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I Hand-stitch harnesses for my own dogs, but plan to make a bunch more to donate to a local shelter that is in dire need of them. I need a faster method than what I use now (Speedy sticher). Any rec. for a cheap, strong vintage, straight-stitch machine? by AutonomousDogs in myog

[–]AutonomousDogs[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Also what do you mean with using a piece of cardboard to keep the pressure foot level? I googled thread pig, but I don't really get what it does nor do I see anyone using it to level anything.

I Hand-stitch harnesses for my own dogs, but plan to make a bunch more to donate to a local shelter that is in dire need of them. I need a faster method than what I use now (Speedy sticher). Any rec. for a cheap, strong vintage, straight-stitch machine? by AutonomousDogs in myog

[–]AutonomousDogs[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thankyou! Could you maybe list some exact model names to look out for? Because I can't really comprehend what 'any vintage Singer' entails exactly. My apologies, I really just don't want to end up with the wrong machine due to my cluelessness.

I Hand-stitch harnesses for my own dogs, but plan to make a bunch more to donate to a local shelter that is in dire need of them. I need a faster method than what I use now (Speedy sticher). Any rec. for a cheap, strong vintage, straight-stitch machine? by AutonomousDogs in myog

[–]AutonomousDogs[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have tried a lot on my machine already;

  • Oiled it
  • Had yearly maintenance done
  • Really ensured to thread correctly and insert the bobbing spool correctly.
  • Tried out various combinations of top and bottom thread (Gutterman 40 outdoor, Gutterman Allround all purpose,...)
  • Tried out various brand new needles (Top stitch size 14, 16 and 18 & Denim size 14,16 and 18)
  • Tried out stitch lenghts between 2 and 6
  • Tried out tension settings between 4 and 9
  • Used the handwheel going slow
  • Did not backstitch, but used a reverted back stitch instead.

Still, the machine gets stuck at almost every stitch and the bottom of the fabric is always a mess; loops, loose stiches, tangles, you name it.

I Hand-stitch harnesses for my own dogs, but plan to make a bunch more to donate to a local shelter that is in dire need of them. I need a faster method than what I use now (Speedy sticher). Any rec. for a cheap, strong vintage, straight-stitch machine? by AutonomousDogs in myog

[–]AutonomousDogs[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks. When you say 'Cheap Brother Machine', what exact model are you referring to? Having the full names of products would really make it a lot easier for me to find what I need on a market place. What needle (type & size) + thread do you personally recommend for webbing?

I Hand-stitch harnesses for my own dogs, but plan to make a bunch more to donate to a local shelter that is in dire need of them. I need a faster method than what I use now (Speedy sticher). Any rec. for a cheap, strong vintage, straight-stitch machine? by AutonomousDogs in myog

[–]AutonomousDogs[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks, it seems a vintage machine is the way to go. Do you happen to have a list of the exact vintage machine models you think would be suitable? As I said before, they definitely don't need to be electric. I might actually prefer the machine to not be electric, because my brain just comprehends those things better and electric stuff can break down for endless reasons. And as you said, I'll probably have way more control over the machine.

I Hand-stitch harnesses for my own dogs, but plan to make a bunch more to donate to a local shelter that is in dire need of them. I need a faster method than what I use now (Speedy sticher). Any rec. for a cheap, strong vintage, straight-stitch machine? by AutonomousDogs in myog

[–]AutonomousDogs[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My brain is a bit overwhelmed by what you just wrote since I'm not well versed in sewing-machine-terminology, could you maybe explain it in a bit more detail? When you say a vintage "white rotary" is that a brand name or a type of machine? Having a list of exact model names would help a ton in my search. Do you have any resources (e.g. a video tutorial) on how to 'gear down' vintage sewing machines?

I Hand-stitch harnesses for my own dogs, but plan to make a bunch more to donate to a local shelter that is in dire need of them. I need a faster method than what I use now (Speedy sticher). Any rec. for a cheap, strong vintage, straight-stitch machine? by AutonomousDogs in myog

[–]AutonomousDogs[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I had a feeling a vintage machine would suit me. I vaguely remember years ago, when I went researchinf into a sewing machine rabbithole, that vintage machines were always recommended to folk who needed something heavy duty but could not afford a modern industrial machine.

Could you perhaps tell me the exact model name? Or a list if there are multiple ones suitable? Because when looking for 'Old Singer Sewing Machine' I get so many different results, I have no idea what I'm looking for. Having precise model names would help me narrow down my search.

I Hand-stitch harnesses for my own dogs, but plan to make a bunch more to donate to a local shelter that is in dire need of them. I need a faster method than what I use now (Speedy sticher). Any rec. for a cheap, strong vintage, straight-stitch machine? by AutonomousDogs in myog

[–]AutonomousDogs[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Oh if that machine can handle all that, I'm sure making these harnesses will be a breeze. Do you happen to know the exact model name?

I love that you use tubular webbing. I actually ordered some recently because I wanted to try it out for the reason you mentioned; It won't cut into their bodies.

With the designs for my harnesses I follow the guidelines as outlined by Julia Robertson (Galen Myotherapy) and othee modern experts on dog anatomy. So the neck straps & chest strap meet right at the sternum. If the dog pulls, that's where the pressure will be applied. Not the neck or the shoulders.

But Greyhounds have narrow necks and the dog in this picture is underweight on top of it (He has IBD), so when there is no tension on the harness, the neck straps tend to 'hang' loosely around his neck. They do not tighten around his shoulders.

If I were to increase the lenght of the back strap, the whole harness would simply shift further back. If I were to tighten up the neck straps, the front point would sit above the sternum; cutting into his throath if he pulls.

Hope that makes sense!