What machine do you guys use for French / double seams?
  • Larry Schwantes
    1
    Hey guys, just curious what machines you guys use when you do double top stitches, if you just use a single needle or a double needle. I did a chevy coupe in 2019 which had a lot of diamond pattern on seat inserts, door panels and trunk with double stitching which I used serafil accent thread on my old singer 144w305 long arm. It handled the job okay, it looked nice when done, but, man, that was a lot of passes to lay it all down plus staying attentive so the second stitch is evenly spaced with the first. Thinking about a double needle long arm as I have a couple jobs coming up that it would be really nice for, and it would need to accommodate the thicker top stitch thread. What do some of you guys use?
    Larry Schwantes Options
  • Abdul Osman
    0
    We use a typical gc20606 double needle walking foot it makes the job way simpler especially for double stitched diamonds
    Abdul Osman Options
  • Larry Schwantes
    1
    Thanks for the reply. So, the double needle was a sizable investment. Did you ever second guess the investment or was the benefit well worth the cost? I ask because I’m a one guy shop, would love to have a double needle, long arm one would be better yet, but have to justify the expense. So I’m debating between a new machine, a used machine or just keep doing what i’m doing. I’d prefer a used machine but they’re hard to find. I know of an older long arm singer, but i’d have over $2000 in it by the time the gauge was changed. What’s a guy to do...
    Larry Schwantes Options
  • Hal Bast
    13
    I bought a Consew 339RB-1 several years ago. I am like you, a one man shop. I have seconded guessed the investment when it's not used but then when I need it, I'm glad to have it. I bought a rebuilt from Keystone . They do wonderful work as the machine is like new.
    Hal Bast Options
  • Larry Schwantes
    1
    Thank you for your insight, that is very helpful. Have you ever wished it were a long arm? I guess the only thing I get hung up on is working on door panels, it’s nice to have the luxury of a long arm, but costs more. Bottom line, I think I am over thinking it, I could probably make good use of a standard length double needle like you guys have.
    Larry Schwantes Options
  • Hal Bast
    13
    A long arm would always be nice. I have a long arm single needle machine, but a double would be nice sometimes. I guess it's what you want to invest for very limited use. Myself, I can't justify another long arm.
    Hal Bast Options
  • Abdul Osman
    0
    ↪Hal Bast
    in all honesty it took me a while to get used to using it I would recommend getting a guide foot for your double needle machine ,dedicating threads for the double needle once it is set up and you have the hang of it , it really will save you a lot of time ideally you could get your French seams done in half the time it is a great investment you will never go wrong by having extra machinery this will ultimately make you more efficient time equals money in our trade and well if you can do a French seam with minimal effort like on the double needle machine then why not
    Abdul Osman Options
  • Tim Snider
    3
    I have a Consew 339-4 regular machine have never regretted it I quite often see 48in by9 foot precise for semi truck sleepers a long arm would be nice but I make it I also have a juki 1760L post machine I do a lot of French seams on it’s a beast I’m also a one man shop but these machines save me a lot of time
    Tim Snider Options
  • Larry Schwantes
    1
    Thanks you guys, this is exactly the input I was looking for. I definitely need to move on something, what it will be is yet to be determined, i’m considering all your comments as I consider this. And a post machine, I didn’t think of that but I can see where there would be times that would be slick as well.
    Larry Schwantes Options
  • Joshua Etchison
    0
    I have a Consew 339RB-1 that came with a 3/8” needle head. I changed it up to a 1/2” to do car upholstery and love it. Not a bad deal for $600. Runs good if you get the thread tension adjusted right. But I always have to really run a lot through it to test it. If I run 1’ piece it looks good. Then about halfway through a seat one of the threads start to fray and the thread breaks. If dialed in right it runs like a champ.
    Joshua Etchison Options
  • Nadeem Muaddi
    84
    If you're looking for a solid double-needle, the NC11 is a workhorse. You can even get it as a long arm, which is pretty sweet. Talk to @Mal Maher at NC. He can give you details.
    Nadeem Muaddi Options
  • Jason Bos
    2
    I just bought the NC twin needle post bed and it’s great! You can even pause one needle and run one side only. mbyzko1s08m4qpsa.jpeg
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    Jason Bos Options
  • John Nisselbeck
    2
    Nice work
    John Nisselbeck Options
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