Expert: Karen Erickson - 10/21/2009

Question
QUESTION: My Bernina sewing machine can't handle the thickness of sewing shirred piping to decorative pillows. I'm thinking I may need to move up to an industrial machine. I sew custom draperies and pillows out of my home. Can you recommend any sewing machine makes or models for heavy jobs like French pleats and pillows with thick piping? Also, do you have any tips that make installing piping easier? Thank you!

ANSWER: Wow I hope I can help.  We are here to help not only those who want to sew for their home, but also professionals in business.

I teach a lot of classes and I know several people who have Bernina's that have this problem. An industrial machine is not always the answer, but you should definitely try a few before purchasing.

Where do you live in the USA.... Where and maybe I can send you to someone I know.

Are you sewing over thick piping?  Or is it welt cord?
We usually remove the cord and do not sew over that.

Do you have photos of what you are trying to sew, so I can have a better vision, and can give you advise.

Thanks so much
always
Karen Erickson
homefashionu@gmail.com
www.homefashionsu.com

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for your response. I live in Gilbert, Arizona. I can see that I have much to learn about sewing! I don't know what a welt cord is! I made my own bias strips from decorator fabric and covered some fat cotton piping. Then I "shirred" it (pushed it and gathered it on the cording/piping). Then I attempted to pin that to the fabric that is to be the pillow back. All of those gathers in the seam allowance in between the pillow's top fabric and bottom fabric won't begin to go under my presser foot. I agree that an industrial machine may not be the answer. Are there any machines you would recommend that can handle thick drapery or even upholstery projects? I am sorry but I am unable to send a picture as my technical assistant (spouse) is unavailable. (:  Sorry I can't offer a clear picture of my problem.

Thanks much,
Audrey Schmidt

Answer
Sorry I have been in Kansas teaching at the Original Sewing Expo...

If you cannot get this under your pressure foot, then you would need a different machine to do this project.

You should give my partners in Peoria to see you you can set up a time to visit her workroom, and possibly she can help you get through this project if you call.

Would you be able to go to Peoria, and make an appointment with her?

always
Karen Erickson
www.homefashionsu.com
homefashionu@gmail.com