[VAC] Re: sewing curtains.

["Carol and Oliver Filippi" <ofilippi@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Some time ago I posted some notes regarding sewing drapes. Now that there is
a renewed interest in this activity as indicated by the current postings I
am summarizing some key issues.

>From an engineering standpoint, sewing drapes is not rocket science.  Anyone
of moderate intelligence should be able to figure out the construction and
sequence of steps given a completed drape.

That was the good news.  Now for the bad news.

Light duty "home" sewing machines are not up to the task of stitching thru
multiple layers of drapery fabric.  Thus a job which is relatively easy with
an industrial sewing machine can be a frustrating nightmare on a light duty
machine. [The only "home machine" that might be an exception is an old
German Pfaff.]  An ancient Singer 31-15 which were sold with treadle power
will sew drapes with ease.  These machines (sewing head) were later
motorized and used industrially and by tailors for decades.

Note that industrial machines typically have a constantly running motor (1/3
to 1 horsepower) with a flywheel with a disc clutch system to apply power to
the machine.  This allows them to start under heavy loads (thick or dense
fabric). Home machines typically have a small motor which must start under
the load of the work.  This design is simple and light weight, but not very
good at heavy sewing.

Bottom line:  If you have access to an industrial sewing machine and have
some sewing skill, give it a try.  If all you have is a light duty machine,
your best bet is to leave it to someone who is better equipped.

Oliver Filippi