Kitebuilder Online

Dorsal · Posted: Sun Jan 18, 2004 12:19 am Post subject: Using a hemmer foot?

Does anybody out there have any advice / words of wisdom / cyanide pills regarding the use of a hemming foot attachment on my Simplicity sewing machine? I'm talking about the foot with the curved piece of spring metal in front that's supposed to (somehow) help produce a rolled hem.
And I'm not talking about advanced stuff, either. I have a 3mm (I think) hemmer foot for this machine, but I can't even figure out how to push the material through it to get anything to happen. I went to the store to buy a 4 or 6mm foot, and didn't find one, but I think that if I can get this one figured out and successfully make some practice hems with it, it would be worth my while to search down the proper width hemmers that I need.
btw, this is for sewing my kite tails, 1/2 oz. polyester Icarex. I have a total of (60 X 2) + (40 X 4) = 280 feet of hems to produce, and would rather not have to fold/hold/sew every inch of that.
Question

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"The wind is the perfect reminder of God.
The only way we can prove it exists is by observing the things it affects.
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MaggieM · Joined: 04 Sep 2003 Posts: 5 Location: N.B. Canada

Hi Dennis,

Try this link for a pretty good explanation on how to use a narrow hemmer foot.
http://sewing.about.com/library/sewnews/library/aatech0803.htm
It seems pretty clear. I do suggest that you do some test pieces first tho. Once you get the hang of it, it can sure save a lot of time.

HTH

MaggieM ( Mrs Mountain Man)

kiteguy · Posted: Sun Jan 18, 2004 10:56 am Post subject:

I have an attachment that will put binding on the edges. It takes a 1 inch wide ribbon and folds it three times and lines it up to sew the binding tape to the sail. It is fine for long pieces, but a pain otherwise.

It was not made for my machine. So it has to be taped to the arm of the sewing machine and fiddle around with it until things line up. Willie Koch had them for a class I took making the lattice work kites a few years ago. I have not used it enough to make it worth the $$ involved. I paid $65 for it.

"Psst, Say, Mister, I have a good deal here for you. A fantastic device only rarely used by a little old man on weekends. Want to make an offer?"
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tbanning · Joined: 05 Sep 2003 Posts: 30 Location: USA Wa Bonney Lake

Dorsal · Posted: Sun Jan 18, 2004 3:09 pm Post subject: mmmmm! Input!!!

MaggieM, Thank you! I just knew there would be an online source for this kind of information, but my searches were getting nowhere. Brick wall

I bookmarked that link immediately! ummm - errr - I think I love you. Wink

tbanning, I got your email. Just seeing the photos on that page cleared up a lot of my mental fog. Thanks! Dancing

_________________
"The wind is the perfect reminder of God.
The only way we can prove it exists is by observing the things it affects.
That's why I also believe in the wind!"
Dennis

kitepoor · Posted: Mon Jan 19, 2004 7:39 am Post subject:

I got some hemmers off ebay. In the hour I spent, I could not get them to work on the 1.5 Ripstop I had. They seemed so simple and so wonderful. I just couldn't get the fabric to feed like it was supposed to.
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How come the nicest kite weather comes
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Kitesquid · Posted: Mon Jan 19, 2004 8:00 am Post subject:

I could never get one to work well for me either......

If I could I would be able to save a lot of time in my kite building....

AAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHH
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P.S. Yet another long winded post by the Squid..... Shocked

P.P.S. The wind is like the air, only pushier.

stevef · Posted: Mon Jan 19, 2004 8:37 am Post subject:

I've used them successfully in the past.... they work best on fabrics heavier than .75 oz.... like the 1.5 and/or banner nylons. Although with practice you can use them with the .75. BUT, I never could figure out a good way to get the hem "started." If i am hemming say a 18 inch piece, it usually takes me a good 2-3 inches before it is working right.... so on tails I can work this 'extra' into the measurement. On a kite it is more difficult. Also, if the foot "screws up" the rolled hem half way through, it is a bugger to fix and get started again...... so it is not always the time saver that you think.
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Kitesquid · Posted: Mon Jan 19, 2004 8:39 am Post subject:

OK Steve, you have convinced me!

I will keep folding and sewing to get hems.
_________________
VR/
KiteSquid
AKA TakoIka
AKA Harold
King George VA

P.S. Yet another long winded post by the Squid..... Shocked

P.P.S. The wind is like the air, only pushier.

Stan · Posted: Mon Jan 19, 2004 12:01 pm Post subject:

Thanks for the link MMM!
I'll study the instructions.
I've been struggling with my rolled hems, and they would be just the ticket on UL and miniature kites if I could just start them better.

Stan