Noob with a new mx5 Saturn build.

[Bonzo]

I recently bought an old Singer sewing machine to fabricate some vinyl covers for my boat seats.
Works a treat with the right size needle & correct thread.
Stitches perfectly through 2 layers of vinyl + the pvc piping.

unless the fabric is very grippy you could probably get away with just using a Teflon foot.
Walking foot attachments are available at reasonable cost, bought one but never needed to use it.

Just look out for any cheap metal bodied domestic sewing machine, Singer Brother ect.

I did think about buying an industrial walking foot machine but simply can't justify the cost.
Another thing about industrial machines is the stitching speed, way too fast for a novice like me to control.

There are some great sewing tutorials on youtube

Never touched a sewing machine in my life before but I am more than happy with the seat covers I made.

[Bonzo]

Here's a poor photo of my first crack at sewing.



Quite therapeutic once you get the hang of things.

[norton]

You are a star thank you! That's the reassurance I needed to push on with it. Can you tell me which model Singer you have please?

[Bonzo]

The model I bought was Singer 3105

Stitch length up 5mm, center stitch + Left or Right ( straight stitch )
Also has a zig zag stitching capability.

Circa 1970s , a good solid basic machine.

One currently on ebay item: 191964756706 Cheap for what it is.

I paid £129 for mine but it was from a sewing machine center & had been fully serviced/set up.
Worked brilliant straight from the box.

I don't doubt that there are better machines out there but for a one off bit of trial & error, works fine for me.

Going to have a go at some covers just as soon as the weather warms up.

[norton]

Thank you again. I'm going to go for it. I've never done anything like it before so I'm looking forward to the challenge. Watch this space...

[norton]

I'm stuck on material choice for the boot cover and other parts. Black vinyl is an obvious choice but I'm not keen on the look. I thoughts of using a black outdoors canvas but, I don't know, I'm not convinced mainly because I've never handled it.

Also, will it need a second layer of something to give it more weight and substance?

[TSM Locost]

Good place to start https://www.profabrics.co.uk/collections/all/Marine