Mend it Monday: Rowing Machine Straps

Well, I learned the limits of my sewing machine. That's useful information, right? And I managed to do it without breaking anything.

We have a rowing machine that my husband uses when he works out. I'm not sure where it originally came from, but I think everyone in my extended family has possessed this machine at one point. It might be older than I am. Anyway, there are two sets of straps where you set your feet, and the Velcro on these straps was looking pretty bad.

Luckily, the straps were attached via bolts and could be removed. I got out my trusty seam ripper and went to work.

I'll be honest, this was kind of gross. There was dust and dirt and rust and who knows what else. Let's just say I washed my hands the second I was done. The thread broke fairly easily so I could tell it was pretty old. 

I went to Jo-Ann's and found some by-the-yard heavy-duty Velcro. It was the exact width I needed. It actually has a sticky backing once you peel off the plastic. I stuck it on and then attempted to sew it to the straps.

I used a topstitching needle, heavy duty thread, and a long straight stitch. I think I sewed about 2/3 of one strap (there are four total) before my needle refused to go on. The machine jammed. I sewed for a while turning the wheel by hand, but I literally saw the needle bend right before my eyes.

My husband tried the straps anyway (since they were stuck on with the adhesive backing) but it didn't work out. My next step is to take these to an alterations shop to see if they have a heavy-duty machine they can use.

Have you ever tried sewing something that made your machine say "ahhhhh hellllll no!"?