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The Sew What’s New Archive
This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and
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From: Sew Granny-Like
Date: 12-16-2004, 12:24 AM (1 of 15)
I am a beginner at sewing and would like help with sewing stretchy fabrics without making them get all stretched out in places. I'm not sure what I am doing but a part of what I sew will be all wavy and stretched out and the rest will be just fine. I've noticed this espec. when I'm going on a curve such as sewing a sleeve. I am using a ballpoint or stretch fabric needle but the fabric still seems to catch or something and I must sort of "tug" on the fabric to get it through the feed dogs.....or something like that. Can anyone help please?  Thanks a bunch!
Sew Granny-Like
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User: Sew Granny-Like
Member since: 10-13-2004 Total posts: 23 
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From: smith972
Date: 12-16-2004, 06:02 AM (2 of 15)
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Does your sewing machine have differental feed...i know my sewing machine does not but my serger does...and when i work with strechy fabric if i choose to use my sewing machine i set my stitch length larger than normal so that the feed dogs will feed it and does not strech it out... HTH but i am sure the ladies here will give more experienced advice....i will just sit back with you and learn a few things.... |
User: smith972
Member since: 09-10-2004 Total posts: 241 
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From: DorothyL
Date: 12-16-2004, 06:56 AM (3 of 15)
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Would some sort of stretch stitch or even a zig zag help? Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 12-16-2004, 11:17 AM (4 of 15)
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I read in every tip for sewing knits that I ever see, "Never use a straight stitch for sewing on knits. If you don't have stretch stitches on your machine, use a zig zag stitch." I think I have read that 50 or more times in that many different places.. It is good advice..
Sew With Love
Libby |
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002 Total posts: 2022 
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From: Sew Granny-Like
Date: 12-17-2004, 12:40 AM (5 of 15)
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Thank you! I really am such a beginner! I will use a zig zag stitch from now on!!
Sew Granny-Like
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User: Sew Granny-Like
Member since: 10-13-2004 Total posts: 23
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From: Sew Granny-Like
Date: 12-17-2004, 12:43 AM (6 of 15)
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Thank you for your suggestions, I will check them out. I love this website!! Take care and Happy Holidays!!
Sew Granny-Like
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User: Sew Granny-Like
Member since: 10-13-2004 Total posts: 23
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From: pucktricks
Date: 12-17-2004, 11:35 AM (7 of 15)
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another thing, I haven't actually sewn knits yet, but am just about to sew my first knit project, but several pages earlier in either this category or GENERAL SEWING there is a whole slew of advice on sewing with knits, that I found and am going to use for my first attempt. Ticia |
User: pucktricks
Member since: 03-31-2004 Total posts: 570 
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From: Sew Granny-Like
Date: 12-17-2004, 11:43 PM (8 of 15)
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I'll go look for that section, thank you!
Sew Granny-Like
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User: Sew Granny-Like
Member since: 10-13-2004 Total posts: 23
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From: mommydionne
Date: 12-18-2004, 12:38 PM (9 of 15)
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check your presser foot pressure, most machines recommend reducing it for knits, you sound like you have too much "drag" on your fabric causing it to stretch. this is also useful for light wgt wovens as well.
Jeanette
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User: mommydionne
Member since: 01-08-2004 Total posts: 838 
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From: Sew Granny-Like
Date: 12-19-2004, 01:34 AM (10 of 15)
I don't think my machine has the option to check the pressure on my presser foot, I will look into it though just in case. Thank you for the advice 
Sew Granny-Like
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User: Sew Granny-Like
Member since: 10-13-2004 Total posts: 23
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From: Marlyn
Date: 01-22-2005, 07:33 AM (11 of 15)
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I just found this posting and encountered a similar problem yesterday. After checking both the manual for my machine, and a stretch knit book I discovered that I should raise the pressure on my machine (this is for the dog feed) using the one you would use on satin, etc., as well as much longer stitch, and never tug, rather you place a hand in front of the feeder and one behind to gently move it along. It worked great for me. Good luck with all of the suggestions received. I really love this site, and have found so many helpful ideas here. |
User: Marlyn
Member since: 06-11-2004 Total posts: 37 
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From: Sew Granny-Like
Date: 01-24-2005, 01:11 AM (12 of 15)
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Thank you Marilyn for the information The only thing is I don't know how to raise the pressure on my machine's feed dogs, is that the same as presser foot?
Sew Granny-Like
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User: Sew Granny-Like
Member since: 10-13-2004 Total posts: 23
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From: Marlyn
Date: 01-24-2005, 07:39 AM (13 of 15)
| Yes the pressure I am referring to is your presser foot. This controls how much pressure is put on the material as it passes through the dog feed. |
User: Marlyn
Member since: 06-11-2004 Total posts: 37
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From: Sew Granny-Like
Date: 01-24-2005, 10:06 PM (14 of 15)
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I appreciate it.
Sew Granny-Like
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User: Sew Granny-Like
Member since: 10-13-2004 Total posts: 23
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From: MartySews
Date: 01-28-2005, 09:04 AM (15 of 15)
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If you have interchangeable feet for your machine, you might try a teflon presser foot as it will not drag your fabric. Clotilde.com sells a generic one for snap on presser feet. The Singer Sewing Library has a book that can be found at Hancock Fabric for sewing knits. You might want to consider investing in this or checking it out at your local library. The cost is around $20 (or less). Hope this helps. Happy Stitching! Marty 
It takes one moment to change a life.
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User: MartySews
Member since: 02-23-2003 Total posts: 504
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