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From: kameline
Date: 05-11-2006, 11:30 AM (1 of 6)
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I have an old Viking that I use for my home-based alterations business, and have been running across some difficulties when doing a blind-stitch hem. Whenever I sew the hem, it ends up "puckery" and doesn't drape properly. The hem is cut completely straight, and it is not an odd type of fabric that is causing it... in fact, no matter what type of material it is, unless it is really heavy, it puckers at the hem line. I have adjusted the tension so much it makes me want to cry and yet, it still doesn't come out right. I have another machine I will try to use, but my trusty little Husky just won't cooperate... any clues??? Could it be the bobbin thread tension??? Do all to the glory of God!
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User: kameline
Member since: 03-09-2006 Total posts: 41 
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From: bluebirdie
Date: 05-11-2006, 05:02 PM (2 of 6)
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Hi! I'm just responding so this question can be brought to the top for others to respond. You're probably right on it being a tension issue. I normally use the same tension for blind hem as zig zag on same fabric. But if that doesn't work for you, maybe loosen up both needle and bobbin tension and give it another try. - Robin
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User: bluebirdie
Member since: 03-12-2006 Total posts: 139 |
From: shadylady
Date: 05-11-2006, 08:02 PM (3 of 6)
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If you have a business and are charging, you should be using an industrial blindhemmer. You can also get a portable model if you don't have room for an industrial table. I don't feel using the blindstitch function on a home machine is professional. At any rate, the puckering is caused by the layers being moved along at different speeds. You may need to baste first or pin really well, both perpindicular and parallel, or holding the fabric taut, in front and behind, as it's going thru may help. |
User: shadylady
Member since: 09-19-2003 Total posts: 58 
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From: kameline
Date: 05-11-2006, 09:15 PM (4 of 6)
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I have been considering a blindstitch machine... does it pretty much do the guiding of the material for you??? I know with the sewing machine you have to pay very close attention so you don't catch too much of the material with the needle, is it the same way with the blindstitch machine? I am assuming you have one... is there a brand name you would recommend? I would definitely need the portable model. Up to this point, I haven't worked on too many blind hems... but as my business is growing, so are my needs, this may be a good investment, but if it really does the same job as the traditional sewing machine, it may not be needed now. I will definitely try to practice with the extra pinning to keep the layers of the material together. Let me know what you think. 
Do all to the glory of God!
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User: kameline
Member since: 03-09-2006 Total posts: 41
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From: shadylady
Date: 05-12-2006, 11:15 AM (5 of 6)
I have a US Blindstitch industrial which is one of the best you can buy, but it's on an industrial table, not a portable, and it's also old and I bought it used. For a portable I would recommend a Tacsew 500, which you could buy from Allbrands for about $400. It's nothing like the blindstitch function on a sewing machine. There is no bobbin, only the needle, and it uses a special needle. You sew right at the edge of the hem, you don't need to fold anything over and watch where you sew, like the sewing machine. Once you get the placement, tension and bite correct, you just sew away and it's really fast and the thread comes out easily if you don't get it right the first time. I found it easy to learn, and once you do, it really is easy to use (and no puckering, either  ).I would really consider getting one if I were you and people are always looking for these, so they're fairly easy to sell, if you buy one and then decide you don't want to keep it. |
User: shadylady
Member since: 09-19-2003 Total posts: 58
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From: kameline
Date: 05-12-2006, 02:03 PM (6 of 6)
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thanks for the info... that sounds like a wonderful machine!!!! I will definitely look into getting one! Anything has to be better than having to redo the stitch over and over to get it to look half-way decent... I'll have to start looking! Do all to the glory of God!
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User: kameline
Member since: 03-09-2006 Total posts: 41
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