Sew What’s Up Presents
The Sew What’s New Archive
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: Syntoniser
Date: 10-05-2004, 03:35 PM (1 of 3)
| Thank you Mary W. for the great tips in my mail every day. I've been reading the forums for some time and now wish to become a member of your happy sewing community. It's time for me to learn to sew something besides quilt squares. This time with stretchy stuff. I'd like to begin with a "t-shirt nightie". What kind of needle do I need for my machine? It's a Singer with no frills except zig-zag. What is the difference between "ball point" and "stretch" needles? Any other advice gladly accepted. |
User: Syntoniser
Member since: 10-05-2004 Total posts: 6 |
From: Sewhappie
Date: 10-05-2004, 04:00 PM (2 of 3)
|
Howdy Systoniser!!!! Glad to see another new set of fingers here!!!!!  With stretch material you will want to use a ballpoint needle. This will allow the needle to "push" the threads of the fabric open, where a sharp needle will just cut right through the threads. I use what they call a "Q" needle, also known as a stretch needle, you can get at Sears. I have found that the "Q" needle will work better on some fabrics than what a ballpoint will. Also with a stretch material you will want to use a very narrow zig-zag stitch, that looks almost like a straight stitch but isn't. ( I sometimes have to play with the stitch lentgh, depends on the fabric, you might have to lenghten it.) If you try to use a regular straight stitch you will "pop" the threads once you start to move in the outfit, if there is no give to where it is pulling. Hope that this helped some. Happy sewing!!!!! |
User: Sewhappie
Member since: 10-27-2001 Total posts: 1427 |
From: Syntoniser
Date: 10-07-2004, 06:04 PM (3 of 3)
| Thanks sew much! Great hints, can't wait to get started. I'll practise on extra fabric before the real thing. I was just curious about the needles because on one site a lady talked about 'stretch' needles and she said: "Notice I said 'stretch' needle, not 'ball point'." So, I assumed there was some huge difference. Also..the pattern I chose talks about some optional top stitching with a twin needle. I've never used one. Do you think even a newbie can master it? Do you offer any hints in that line? |
User: Syntoniser
Member since: 10-05-2004 Total posts: 6 |
Visit Sew What’s Up for the latest sewing and quilting tips and discussions.
This page was originally located on Sew What’s New (www.sew-whats-new.com) at http://www.sew-whats-new.com/vb/archive/index.php/t-13843.html
Sew What’s Up is hosted by ZenSoft