showaddy1
Well-Known Member
Im looking at fixing a few of my rugs in an attempt to save some cash. Im ok with a sewing machine but just curious if a normal machine would do the job and which thread i should use?!
diy rug sewing/ fixing
- Thread starter showaddy1
- Start date
nicelittle
Well-Known Member
Hi, depends on what type of rugs you are sewing.
I have sewed many turnout rugs by hand, as you'd be hard to pushed to find a machine that will do this - you'd need an industrial one. I use plaiting thread which I wax first with bees wax - helps to grip the needle as well as waterproofing it.
For everything else I have a very old hand wound Singer which does everything, its veyr adjustable. I can sew horse stuff one day and a dress the next!
I have sewed many turnout rugs by hand, as you'd be hard to pushed to find a machine that will do this - you'd need an industrial one. I use plaiting thread which I wax first with bees wax - helps to grip the needle as well as waterproofing it.
For everything else I have a very old hand wound Singer which does everything, its veyr adjustable. I can sew horse stuff one day and a dress the next!
milliepops
Wears headscarf aggressively
I fix my own with a 1930s Singer machine, it copes fine with the strongest needles. I use heavy duty nylon thread as it goes through the needles easily and runs in the machine smoothly. My horse is pretty easy on her belongings but I think the repairs I've done are pretty sturdy 
Just go SLOWLY on any thick bits, it's easy on my machine as it's a treadle rather than electric, but the slow speed really helps to avoid breaking needles if you are going through lots of layers.
ETA just seen nicelittle's post - guess every machine is different
I sew turnout rugs as well as HW stable ones... try it (gently) and see how you get on!
Just go SLOWLY on any thick bits, it's easy on my machine as it's a treadle rather than electric, but the slow speed really helps to avoid breaking needles if you are going through lots of layers.
ETA just seen nicelittle's post - guess every machine is different
I sew turnout rugs as well as HW stable ones... try it (gently) and see how you get on!mjcssjw2
Well-Known Member
I am another using a very old treadle Jones machine its around 100 years old and cost me £25 is really good!
nicelittle
Well-Known Member
millie pops - maybe I should try it again but with thicker needles? It would certainly save my fingers!!!
milliepops
Wears headscarf aggressively
Worth a bash! My only limiting factor is how much I can wedge underneath the foot
I've sewn full-on sheepskin pads onto numnahs, that was about the thickest I could manage, but the toughness of the fabric hasn't been a problem.Also OP remember that the needles will blunt over time so I usually bin them after a heavy duty project
tinap
Well-Known Member
I mend all our yards rugs on my home sewing machine. As long as they are relatively clean before hand I don't normally have a problem. I just use normal thread from Dunelm etc but have a heavy duty needle in for turnouts xx
showaddy1
Well-Known Member
I'm so glad I posted this!! Gonna have a bash tomorrow... It'll cost me more to buy eight new rugs than a new machine thanks so much x
thanks so much x
holeymoley
Well-Known Member
I just done mine by hand. I bought a waterproof patch off eBay for about £1.50. Not sure I'd trust a machine unless it was an old robust type ! Took a good needle and bit if elbow grease to get through my heavyweight!
Grumpy Jewel
Well-Known Member
Plaiting needle or a good strong needle, plaiting thread (waxed as before) and most definatly a thimble as my finger killed afterwards! My repair was a straight slice so easy to fix and looks neat.
nikkimariet
Well-Known Member
I do the lighter jobs myself
We've got a non descript ancient little machine that just about copes with saddlepads and lighter weight rugs.
It will happily run through surcingles and the main fabric/fill of rugs, but struggles with the binding where the fabric is heavily layered. I use the heaviest duty needles I can find. One time I had a rug to repair but had run out, and went through roughly 6 normal needles trying to do the job!!!!
We do have an industrial machine, it's a bit temperamental but I've not got much patience with it so that's probably why...!!!
Interesting to read that people have had so much success with singers too, esp millipops with her treadle type - we've still got my mums which I believe is the same model. Might have a go with that next!
We've got a non descript ancient little machine that just about copes with saddlepads and lighter weight rugs.
It will happily run through surcingles and the main fabric/fill of rugs, but struggles with the binding where the fabric is heavily layered. I use the heaviest duty needles I can find. One time I had a rug to repair but had run out, and went through roughly 6 normal needles trying to do the job!!!!
We do have an industrial machine, it's a bit temperamental but I've not got much patience with it so that's probably why...!!!
Interesting to read that people have had so much success with singers too, esp millipops with her treadle type - we've still got my mums which I believe is the same model. Might have a go with that next!