Sewing, thread, sewing machines + masking tape / duct tape differences

[lugiacollector]

Edit: This post contains lots of helpful comments for overall sewing method, machines and thread now!

I tried using the duct tape method of where you dull the tape by putting it against standard cloth/cotton a few times before applying it to the head, but it's become a huge mess where some pieces just haven't stuck together right, rips, shreds, too

Comments

[matrices]

I find masking tape is more suitable than duct tape. I haven't run into that problem with masking tape. Duct tape is pricier and not exactly meant for it even though it is quite popular for people to use for their own reasons.
See my video tutorial here, I used masking tape and you can see as I remove the tape I have no issues.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZzjqObVQHOI

[lugiacollector]

Yay, alright I will try that ^^;

[taokyuubimon]

I do duct tape but I put plastic wrap on before I stick the tape on.
The only problem are the ends of the wrap that stray but they can be easily cut/ripped off. Oh, and the fact that I'm awful at tearing plastic wrap. XD

[clockmagic]

A Duct tape pattern of the head, what about plastic wrap and masking tape?

[lugiacollector]

I feel like plastic wrap will move around too much, even after taped over. I will try masking tape though! ^_^

[growly]

Heya, here is a link for a really cheap bulk lot of masking tape :D http://www.amazon.com/3M-Masking-Production-Painting-60-Yard/dp/B00125V10U/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=IK5ZERPR004N&coliid=IC9FNAOV7JFVL
I got fed up with paying like $3 a roll at hobby stores.

[lugiacollector]

I'm fed up with the $3/roll price too and wanted to search for this earlier! :D YAY! But $23.32 for 9 rolls is $2.59 per roll XD this is with added shipping.

[familliaraver]

Cheap duct tape shouldn't stick to green upholstery foam if care is taken during the making of the pattern and the removal. As far as plastic wrap goes it does has it's uses in patterning when the goal is, for example, to save the original duct tape dummy while foaming out legs or something.

[matrices]

That's true! I often use newspaper with the same purpose as plastic wrap for body stuff like you mentioned.

[familliaraver]

Oh hey that's a good idea yo

[killpurakat]

Have no comments on the tape part, but as for the sewing machines woes

[lugiacollector]

Wonderful reply! I'm wondering what type of thread is best to use without having to literally go over the entire thing three different times X_x lol i'm very slow when I work on stuff and fell in love with this thread. >_< kinda sucks because other threads I have so many troubles with it breaking or not going through my machine easily and springing back and forth very often :o

The thread was loose after the incidence and knotted in the bobbin XD I can re-do the bobbin though. I've noticed when sewing, the machine pulls too much thread from the spool and it can sometimes get tangled underneath the spool around the metal bar that holds it.

I'm not sure if the stitch lengths are the same with yours compared to mine. I have as a base 2.5 I usually sew at 13.0 though, and it takes quite a while to do. 13.5 is the next and 14.0 after that.

My machine is a Brother EX-660 ^-^;

[matrices]

No, its a little much to sew the seam three times, in my opinion. Sewing it more than necessary sets yourself up for a seam staying so firm the fabric rips which is completely WORSE than a seam popping. I've learned this the hard way and had to re-cut entire body pieces because I made that serious mistake.

1 time on low-stress areas is sufficient, with thread appropriate for sewing machines.
2 times on high-stress areas (like crotch/seat/armpit) is enough, again, with thread appropriate for sewing machines.

Upholstery thread is not really the right choice for many sewing machines, and Brothers are a typically lower-end brand that aren't really reliable enough to handle it. You will probably have to use a high quality more expensive thread like Guttermann for that machine to be happy, or keep experimenting to find the right thread that works with your picky machine.

[lugiacollector]

BIG THUMBS UP TO THIS ^^^
<3 gotta give a HUGE thank you!