I have been wrestling with large lengths of fabric as well, but fortunately it is not rigid like that PVC coated fabric you have there. I have sewn that material. It is used for the curtain sides on semi trailers and for heavy duty tarps. It is extremely durable but a real bear to handle in large lengths. I have some outside 24x7 and I'm sure it will last 10+ years. Those white plastic tables that fold up, work for for things like this. They come in 3-8 ft lengths. If you had one behind and to the left of you, that would be easier. The plastic is slippery so most fabric will easily slide on it. I used several tables to modify some 40+ ft sails outside in the summertime. It sure would be nice to have a sail loft for large projects. Another tip, if you find your material sticking to your machine table, tape some clear plastic polyethylene to your table with masking tape. Its very slippery. I just finished a 18 x 12 foot cover for a dump truck and I'm working on a trailer cover that is 14 x 10ft. But I'm using 8 oz Polyester fabric that is a heck of a lot easier to handle than that side curtain material you have in this video. My next project is to make a travel trailer cover. The trailer is 40ft long and 8 ft wide. The main panel will be about 48 ft x 15 ft, about 50 yards of material, 5 ft wide. Big! So I came here looking for tips on how to better handle all of the material in a limited space. It sure would be nice to have access to a gymnasium for a few days. But it it was easy, everyone would do it! 😄
If you want the rolls tighter just keep rolling them in the direction they roll up.... Just rolling them and they will keep getting tighter and tighter... Try it, works everytime. I learned this doing viynl flooring years ago when we had to deal with 12' rolls of material and they had to be rolled tight to move the "drops" around for large job layouts. Works with carpet too.... Any fabric type materials will tighten up this way easily. Nice Juki, I have the same one.... For jobs like that I have a old Singer 112 double needle machine that makes quick strong work on anything the Juki can sew.
Great video. Same thing I do for Physical Therapy table covers and bigger things. Sometimes I use little folding tables for support but I’ve also used the roller outfeed stands that I use for my table saw.
Another great video. Looking forward to some shop updates. A few of us who have your training programs now communicate somewhat regularly on the phone with each other regarding our training efforts.
I agree with your rolls and clamps. Sewing wing sails for ultralight aircraft with fabric up to 10 by 16 feet. Panels the size you are working with are very common. I would suggest something like a "sail loft", a flat work space surrounding the sewing machine large enough to lay out your fabric. Also the black spring type paper clips are a big help. The most important thing is BASTING TAPE. Cut and lay out all the pieces the with 1/4" wide double sided basting tape you preassemble each part.
Definitely adjust the legs on your machine table, it’s easier to be slightly higher than the table next to you. I make covers out of 18 oz truck tarp as well. I normally work alone, so I’ve used some thin polyester blanket batting to act as a slide, if I’m fighting a heavy cover. I also use basting tape on some applications. Thanks
Thanks John. Any tips for sewing pleats on large panels too? I often have to do the rear cushion that sits over the engine in a VW camper which is sometimes a bit of struggle to manoeuvre!
I use either 92 or 138 thread for all materials in automotive or marine upholstery. Sometimes I will use a 207 thread for top stitching when I want the stitching to stand out more on automotive seats.
I have been wrestling with large lengths of fabric as well, but fortunately it is not rigid like that PVC coated fabric you have there. I have sewn that material. It is used for the curtain sides on semi trailers and for heavy duty tarps. It is extremely durable but a real bear to handle in large lengths. I have some outside 24x7 and I'm sure it will last 10+ years.
Those white plastic tables that fold up, work for for things like this. They come in 3-8 ft lengths. If you had one behind and to the left of you, that would be easier. The plastic is slippery so most fabric will easily slide on it. I used several tables to modify some 40+ ft sails outside in the summertime. It sure would be nice to have a sail loft for large projects.
Another tip, if you find your material sticking to your machine table, tape some clear plastic polyethylene to your table with masking tape. Its very slippery.
I just finished a 18 x 12 foot cover for a dump truck and I'm working on a trailer cover that is 14 x 10ft. But I'm using 8 oz Polyester fabric that is a heck of a lot easier to handle than that side curtain material you have in this video.
My next project is to make a travel trailer cover. The trailer is 40ft long and 8 ft wide. The main panel will be about 48 ft x 15 ft, about 50 yards of material, 5 ft wide. Big! So I came here looking for tips on how to better handle all of the material in a limited space. It sure would be nice to have access to a gymnasium for a few days. But it it was easy, everyone would do it! 😄
I staple them pieces together because of arthritis in my hands, it helps so much
A cart on wheels would work well for support.
👍, good to see you still at it. Thanks
If you want the rolls tighter just keep rolling them in the direction they roll up.... Just rolling them and they will keep getting tighter and tighter... Try it, works everytime. I learned this doing viynl flooring years ago when we had to deal with 12' rolls of material and they had to be rolled tight to move the "drops" around for large job layouts. Works with carpet too.... Any fabric type materials will tighten up this way easily. Nice Juki, I have the same one.... For jobs like that I have a old Singer 112 double needle machine that makes quick strong work on anything the Juki can sew.
Great video. Same thing I do for Physical Therapy table covers and bigger things. Sometimes I use little folding tables for support but I’ve also used the roller outfeed stands that I use for my table saw.
Hey John, happy new year, nice to see you again. Hopefully you’ll have better times in 2024. 🎉🎉
Great tip. I have some larger projects in the works and this will help,
Another great video. Looking forward to some shop updates. A few of us who have your training programs now communicate somewhat regularly on the phone with each other regarding our training efforts.
I agree with your rolls and clamps. Sewing wing sails for ultralight aircraft with fabric up to 10 by 16 feet. Panels the size you are working with are very common. I would suggest something like a "sail loft", a flat work space surrounding the sewing machine large enough to lay out your fabric. Also the black spring type paper clips are a big help. The most important thing is BASTING TAPE. Cut and lay out all the pieces the with 1/4" wide double sided basting tape you preassemble each part.
I use ironing boards placed as needed to support the large panels.
Thanks John
Can also use basting tape or staple the seam together. One less thing to have to fight.
Definitely adjust the legs on your machine table, it’s easier to be slightly higher than the table next to you. I make covers out of 18 oz truck tarp as well. I normally work alone, so I’ve used some thin polyester blanket batting to act as a slide, if I’m fighting a heavy cover. I also use basting tape on some applications.
Thanks
Thanks John. Any tips for sewing pleats on large panels too? I often have to do the rear cushion that sits over the engine in a VW camper which is sometimes a bit of struggle to manoeuvre!
Hola como estas que nombre tiene el material con el que trabajas 😊
You still milling lumber? 🤗
I’ve done a few boat covers. Roll a piece up to slide under the machine, repeat.
Is the fabric vinyl? What size thread are you using?
I use either 92 or 138 thread for all materials in automotive or marine upholstery. Sometimes I will use a 207 thread for top stitching when I want the stitching to stand out more on automotive seats.