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This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and quilting message board “Sew What’s New,” which was retired in August 2007. It is being provided by “Sew What’s Up,” which serves as the new home for many members of “Sew What’s New.”
From: lesliealison
Date: 03-04-2004, 01:18 PM (1 of 10)
Hi Everyone! I'll give a bit of background info prior to asking my question:
I've been sewing for about 8 years, but just recently decided to venture out into the world beyond cotton. I am working on an ice skating skirt made out of georgette. I want to put a pencil edge on it. ( I think that's what it is called... It is the same thing that many of the bridal veils have on the outside).

My question is... when I do this with the zig-zag stich towards the outer edge, the pencil edge seems to "thin". The only way it looks right is if I fold the fabric and zig zag over the edge of that. But then I am left with fabric that I need to cut off. Is this the right technique or am I doing something wrong?
User: lesliealison
Member since: 03-04-2004
Total posts: 3
From: stitchmd
Date: 03-04-2004, 07:34 PM (2 of 10)
Not sure what a pencil edge is, but if you mean a narrow, one layer hem, then I think the answer is yes. You can zig-zag down a pressed, folded over edge and trim close to the stitching. It is much harder to fold just the amount you want and stitch that down. I would also recommend hand basting as the best way to really hold that fold in place while you're machine sewing it. It is definitely extra work, but gives much better results without puckers or the stitching slipping off where you want it to be.
User: stitchmd
Member since: 02-25-2003
Total posts: 226
From: quiltguy154
Date: 03-04-2004, 08:59 PM (3 of 10)
Are you talking about a ROLLED EDGE? If you have access to a serger, you're home free. It may require a stabilizer due to the thickness of the fabric. It'd be faster and less nerve-wracking than doing it on a conventional sewing machine. If you don't have a serger, ask around. A sewing friend is bound to have one . Good luck.
User: quiltguy154
Member since: 01-04-2003
Total posts: 14
From: lesliealison
Date: 03-05-2004, 08:21 AM (4 of 10)
It might just be a rolled edge... My friend has a serger and I will ask her if she has any ideas. Thanks for all the info!
User: lesliealison
Member since: 03-04-2004
Total posts: 3
From: plrlegal
Date: 03-05-2004, 03:45 PM (5 of 10)
lesliealison: Most bridal veils have what is known as "rattail" stitched around the edge of the tulle. That is what gives them that small round edge look. Rattail can be found at shops that carry bridal fabrics. You can get the same effect by taking a heavy crochet thread, fold the georgette over it and go around it with a zig zag stitch.

Patsy
Patsy
User: plrlegal
Member since: 05-19-2001
Total posts: 318
From: bsisemore
Date: 03-17-2004, 01:33 PM (6 of 10)
I use fishing cord along the edge when I do a rolled edge hem and it'll ruffle the edge. Can email you a picture if you want to see.
User: bsisemore
Member since: 03-09-2004
Total posts: 26
From: lesliealison
Date: 03-17-2004, 04:08 PM (7 of 10)
I've been trying different stuff and I think I have the hang of it... I've made 2 skirts out of georgette and they turned out pretty good... I have been just folding them over and zig-zagging over the edge, but I think I will try putting a string of sorts under the next one. If I ever get pictures of them I will try to put them on here!
Thanks again for all your helpful advice!
User: lesliealison
Member since: 03-04-2004
Total posts: 3
From: bsisemore
Date: 03-17-2004, 11:37 PM (8 of 10)
here's some pictures of thatr hem. I use the fishing line and use a zig zag stitch and stay as close to the edge as I can. It makes this really pretty feathery edge look on twinkle cloth

http://www.snapfish.com/share/p=180171079583934805/l=24889447
User: bsisemore
Member since: 03-09-2004
Total posts: 26
From: MartySews
Date: 03-19-2004, 07:31 PM (9 of 10)
Wow! Your work is beautiful. Congratulations on a job well done.
Marty
It takes one moment to change a life.
User: MartySews
Member since: 02-23-2003
Total posts: 504
From: bsisemore
Date: 03-19-2004, 08:43 PM (10 of 10)
Martysews,

thank you, I have been sewing since I was about 8 or 9. My mom use to make all my clothes when I was growing up and then the doctor told her either slow down or she wouldn't make it to 35, that's when I lean to sew. I had always love to watch. I can remember standing behind her sewing chair and watching. My baby does the same thing, she wants to sew.

BUT...she will not wear one of those frilly dresses. I have to wrestle her down to get a dress on her.

The frilly dresses belong to the oldest, she's 18 now.
User: bsisemore
Member since: 03-09-2004
Total posts: 26
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