argon sil sewing question

[stevebo]

Hey guys, I just started sewing my argon sil tarp and have a few questions. when sewing sil I usually use singer universal regular point needles (with the blue band) I sewed a sample of argon sil using this needle and it seemed to work fine. Is that alright, or do you have other suggestions? Also, what stitch spacing do you recommend? (is there a danger of having the stitching too close?) I am using the hybred seam shown on DIY gear supplys sewing guide. (french seam hybred?)

[squidbilly]

I use Schmetz Microtex Sharp 70/10 Universals will work fine-just don't use ballpoints. Use 7-10 stitches per inch. They say too many stitches per inch could lead to perforation of the material, although I've not seen this happen. Too many stitches per inch are also harder to remove if you need to revise.

[stevebo]

Thanks! Just what I needed!

[doogie]

I used a universal needle and medium stitch length with no issues. The one issue I did have was fabric stretch. I normally don't pin my seams, but when I got the the other end of my ridgeline, I was off by a good 4 inches due to stretch. Ripped it out and pinned it and all was good.

[Mouseskowitz]

I started using Microtex Sharp needles as well. I'm using Organ needles rather than the Schmetz, seem to be as good but a lot cheaper. I think I was using about 10 or 12 stitches/inch on my last tarp. Don't forget that your needle needs to be changed every 6-8 hours of sewing. That will probably make more difference than anything else.

[VictoriaGuy]

Don't forget that your needle needs to be changed every 6-8 hours of sewing.

Is that actual stitching time?
At half-speed (~500 stitches/minute) that's about 1500 feet of seam....which is probably months of 'once in a while' sewing for me.

I guess I don't do much sewing compared to a lot of folks, but I only change needles when I 'hit something' or when the stitches stop forming properly. Usually it's a bent needle or a burr, not just dulling. That said, if I see the fabric being 'punched down' through the hole in the plate, I change needles- and with very light coated fabric that might happen more often.

Where does the 6-8 hour number come from?

[VictoriaGuy]

I found this file (intended for industrial users, I think) which might be useful.
www.schmetzneedles.com/learning/pdf/needle-life.pdf

[Mouseskowitz]

Where does the 6-8 hour number come from?

It was something that I ran into while trying to figure out what type of needle I wanted to use. When I went back to try and find a specific reference I found times ranging from 4 to 20 hours of sewing time. Right around 8 seems to be the most common. Knowing the symptoms of a bad needle is a good thing, and other than that changing the needle before a big project is a good idea. In my mind the point is more that needles need to be changed and that it is somewhat often. This is all coming more from reading than personal experience. So, take it for what it's worth. I can tell you that my wife didn't know for a long time that you had to change needles and she had all kinds of problems because of it.

[VictoriaGuy]

In my mind the point is more that needles need to be changed and that it is somewhat often. This is all coming more from reading than personal experience. So, take it for what it's worth. I can tell you that my wife didn't know for a long time that you had to change needles and she had all kinds of problems because of it.

Well, when I do have a stitch formation problem, my standard response (after re-threading and checking the bobbin) is to swap in a new needle, so we agree on that.
BTW, there may be 'bad karma' out there for folks who put bent and burred needles back in the sewing box where the enthusiastic novice buyer will discover them years later! Throw them out! (I usually stick em in a bit of tape to keep from stabbing myself when I put out the trash...).

[VictoriaGuy]

Where does the 6-8 hour number come from?

I found a quote online which was roughly: "I'm a certified sewing machine repairman and shop owner and I recommend a new needle after every three bobbins." Nobody asked that fellow if he sold needles in his shop.....and the markup on needles in some places (e.g. Fabricland in Canada) is huge compared to the prices online...so the profit motive may be part of the story.