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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: luv2so
Date: 05-13-2004, 11:14 AM (1 of 8)
when sewing Lycra....or stretchy material?

I have alot of Black Lycra I bought from Walmart and wanted to make some Work out shorts for a co-worker...But :sick: she brought this question up....hummmm.

:bg: Thank-You in advance!
~~ luv2so ~~
User: luv2so
Member since: 04-26-2003
Total posts: 50
From: MaryW
Date: 05-13-2004, 12:13 PM (2 of 8)
yes ma'am, a ballpoint needle is made just for these fabrics.
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005
Total posts: 2542
From: Aimee S
Date: 05-13-2004, 05:31 PM (3 of 8)
I dont use a special foot but I do use a strtch needle. it is not like the ball point but it is what I perfer. it has a sharper rounded point. You will want to use a zig zag or a serger to sew the seams. If you seww a straight stich you wiill need to use wooly nylon in the bobbin.

I have a tutorial up on sewing a spandex soda can it has a pic of how to wind a bobbin with woolly nylon.
http://www.threadstop.com/sodacover.html

Remeber directional sewing.sew from the top down.
The more you disaprove, the more fun I am having!

http://photos.yahoo.com/aimeehs29
User: Aimee S
Member since: 02-23-2003
Total posts: 488
From: Saydee
Date: 05-13-2004, 06:34 PM (4 of 8)
Personally I have never sewen anything in lycra, but your comment about the woolly nylon caught my eye. Are you saying to use woolly nylon if you are only doing a straight stitch and not if you are doing a zigzag.
User: Saydee
Member since: 05-07-2004
Total posts: 68
From: Aimee S
Date: 05-13-2004, 06:39 PM (5 of 8)
You can use it also in a zig zag but in clothing it makes a bulky line down the side of the garment woolly nylon in a straight stitch makes it a smooth line and it gives so you dont pop the stitches.
The more you disaprove, the more fun I am having!

http://photos.yahoo.com/aimeehs29
User: Aimee S
Member since: 02-23-2003
Total posts: 488
From: sewserious
Date: 05-13-2004, 06:44 PM (6 of 8)
I use a straight stitch without wooly nylon all the time on lycra and I don't have a problem with popped stitches. I just ever so slightly stretch the seam as I sew it with no problems later. I find the wooly nylon will not give enough tension in a straight stitch to hold the seam together and you get 'spreading' of the seam if there is any stress on it.
User: sewserious
Member since: 08-24-2003
Total posts: 112
From: marianne_hess
Date: 05-14-2004, 02:55 PM (7 of 8)
Check your machine for a stretch setting or a special stretch stitch. Mine has a couple of options, one is a straight stitch that back tracks half a stitch for every forward (kind of a squished zig zag) OR I also have one that looks like a triangle with a straight base, as longs as I put the setting on Stretch.
User: marianne_hess
Member since: 07-10-2001
Total posts: 48
From: luv2so
Date: 05-14-2004, 09:26 PM (8 of 8)
Oh MY!! :shock: Look at all the replies I got!!!

:bg: All are "WONDERFUL" advices...THANK-U :up: Ladies

I'll sure try them....
:nervous:Uhmmm....I'm sure I'll have some :nc: more along
the way.
~~ luv2so ~~
User: luv2so
Member since: 04-26-2003
Total posts: 50
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