Problems sewing PUL

[AutumnMom07]

My machine suddenly won't sew PUL correctly. It skipps stitches. It works fine with any other fabric. I have tried different needles and adjusting the tension...at my wits end!! I have a bunch of diapers cut out and ready to sew but my machine just won't cooperate: What kind of needles work best for you all? Have you ever had/solved a skipping issue with PUL? Any help is GREATLY appreciated.

[mommy2cassy]

I haven't tried it myself yet (I'm eagerly awaiting my first order of PUL in the mail), but I found this site that suggested a Teflon or walking foot for sewing PUL:

http://www.celticclothswholesale.com...gPULFabric.htm

It also suggests laying some thin tissue paper over the PUL and sewing through that, then just pulling the paper off after it's sewn.

Hopefully one of these ideas will help you!

[love2bmom]

Yep! I use a Teflon foot. Works like a charm

[sarah04]

I put the other fabric up. Like, if the outer is PUL and the inner is velour, I put the velour up. That way the PUL doesn't stick to the foot. Hope that makes sense ...

[~Megan~]

A few ideas as my machine just has this problem.

#1 use good needles. The new Singer needles aren't very good, most others seem to be fine IME.

#2 my machine makes me have to pull the threads from the needle and bobbin for the first few stitches to provide additional tension

#3 clean your machine, make sure its not full of lint and oil it up really good.

Do that and see what happens.

[jerri]

I use a bit of tissue paper over the shiny side of the pul and just tear it away after, the tiny bits left in the stitches wash away.

[kimbersdawnly]

You seemed to be saying that your machine was sewing it fine and now it's not. Is that right? If so, what kind of machine do you have? Is it possible that you have worn the gears?

The majority of machines made today are mass produced with plastic gears that will allow it to slip and skip stitches or not provide enough torque to pierce stubborn fabrics like PUL if they have worn down. After a few years I wanted to throw my Singer out the window with every other project as it became progressively less capable until it finally couldn't keep the timing at all.

This may not be your problem - but I wanted to throw it out there just in case. I thought I was just doing something wrong when my machine first started going downhill and it was so frustrating not knowing what!

Good luck!

[amysuen]

ITA, if your machine has been sewing PUL and now isn't it may be time for a tune-up.

I sew my PUL shiny side up, using a Teflon foot and regular needle. I've heard some places that a ball-point needle is better for PUL but I've never had an issue with regular ones.

[AutumnMom07]

Thanks for all the advice, I tried the tissue paper and it helped somewhat. It only skipped a couple stitches with it but I found it a little tedious tring to deal with the paper and sewing the fabric in a nice staight line (guess I'm not that coordinated) My next step will either be to try the teflon foot or just take it in for a tune up. I just hope it doesn't cost more than what the machine is worth. I have an old (Probably 80's model) singer merrit that I bought used in college. Untill recently though it has been a champ and sewn anything. I almost bought a whole new machine (Viking emerald) but if I can get this one back to working order I guess that would be the most cost efficent solution. Thanks again everyone

[love2bmom]

I think JoAnn's Fabrics sells Singer parts. You could call and ask them if they have the Teflon foot.

[aaronsmom]

I always sew the PUL with the laminated side facing down. That works for me.

[detroitgirl77]

Originally Posted by love2bmom

I think JoAnn's Fabrics sells Singer parts. You could call and ask them if they have the Teflon foot.

i bought my teflon and walking foots here--they are generic, but work fine on my singer(low shank). the teflon foot was $5 and the walking foot was $15--even better if you have a 40 or 50% off coupon.

[detroitgirl77]

i've used both a teflon and walking foot when sewing pul but prefer the walking foot since the teflon foot sometimes bunches up the fabric for me

[tinaroseb]

I use ball point needles, make sure the machine is clean and well-oiled, and put wax paper over the PUL and then tear that away (gently!) after sewing. Hope you get things figured out.

[AutumnMom07]

well after an $80 tune up on my $90 dollar used machine....I am back in business! Works like brand new, doesn't even sound like the same machine -guess I really needed the tune up!