I'm trying to finish the hipbelt for my new pack and am having trouble attaching webbing to it for the buckle. Anyone in the Boulder/Denver, CO area have a machine that could sew through my hipbelt construction? Mine is groaning...

Layers are:
1) 2 layers of lightweight nylon webbing
2) DP WX20 - 200D with PET backing
3) 3/8" CCF
4) 4mm Ventilation Mesh

Any help would be appreciated so I don't have to try and hand sew it.

Try a very sharp needle and "help" the machine get though the material by turning it by hand. This takes time but can produce great results.

Or is it the thickness that won't fit under the foot?

Edited by KalebC on 04/19/2012 19:15:00 MDT.

That's a good technique. I've used it before on my machine. My problem is both but mainly the hipbelt being too thick.

Have you tried taking the foot off and doing it without a foot?

Chris,

I ran into the same problem with some shoulder straps.

Kaleb's idea of hand advancing the machine to get it started worked for me. I had to push and shove and squeeze and press the layers under the presser foot. Once it was down and under pressure I could sew but I still needed to hand advance every now and then.

My layers at their thickest were:

1) Two layers of Quest Outfitters light weight nylon webbing
2) One layer of DP VX21 fabric
3) One layer of 1/2" CCF
4) One layer of 4mm Spacer Mesh

Two good things came out of this experience.

I got the straps sewn and finished. I also learned my machine's limit.

If I keep this up I'll soon be looking for a commercial machine with a presser foot that raises higher and a motor with more power!

What about a shoe repair shop or a leather craft shop for a stronger machine?

Good Luck!

Party On,

Newton

Needle, thimble, and thread?

Would take less time to do it manually than find a machine that will do it

Kaleb,
I haven't tried taking the foot off yet. That might be the solution. I'm not sure if the hipbelt will fit under the needles highest position, though.

John,
Good to know I'm not the only home sewer to face this problem. However, I can't believe you were sewing 1/2" CCF on a home machine. I'd expect it to be 1/4" or 3/8". I might see if there's a local shop that could help me out. I don't want to spend any money on the sewing if I can help it. Maybe there's a kind soul out there.

Jerry,
I'm pretty bad at hand sewing and truth be told don't have much desire to hone that craft. However, if all else fails that's my path.

Thanks for the suggestions so far everyone.