Joining horticultural fleece on a domestic sowing machine?

[quanglewangle]

Can horticultural fleece be sown on a domestic sowing machine?

I bought some fleece cheap but it is a bit too narrow. Do folks think I can sow lengths together on a domestic electric sowing machine?

I would simply give it a try but use of the sowing machine in our house sometimes leads to robust discussions on a par with those resulting from failing to load the dishwasher in the canonical manner. Just lining up my ducks.

[greenishfing]

I would give it a go. You don't want too much pressure on the pressure foot and you want a as long a stitch as possible.

[MelanieSW]

It's not ideal as it's thin and tears easily (just the kind of fabric that gets dragged into the machine, then you break the needle and rip the fabric trying to get it back out).
If you want to give it a go, I'd suggest treat it like chiffon or silk and put some light paper underneath to stabilise it during sowing, that can then be torn away (newspaper might work).
But this is a case where rough handsowing might be easier ...

[quanglewangle]

It's not ideal as it's thin and tears easily (just the kind of fabric that gets dragged into the machine, then you break the needle and rip the fabric trying to get it back out).
If you want to give it a go, I'd suggest treat it like chiffon or silk and put some light paper underneath to stabilise it during sowing, that can then be torn away (newspaper might work).
But this is a case where rough handsowing might be easier ...

Useful advice, thanks. It may surprise you to know that my experience of sowing chiffon and silk is as scant as it is of sowing fleece. So rough hand sowing it is. Sounds less risky and I can do rough.

[greenishfing]

I'd be tempted to fold the join over a couple of times and staple every 4 inches or so. My staple gun is an essential piece of kit at the allotment. Probably won't look too pretty.

[quanglewangle]

Thanks greenfishing. Staples might work. Can't use a gun though 'cause it doesn't close the staples. Will try the desk stapler.

Know what you mean about usefulness of staple gun generally though. I keep meaning to look for stainless steel staples.

[greenishfing]

My staple gun has a bit I can flip down if I want to close the staples. It was from screwf*x, where I also buy big packs of staples.

[quanglewangle]

My staple gun has a bit I can flip down if I want to close the staples. It was from screwf*x, where I also buy big packs of staples.

That's a good feature, which mine lacks unfortunatly.

[SarrissUK]

Hmmm... I'd probably join them with sewing tape that is ironed to stick them together. You can get that tape dirt cheap on ebay.

[Logunner]

Hmmm... I'd probably join them with sewing tape that is ironed to stick them together. You can get that tape dirt cheap on ebay.

This ^

Or fabric glue ( may give up if left wet all the time )

[Bren In Pots]

I’d use that as well Sarris look for ‘ Bond a Web’ when you search.

[Bluenowhere]

If you stable gun with the fleece (or whatever) resting on a brick paver or metal sheet the staple ends will close over - or at least they do with mine.

[Chestnut]

I tried some very rough hand stitching trying to hold fleece around a frame to keep carrot flies away. It tended to slip along the thread with gravity (needs lots of locking stitches to avoid this), then once a few windy days had been had it started to rip at the stitches with most tension. Next time I’m gotta try that iron on fabric glue/hemming tape Sarris recommended!

[Right Shed Fred]

Do let us know which strategy worked...! I worry that the heat required for the bond-a-web stuff might not be great for the fleece itself.

[greenishfing]

Do let us know which strategy worked...! I worry that the heat required for the bond-a-web stuff might not be great for the fleece itself.

Or the iron!