One issue going through multi layers is that the machine itself may have the oomph to do it but the needle is the weak link.  It is quite likely to flex / bend on the way through.  If I've got a challenging thick bit I always use the handwheel to lower the needle, you can usually see if it is starting to bend. 

@Bill after you've 'finger bodged'  enough buttons it will be quicker to do them by hand.  I find that with zips.  I always hand sew zips in seams - saves time and they are invisible without any faffing around.

Yes, £2 per AO sheet ( I had 2 patterns / 5 sheets total) and £2.67 first class post.  Postage will be increasing when their current stock of stamps runs out.

apparently it is OK that jeans, khakis and other workwear type trousers for women have the zip the men's way round.

Probably because until recently it was not acknowledged that women actually 'worked' so had to make do with men's stuff.  Even now a lot of workwear manufacturers don't do smaller sizes and most of the best workboots start at size 6.
I'll get off my soap box !

I use different needles for different fabrics but put them back to re-use them with a mark on the box.  I only put in a new one if starting on a major project.  I don't recall ever throwing one away unless it is damaged.  I did 8 pairs of curtains on the trot without a needle problem.  I've had my overlocker for about 8 years, it gets a lot of use and it still has its original needles.

@Flobear @Stitches and anyone else who has done a lone star or similar.
Do you have any tips or tricks for dealing with the bulk when joining the diamonds together to get a tidy centre?

I have achieved my goal    I took up weaving wanting to weave fabric for garments and I have completed my first one.
I am currently on the run from the weaving police, probably having broken every rule in the weaving book.  I do think that it is sometimes good to be inexperienced and not know stuff because you end up doing things that you might not otherwise try because you think they are difficult.
I wove the fabric on 2 different types of loom but I don't think there is any discernible difference in the weave.  My choice of yarn, which I had bought for some knitting but never used was, I think, fortuitous.  Because it is slubby it hides inconsistencies in the weaving of which there are plenty I'm sure.
Having stabilised the cut edges I found the fabric very easy to sew on both the sewing machine and overlocker and it pressed /steamed really well.  Once again my moderate stash of quilting fabric came up trumps with a very old 1/2 metre that was just the perfect shade of blue. 
It is another Itch to Stitch Bainbridge top which is one of my tnt patterns.  The pattern is for knit fabrics but it's a boxy shape so I did a size larger than usual and it's just fine.  I will get a picture of it being worn when I look a bit less like Worzel Gummidge.
Here it is ......
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