How to Sew Rubber Material
Sewing rubber can be a fun way to recycle unwanted materials. Local bike stores and recycling sites may have scrap rubber at discount prices or even free. Sewing rubber requires different techniques than standard woven fabrics. Special needles, threads and presser feet are required. An industrial sewing machine is best for handling thick material like rubber. If you do not have access to an industrial machine, you can take simple steps to use your home machine.
Things You'll Need
- Heavy-duty needles
- Heavy-duty thread
- Teflon presser foot
- Tissue paper
- Silicone spray
Instructions
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Use heavy-duty sewing machine needles. Size 16 or 18 will work best; size 14 is minimum. Needles for sewing denim, leather or other heavy fabric are ideal. Heavy-duty thread is necessary to hold rubber together. Thin, cotton thread is not strong enough to hold rubber seams.
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Attach a Teflon presser foot to the sewing machine. According to Craftzine.com, rubber is extremely smooth and nonporous, the same as standard metal sewing machine foots. The two materials will stick together and cause your sewing machine to jam. Teflon is coated to be nonstick and will allow the rubber to glide easily as you sew.
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Line the top of the rubber with tissue paper or newsprint prior to sewing if you do not have access to a Teflon presser foot. This will prevent rubber from sticking to the sewing machine. The tissue will become perforated while sewing and easily tear off.
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Spray rubber with a silicone-based product so rubber will slide through the machine foot and treads. This also keeps the needle lubricated for easy sewing, according to Re-velo.com.
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Check your sewing machine manual for the correct presser foot tension. Depending on the thickness of the rubber, you may need to change the settings on your machine.
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Tips & Warnings
Thin rubber will work best for sewing. Change needles often as they tend to dull on thick materials like rubber.
Always use caution and follow instructions when operating a sewing machine.
