?

--
Wendy
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...MESE%3AIT&rd=1
http://griffinsflight.com/Quilting/quilt1.htm
de-fang email address to reply

"Marcia Smith aka ThreadHead" wrote in message
...
Hi all...long time reader/rare poster here. I come to the collective
wisdom of the group with questions.

I've got to do some sewing (not quilting) on denim today. My question
is, do I need a certain kind of needle for my machine? Also, what kind
of thread is best for this? And does anyone know anything about
grommets?

Basically, I'm making a cover for a pad, so just two rectangles of denim
being sewn together on 3 sides. The pad will be tied to something, which
is why I was thinking about using grommets. I know this is all very
vague, but I'll take any wisdom you'd care to share.

Thanks.

Marcia aka ThreadHead
Apex, NC

Sorry folks, this was meant for Frood only.....yuppers it has been a LONG 2
days with DH having a kidney stone as a direct result of having the GI done
for his reversal surgery, June 6. YAY!!!! he CAN have the surgery after 2
1/2 years.

Butterfly

"Butterfly" wrote in message
...
Have you gotten your serger yet? Just being nosey.....

Butterfly (found navy blue and more whites ; )

"frood" wrote in message
...
I used grommets for a renn faire garment, too. The ones I used were big
enough for cording to pass thru and just came with a little tool that you
hammer the grommets on with.(Sorry about that sentence structure, but it's
early).

Oh, BTW, I have to (yes, *have to*) go on a shopping spree fairly soon.
Wanna come?

--
Wendy
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...MESE%3AIT&rd=1
http://griffinsflight.com/Quilting/quilt1.htm
de-fang email address to reply

"Marcia Smith aka ThreadHead" wrote in message
...
Hi all...long time reader/rare poster here. I come to the collective
wisdom of the group with questions.

I've got to do some sewing (not quilting) on denim today. My question
is, do I need a certain kind of needle for my machine? Also, what kind
of thread is best for this? And does anyone know anything about
grommets?

Basically, I'm making a cover for a pad, so just two rectangles of denim
being sewn together on 3 sides. The pad will be tied to something,
which is why I was thinking about using grommets. I know this is all
very vague, but I'll take any wisdom you'd care to share.

Thanks.

Marcia aka ThreadHead
Apex, NC

On Sat, 28 May 2005 11:07:55 GMT, "Linda Sweigart"
wrote:

If it's very heavy denim you might want to use a size 16 needle for
heavierweight fabrics.

As for grommets... they're a pain in the butt IMO and most of the ones that
I've ever used required a special tool. The tiny ones often have an
attachment thingy in the same package and you just need a hammer. The tool
for the really large grommets costs around $16. I've used them for renn
faire clothing, and based on my experience, you should use a bit of iron-on
interfacing on the spots you intend to put the grommets.

If your sewing machine makes good buttonholes, you might try doing that
instead. Just sew each one twice for extra strength.

Linda

I second the button hole idea if you don't need the grommet
specifically for the look, or it's not going to be under tremendous
stress like at the corners of a tent or canvas canopy. A good double
stitched buttonhole is going to be just fine for most purposes and it
will save you some money.
Debra in VA

No, B'fly. Life keeps getting in the way, and I've been too busy to do more
shopping. I did mention to my mom I wanted to buy one, and she rolled her
eyes at me. LOL! I guess she thinks 6 sewing machines are enough (just sold
one on eBay for a great price!).

--
Wendy
http://griffinsflight.com/Quilting/quilt1.htm
De-Fang email address to reply
Put on your Big Girl panties and just deal with it. -- unknown


"Butterfly" wrote in message
...
Have you gotten your serger yet? Just being nosey.....

Butterfly (found navy blue and more whites ; )

"frood" wrote in message
...
I used grommets for a renn faire garment, too. The ones I used were big
enough for cording to pass thru and just came with a little tool that you
hammer the grommets on with.(Sorry about that sentence structure, but it's
early).

Oh, BTW, I have to (yes, *have to*) go on a shopping spree fairly soon.
Wanna come?

--
Wendy
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...MESE%3AIT&rd=1
http://griffinsflight.com/Quilting/quilt1.htm
de-fang email address to reply

"Marcia Smith aka ThreadHead" wrote in message
...
Hi all...long time reader/rare poster here. I come to the collective
wisdom of the group with questions.

I've got to do some sewing (not quilting) on denim today. My question
is, do I need a certain kind of needle for my machine? Also, what kind
of thread is best for this? And does anyone know anything about
grommets?

Basically, I'm making a cover for a pad, so just two rectangles of denim
being sewn together on 3 sides. The pad will be tied to something,
which is why I was thinking about using grommets. I know this is all
very vague, but I'll take any wisdom you'd care to share.

Thanks.

Marcia aka ThreadHead
Apex, NC