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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: vmorris828
Date: 05-02-2005, 06:32 PM (1 of 8)
Hi, this is my 1st time sewing with the slinky knits. My pattern said to use my serger. My 1st side seam is wavey. What am I doing wrong. I am working with black knit. So it is very hard to see. The stitchs look find. I think. Thanks Valerie
User: vmorris828
Member since: 11-25-2000
Total posts: 41
From: Pudge99
Date: 05-03-2005, 09:47 AM (2 of 8)
Slinky is very fussy. Are you sewing elastic into your seams? The one time I made something with slinky I reinforced all the seams with 1/4 in elastic. With slinky you have to be extra carful not to strech the fabric when you sew. Wavy edged knits always lead me to think the fabric was stretched. You can not let slinky hang from the machine. Try putting it in a bowl or shobox in your lap. If you just try to set it in your lap it will keep sliding off. I am no slinky expert. I love the stuff, but prefer to sew a nice woven cotton or poly-blend.
It is possible also that you need to adjust your stitch length or differential feed.
I have a book called Fabric Savvy and I must say it was well worth the purchase price. It tells you how to sew different types of fabric. I think there is a new one out called More Fabric Savvy that has the newer fabric types listed. I always suggest this book to anyone with fabric questions.
Gina
Pictures of my successes and failures
Pfaff 2040
Janome Mylock 134D
Singer Futura CE-100 w/ Autopunch
Husqvarna Viking 3D Sketch
User: Pudge99
Member since: 10-30-2001
Total posts: 1375
From: Kylnne2
Date: 05-03-2005, 09:54 AM (3 of 8)
It sounds like you just need to adjust your differential feed.
User: Kylnne2
Member since: 07-10-2004
Total posts: 629
From: MaryW
Date: 05-03-2005, 12:03 PM (4 of 8)
Hi vmorris828, welcome to Sew Whats New.

I have the book More Fabric Savvy. It says to prevent wavy seams on knits, lower the top tension and lengthen your stitch to prevent the fabric from stretching. Also, use a walking foot and reduce the pressure on it.
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005
Total posts: 2542
From: njknight
Date: 05-04-2005, 02:29 PM (5 of 8)
I like the sound of that book and will have to buy it. I am finally getting more into doing what I am suppose to do when I sew such as use the right foot and change needles each project and reading the directions. I am finally retired and now have more time to do these things and it is a great feeling :bluewink: :
Nancyjean
User: njknight
Member since: 09-28-2003
Total posts: 25
From: dmoses
Date: 05-04-2005, 04:05 PM (6 of 8)
If your serger has differential feed, try setting it to a higher number for stretchy fabrics. If not, try loosening the presser foot pressure. You might also try Sandra Betzina's method of easing the seam...hold your left index finger gently against the back of the presser foot.
Take care,
Donna
User: dmoses
Member since: 02-22-2002
Total posts: 964
From: vmorris828
Date: 05-05-2005, 06:58 PM (7 of 8)
Hi, increase the DF work. Could you used that doing edges on fleece? Now my next problem is hemming. I did talk to Simplicity & they were not any help. They only know how to used the regular sewing machine. She couldn't even tell me the name of the product that you used on the seams. To keep it from stretching. I will remember to increase my DF next time I sew on slinky knit. Thanks for all the info. But please let me know how I want to hem this dress? Valerie
User: vmorris828
Member since: 11-25-2000
Total posts: 41
From: Kylnne2
Date: 05-06-2005, 07:38 PM (8 of 8)
To hem your dress ..this is where a coverhem would come in handy but for a serger without coverstitch you can still do a blind hem. You would do it the same as with a sewing machine. It is best done with a blind hem foot if your serger has one. You could also use a flatlock stitch.
User: Kylnne2
Member since: 07-10-2004
Total posts: 629
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