Here are some sewing tips to keep in mind when working with BioThane^® belting. Feel free to contact BioPlastics with questions or if you need additional information.

Sewing Machine

• Typically, machines used for sewing heavy materials such as leather can handle BioThane^® belting.
• For continuous feed, use a walking foot or compound-feed sewing machine with a toothed plate.

Thread

• Maintain close control over thread tension and lubrication. Thread tension must be higher than for sewing leather, and only lubricated or bonded thread is recommended. Ready-wound bobbins will keep thread tension consistent.
• Changing gearbox settings to reduce speed and increase power produces a tighter, more uniform stitch pattern.
• Spraying thread with silicone improves sewing, and either “MB” or “GM” treatment also helps performance. The most commonly used thread weights are #69, #92 and #99.

Needles

• Use needles with a sharp point. Diamond point and standard needles will provide the best results. Teflon coated needles have not performed well on our belting.
• Choose needles that have grooves twice the size of the thread being used so the thread is forced through the stitch. The maximum recommended stitch pattern is 6 stitches per inch.
• Sewing BioThane^® belting tends to dull any needle, so be sure to replace needles before they lose their effectiveness.