So first off - thanks for reading this! New here, and sorry to open with a question, but I gotta be that guy.
We're building a school-bus-to-RV conversion, and I wish to fabricate what are essentially small quilts that will go over each window. These quilts will primarily serve as much-needed thermal / sound insulation.
The layers of the quilt will be as follows: 1) cotton/light canvas (facing interior of bus), batting (thinsulate), 1/16" thick mass-loaded vinyl, metallized fabric (facing window).
I have little experience sewing, but if not for the last 2 components I could probably muddle through and ultimately end up with a passable result after some trial & error. But these components are critical, and have me scratching my head regarding needle & thread choices.
The mass-loaded vinyl is, as the name suggests, quite dense and heavy, with a make-up similar to neoprene rubber, and quite thick at 1/16". This is required for noise insulation and making these quilts non-vapor-permeable.
The metalized cloth is facing out for rejection of infrared (sunshine). It is very thin, and while I honestly don't know what it's comprised of, it isn't much at all different from the interior-facing cotton other than the fact it's metalized on one side and thus completely opaque. It's basically the same stuff you'd find lining the inside of one of those non-rigid food/beverage coolers.
What I want to ask is: A) what type and size of needle would you suggest to go through all these layers with differing properties? B) what type / weight of thread would you suggest? C) would another interior-facing fabric other than what I listed above be more suitable for the job?
FWIW, My machine is a Kenmore 158.13011 (1970s, made in japan) with a high-shank foot (walking / even-flow foot is on the way).
Thanks so much in advance for any help y'all could provide!
- Jody
