Problem with sewing machines and lightweight fabric

[nicodemus055]

Hi all- I've been lurking for a while, but as I finally build up a bikepacking kit, I find myself with some questions. 

I'm learning to use a sewing machine, making stuff sacks as an educational project.  I'm using 1.1oz ripstop nylon.  I think that trouble is that the fabric is so thin that the sewing machine won't auto-advance the fabric as it stitches- I sort of have to pull it through as the needle stitches.  This works fine, except for the edges of a seam (start and end of the fabric), where I can't reach my fat hands in under the needle mechanism. 

I guess my general question is, does anyone have tips for working with super-thin fabric on a sewing machine?  How do you deal with the ends of a piece of fabric?  I havent; yet tried thicker fabrics (I don't have any on-hand), so maybe this is a problem that will resolve itself when I turn to bigger projects like frame bags, but who knows- I'm still ign'ant about this sewing stuff. 

[trebor]

I have this issue too. I have a top stitch machine - no walking foot.  So the feed of fabric through on ultra slippery material is problematic.

To counter the problem, I lowered the presser foot pressure and gave a large seam allowance. in this large seam allowance I'm able to pin the fabric without putting holes in the waterproof "finished" side of the seam.

I suspect that a walking foot machine helps a bit.... but since I haven't sewn silnylon withone, I can't say absolutely.

Maybe those with a walking foot will chime in....

[Eric]

yep, try lowering the foot pressure, start in a bit from the end then back tack. Sil nylon is generally a pain to work especially if you are just starting out.
just fyi Trebor - technically you have bottom feed only, not needle feed or walking foot. There is no top stitch machine.

[fotooutdoors]

Good info to have, as I have a tarp in the wings to be made.  A very big thank-you to Eric.  It never ceases to amaze me when professionals take time to help us non-pro's out on something that we might otherwise purchase from them.  Kudos to you, and if I need some kit, well, I know where who I will purchase from.

[Bill in Houston]

i am inexperienced, but I had good luck sewing uncoated fabric by taping things in place with masking tape, sewing, and then peeling the tape off.  If you sew through it, it is still easy to peel off.  For my tarp I applied waterproofing afterward.  I have not tried to sew silnylon, but have heard it is very bad...

[nicodemus055]

Masking tape is a good suggestion- my mother had suggested a layer of tissue paper.  I don't know if this works generally, but I had better luck getting my sewing machine to advance the fabric if my stitch length was set longer.