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From: wp88
Date: 05-23-2006, 06:27 AM (1 of 10)
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Hi, I am having difficulty while trying to shorten sleeves on a shirt shop bought, while hemming around the material when I get near to where I started it is bunching up as if I have too much of it. Not had a problem in the past so maybe the material, but would a walking foot solve this problem please. It looks like ridges and no matter what side I sew it I still have the problem, unpicked it so many times, wish I never got started now. Any advice appreciated and thank you in advance. Bill |
User: wp88
Member since: 03-28-2005 Total posts: 35 |
From: DorothyL
Date: 05-23-2006, 07:01 AM (2 of 10)
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Bill A walking foot keeps the fabric on the top layer feeding at the same rate as that on the bottom layer, so yes, it may help with your problem. A walking foot also keeps slippery fabric from sliding around. I think most Pfaff owners with a walking foot just a touch away will tell you that in most situations -- it couldn't hurt. But if there is a flare to the sleeve so that there really is more fabric in one layer you might want to run a row of ease stitching to help keep the fabric even. Just run a row of long stitches around the edge and pull slightly then hit it hard with steam as you pin it in place. Another trick is to sew a line of tighter stitches at the fold line then fold along that row. Again -- hit it hard with steam as you pin. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: paroper
Date: 05-23-2006, 08:48 AM (3 of 10)
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I agree with Dorothy. It is probably because the shirt flares back toward the arm seam. That is because the wrist is smaller than the bicept muscle. If this shirt were home made to be hemmed, it would have a flare in the hemline to match the higher portion of the shirt. You can sometimes cheat the seam a little by opening it up. Also, the smaller the hem the smaller the problem, so a very small rolled hem would be better than a 1 1/4" or more hem. A walking foot is always a nice addition to your sewing equipment. However, for the price of most of these (or a new Pfaff) you could probably buy at least 2 short sleeved shirts. A woman seamstress would be able to justify this in a heartbeat!!!! 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: DorothyL
Date: 05-23-2006, 08:56 AM (4 of 10)
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Ah -- but how many new shirts would you have if you bought the walking foot (or the new Pfaff)? And they would fit well too. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: westozmum
Date: 05-23-2006, 09:00 AM (5 of 10)
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Hi Bill, The trick here is too definately unpick the sleeve seam about an inch (or less depending on your allowance) I usually unpick only the seam stitching and not the serged edge,as this gives you enough to give you the flare you need while the serged edge keeps the sleeve together. Press up your seam allowances with plenty of steam and stitch away!! I have done this many times at work with excellant results Hope this Helps 
Westozmum aka Laura from the Land Down Under
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User: westozmum
Member since: 02-16-2006 Total posts: 41 
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From: paroper
Date: 05-23-2006, 09:00 AM (6 of 10)
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See? I told you. Wasn't that easy?
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: wp88
Date: 05-23-2006, 11:09 AM (7 of 10)
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Thanks everyone for your input and I do think a walking foot may come in handy so that's the way to go. My machine is a more basic Pfaff without IDT and I know the Janome feet will fit ok so will contact my dealer where the machine came from and check out prices. Thnk you all very much. Bill |
User: wp88
Member since: 03-28-2005 Total posts: 35 |
From: plrlegal
Date: 05-23-2006, 02:59 PM (8 of 10)
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Dorothy and Pam: For the price of the Pfaff with the IDF that I have you can buy lots and lots of short or long sleeve shirts! Patsy Patsy
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User: plrlegal
Member since: 05-19-2001 Total posts: 318 |
From: DorothyL
Date: 05-23-2006, 03:04 PM (9 of 10)
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Yeah -- but you can make even more with the machine. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: AndreaSews
Date: 05-23-2006, 08:43 PM (10 of 10)
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Bill--Is it a stretch knit, by any chance? I was just wondering if the fabric is slipping from uneven pressure (that specialty foot helps here) or is the top layer simply stretching (calls for stabilizer).
Andrea
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User: AndreaSews
Member since: 02-18-2005 Total posts: 1007 
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