I just read a post over at Wyoming Lost and Found about stitches per inch and it got me wondering - what stitches per inch settings do all you diy-ers and myog-ers out there use?
http://wyominglostandfound.com/?p=553
I'd been using a really high count (about 18) but after reading this I may tone it down a bit
Mine is probably around 8-10 stitches per inch. It's especially import not to have your stitches too close on a hammock channel or else you can perforate the fabric and get a nice rip down the width.
I'm around 10 stitches per inch.
Don't let life get in the way of living.
8-10 in thin ripstops, 6-8 in webbing. In my opinion 15 is too high.
I take the "perforation/tear on the dotted line" argument with a grain of salt. Using a new and correct needle for the material being sewn (sharp point for us) will spread the threads in the fabric rather than break threads "punching holes".
Any weakness at the line of stitches is more likely due to localized stresses although way too high of a stitch count probably increase this localization.
We use approx 8 per inch on most things.
If you are using a "Foreign" brand... I believe 2.8-3.2mm stitch... but math is rusty... alot.
Stitches/inch falls under the "don't sweat the small stuff" category. I agree 15 is overkill on most situations. However I will sometimes go that high if I have a steep curve to deal with. Smaller stitches makes the curve smoother and easier to navigate. That's basic geometry. You also want a short stitch length of satin type stitches in zig zag. An example would be buttonholes. But the biggest problem with short stitches is they are a PITA when you have to rip them out. 8 - 10 (3 - 4 mm) is probably the most common.
Older US machines calibrate them in stitches/inch. New machines and older non-US machines use a mm/stitch calibration.
I may be slow... But I sure am gimpy.
"Bless you child, when you set out to thread a needle don't hold the thread still and fetch the needle up to it; hold the needle still and poke the thread at it; that's the way a woman most always does, but a man always does t'other way."
Mrs. Loftus to Huck Finn
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At my first attempt to make tree straps I didn't want to make bar tacks because I was afraid the stitching lines could perforate/tear the webbing. Now I have already three old zig-zag sewing machines. At least one of them (with the other two I didn't try it yet) is able to make very nice bar tacks across four layers of webbing with one stitching line only (approx. 5mm wide zig-zag stitches very close side by side). It was impressive for me how tidy, easy and powerful this worked. I cannot count the amount of stitches per inch. But I guess the machine made at least 40-50 on perhaps 7/8 of an inch.
Last edited by xxl_hanger; 04-18-2015 at 09:34.
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