Many people wonder if they can sew #4 on their home machine or if it requires industrial power. We have the best answer for that: IT DEPENDS. Many home sewing machines are very heavy duty and can handle the thickness like a pro. It is best to request cotton canvas samples and just run through your machine. Try sewing through three layers and see how it goes. The other reason “it depends” is because of thread options. Most home machines will limit you to lighter thread options. #4 Cotton Duck is heavy, so a heavy thread is ideal. I use a bonded nylon Tex 69 on my floor cloths. My home machine has surprised me over the years handling thick leather and upholstery, but it’s not likely to deliver nice seams using heavier Tex 69 bonded nylon! For that, I use my industrial machine. Again, just hit us up for some samples of our cotton duck fabric and give it try! We would love to hear about any home sewing machine that can easily handle heavy threads!
UPDATE: We have found the Singer Heavy Duty home sewing machines do a very decent job with both heavier fabrics and threads. These are in no way the equivalent of a commercial sewing machine, but for home use we’ve been impressed. Have you had success with other home sewing machines? Let us know!
VIDEO: Sewing and Working with #1 Cotton Duck
