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: New_To_Swimwear
Date: 01-01-2006, 08:48 AM (1 of 8)
|
Hi All. Firstly a bit about me. I've sewed on and off for a while now and consider myself a bit of a OK sewer, good enough to sew odd jobs for friends. I thought I'd give swimwear a go as something new. I'm looking at making a bikini for myself and some friends and I am having trouble identifying a type of stitch used on a bought bikini top. It's one of those adjustable triangle/string bikini tops with the string running through the casing at the bottom of the triangle. It's the stitch that's used to sew the casing that I'm having trouble with. It looks like it's a serged hem with a straight stitch all done at once a set distance from the edge. Does anyone know what type of stitch this is and what type of machine/attachment would be required to replicate it? Thanks in advance for your help. Rach. P.S. Happy New Year |
User: New_To_Swimwear
Member since: 01-01-2006 Total posts: 2 |
From: paroper
Date: 01-01-2006, 09:49 AM (2 of 8)
|
If it is two (or even three) rows of straight stitch with a serged looking underside, it is a coverstitch. Many purchased things, like sweats have this type of stitch someplace on them. There are coverstitch (serger) machines and then there are sergers that do coverstitch. Some have adjustable widths and you may or may not be able to add additional lines of stitching to the coverstitch, just depends on the machine. You can achieve a similar look if you serge the edge, turn and use double needles (sewing machine) on the top. The coverstitch is done in one pass instead of two. pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: esrun3
Date: 01-01-2006, 02:27 PM (3 of 8)
|
I haven't sewn swimwear so can't answer your questions, Rach, but wanted to welcome you to the boards! Someone will be along with answers for you, I'm sure there must be a way to accomplish something that will work for your bikini top without the use of a serger/coverstitch machine if you don't own one. Happy New Year.
Lyn
|
User: esrun3
Member since: 12-02-2004 Total posts: 2345 |
From: bridesmom
Date: 01-01-2006, 10:59 PM (4 of 8)
|
Hi Rach, welcome to the group! Will be interested to hear how your swimsuit attempt comes out. I tried to do one for my baby granddaughter which was ok for a first attempt but I'd love to do one for myself. My MIL gave me all her Kwik Sew swimsuit books and patterns, and I have the fabric, but have just not found the time to sit down and read up on it first. Lots of luck! I know she made plenty of them and they turned out really nice.
Laura
Tickled pink with my Innovis 4000D |
User: bridesmom
Member since: 01-21-2004 Total posts: 2026 |
From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 01-02-2006, 11:10 AM (5 of 8)
|
Rach, is the straight stitching just a tad apart from the serging ?? If so, you are describing the stitches a certain serger will make.. I think, a 5-thread serger.. It serges and makes a chain stitch at the same time.. I don't have one, but I have read about them.. Sew With Love
Libby |
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002 Total posts: 2022 
|
From: Dede
Date: 01-02-2006, 11:28 AM (6 of 8)
|
Welcome to the board Rach. I've made a few bathingsuits and personally, I prefer using the zig zag as a finishing touch. I serge the fabric, turn it then zig zag. |
User: Dede
Member since: 03-23-2001 Total posts: 469 |
From: New_To_Swimwear
Date: 01-03-2006, 07:23 AM (7 of 8)
|
All, Firstly thank you to all who replied, I new I'd get some help here. A bit more information that might be useful. It looks like a chainstitch/serger stitch from the wrong side of the fabric but a straight stitch from the right side. It overlocks/sergers the edge of the fabric and straight stitchs it to create the casing but the straight stich picks up the serger stitch near the middle on each stitch so it looks like it must be done at the same time. I'll be looking at using the zigzag stitch for attaching the tape at this stage but have also seen a straight stitch being used. Does anyone have experience using a straight stich on elastane. It seems like it's stitched slightly loose as there still is a small amount of stretch and it seems like the stretch stops when the stitch straightens. Thanks again in advance. Rach. |
User: New_To_Swimwear
Member since: 01-01-2006 Total posts: 2 |
From: AngieM2
Date: 01-03-2006, 12:03 PM (8 of 8)
|
On the ice skating dresses I've made, I usually use clear elastic, and stretch it to the opening on the backside of the fabric. Will use a triple stitch zig zag to apply the elastic. when done I turn it down so the elastic is under, and usually stitch with a very narrow plain zig zag on the top side of the leg, sleeve, etc. I use the tiny zig zag so it will not pop when the elastic is stretched. This is with a regular sewing machine. I'm going to be learning a new way on serger later. Angie |
User: AngieM2
Member since: 03-14-2005 Total posts: 24 |
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-17746.html
Sew What’s Up is hosted by ZenSoft