Sewing tree straps

**Hegone** · 03-01-2013, 22:59

Anyone sewn any tree straps? I tried and my needle seems to hang up. I am using a denim needle is this enough needle? I am using a Kenmore sewing machine is this type of sewing too much for the machine?

**Mikeinajeep** · 03-01-2013, 23:01

You might want to sew them by hand,rub your needle on a candle. Or use pliers. Wow that sounds dirty!

**gmcttr** · 03-01-2013, 23:29

Depending on the strap (heavy, tight weave), it may be more than the motor can handle. If you're using straight stitches, you can turn the hand wheel by hand...slow, but beats the heck out of hand stitching.

**Ticklebelly** · 03-02-2013, 00:00

I have made several tree straps from 25 mm, 360 Kg webbing found on those racheting tie-down straps from the hardware. Never a problem at all as the needle seems to slip through the webbing with ease. What material are you using for your straps?

**psyculman** · 03-02-2013, 06:27

Originally Posted by Ticklebelly

I have made several tree straps from 25 mm, 360 Kg webbing found on those racheting tie-down straps from the hardware. Never a problem at all as the needle seems to slip through the webbing with ease. What material are you using for your straps?

Same here, with a Kenmore

**oldgringo** · 03-02-2013, 06:52

I'll bet you have a dull needle. Try a new one and see if that helps.

**Ramblinrev** · 03-02-2013, 06:54

If the needle has a mileage on it swap it out for a new one. I would not recommend rubbing the needle with anything as that could really gum up the works. Check for a burr on the needle tip, it should smooth and sharp. If it is not ouchy sharp then change it for a new one.

**FBG** · 03-02-2013, 17:23

Originally Posted by gmcttr

Depending on the strap (heavy, tight weave), it may be more than the motor can handle. If you're using straight stitches, you can turn the hand wheel by hand...slow, but beats the heck out of hand stitching.

If it's not the needle, definitely try turning the wheel by hand. I've done this a ton when stitching through dense multi-layers. As stated above, it's slow, but it definitely beats hand stitching.

**Hegone** · 03-03-2013, 08:11

Originally Posted by Ticklebelly

I have made several tree straps from 25 mm, 360 Kg webbing found on those racheting tie-down straps from the hardware. Never a problem at all as the needle seems to slip through the webbing with ease. What material are you using for your straps?

Not sure what the straps are made of. It is a piece of strap off of an old rachet strap. I found it in the garage and was going to try to sew it just to see if I could. I think I will try using the handwheel and see what happens. I am using some outdoor thread. Pretty strong stuff.

**Junebugdawn** · 03-03-2013, 08:23

Originally Posted by Hegone

I am using some outdoor thread. Pretty strong stuff.

This may be your problem. I have a heavy duty sewing machine, but it does not like the heavy outdoor threads. I have trouble with it hanging up every time I have tried using that type. I just use 100% polyester thread now...Guttermans or other German thread when I have it. It holds just as well as outdoor thread.