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From: d2vge
Date: 02-06-2006, 09:02 AM (1 of 7)
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Hi - I'm new here and have what's probably a really dumb question. I just started machine sewing, and have done two hoodies (Kwik Sew #3344). The first one for my husband turned out fine, but the bottom hem on mine went all weird. When it was done, it felt as though the fabric was sliding around on the stitched thread, if that makes sense. Then, when I pulled on the sides of the hem and stretched out the fabric a bit the thread just broke into a bazmillion pieces. Both were made of 100% poly fleece, and the first was quite a bit thicker than the second. I used what I thought was good quality thread (Gutermann 100% cotton) and a brand new needle (size 11/80). I was thinking maybe I was supposed to stretch the fabric a little more as I sewed? What did I do wrong?! 
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User: d2vge
Member since: 02-06-2006 Total posts: 2 |
From: MaryW
Date: 02-06-2006, 09:06 AM (2 of 7)
Hi and welcome to Sew Whats New. I'm glad to have you with us. When I am sewing polyester fabrics I use polyester thread. Just my habit. 
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542 
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From: toadusew
Date: 02-06-2006, 09:30 AM (3 of 7)
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Sometimes when sewing with stretch fabric, using a tiny zigzag stitch will keep the stitches from popping/breaking as you described. I haven't done that when sewing with fleece, though. I use a 75/11 HS (stretch) knit needle, which works great for me. I also increase my stitch length to about a 3--I use a plain straight stitch for this--it works for me. Sometimes I'll use a walking foot when sewing with fleece. Oh, yes, I use a poly/cotton thread--mercerized cotton, which I use for almost everything and have never had any problems. Hope this helps a little. I'm sure someone else will come along with other/better ideas/answers for you.
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User: toadusew
Member since: 01-08-2005 Total posts: 369 |
From: paroper
Date: 02-06-2006, 11:10 AM (4 of 7)
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It sounds like your machine was not properly threaded. You probably didn't raise the presser foot to thread it which puts the thread in the tension guides. I'd remove the hem and start over. You'll be removing a lot of stitches over the years. Gutterman is excellent thread although I usually use polyester thread. There are some different weights of thread that are made for different applications, one of which is stitching blue jeans. I haven't noticed Gutterman in the heavier threads, but my machine sure doesn't like some of them. If you used the same weight thread on both garments, that should not be your problem. Don't stretch the fabric as you sew. This will more likely give you crooked seams and a puckered looking result. Instead, follow the very slight zig zag directions.
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: bridesmom
Date: 02-07-2006, 02:16 AM (5 of 7)
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I read somewhere that you should always try to match your thread to your fabric ie: polyester to polyester, cotton to cotton.
Laura
Tickled pink with my Innovis 4000D |
User: bridesmom
Member since: 01-21-2004 Total posts: 2026 |
From: LauraM62
Date: 02-07-2006, 07:52 AM (6 of 7)
As others noted you really want poly thread with your fleece. I also would check your machine tension. Before sewing I always run a test piece of fabric through the machine, then pull on the fabric & stitches to see if I going to get the popping. With some fabrics that stretch and/or bulkier you may need to reduce your tension so that the thread has more play and/or movement. And don't ask how many Kwik Sew fleece hoodies I have made, kids seem to love them, including teens who wants colors to match everything in their wardrobe  I don't use a stretch needle for the fleece hoodies, I stick with a universal, never have any problems, as long as the thread is poly, the machine is threaded correctly (and hasn't slided anywhere), and the tension is set correctly. 
LauraM
SW Indiana If everyone cared and nobody cried; If everyone loved and nobody lied; If everyone shared and swallowed their pride; Then we'd see the day when nobody died --'If Everyone Cared' by Nickelback |
User: LauraM62
Member since: 08-10-2003 Total posts: 246 
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From: d2vge
Date: 02-07-2006, 08:36 AM (7 of 7)
| Thanks, ladies! Great advice. I lowered my tension a little and tried the tiny zigzag stitch and it worked perfectly! And next time I'll definitely remember the thread-matching-fabric tip....I was just too lazy (and cold) to go out and get new stuff right away. |
User: d2vge
Member since: 02-06-2006 Total posts: 2 |
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