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The Sew What’s New Archive
This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and
quilting message board “Sew What’s New,” which was
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From: Lynnie
Date: 08-21-2006, 06:25 PM (1 of 9)
I am determined to get better at sewing knits. I've been working with McCall's 3655 which is a very basic T-shirt pattern. (Only 3 pieces, what's not to love.  )For the neck finishing the instructions just call for a 5/8" narrow hem. I've done that with mixed results. Sometimes I've had trouble with the finished neck edge standing up, away from the body, instead of laying flat. Instead I'd like to try a binding, similar to a bias tape binding. Since I'm working with a knit, could I just cut strips across the grain and attach it like a bias binding? I realize this will make the neck smaller which is okay. The neck opening is bigger than I would like to have it anyway. Thoughts? |
User: Lynnie
Member since: 02-23-2006 Total posts: 44 |
From: Lynnie
Date: 08-21-2006, 06:33 PM (2 of 9)
On second though, after consulting my trusty Reader's Digest Guide to Sewing  , banding it looks easier. I may try that instead.
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User: Lynnie
Member since: 02-23-2006 Total posts: 44 |
From: mommydionne
Date: 08-24-2006, 08:47 PM (3 of 9)
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I usually make a band and then stitch that on with a stretch stitch or the serger, The band is usually 1-2 inches smaller than my neck (make sure it still fits over your head) If you like the size of your neckline, foldover elastic makes a nice finish, I've only seen it in white or black (if you find other colours let me know). It has a satiny look and feel. Once you fall in love with knits check out Jalie patterns, they are much nicer than the big 4 (and you get all sizes in one pattern!) Jeanette
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User: mommydionne
Member since: 01-08-2004 Total posts: 838 
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From: MissTaraTara
Date: 08-25-2006, 02:10 PM (4 of 9)
| This (http://stores.ebay.com/Kathys-Lace-and-Elastic-Outlet_W0QQsspagenameZL2QQtZkm) ebay seller has a large selection of foldover elastic in her ebay store. I have ordered from her through ebay and privately several times and have always been pleased. She has lots of colors and varying widths from which to choose. Her shipping cost are very fair! |
User: MissTaraTara
Member since: 01-24-2006 Total posts: 227 |
From: kmccrea
Date: 08-25-2006, 02:36 PM (5 of 9)
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Cut the fold over allowance off your neck line and use either a knit rib or the same knit fabric cut on the cross grain. Stretch your binding a little bit as you're sewing it onto the neck line. I also start and end at a shoulder seam, it looks much more professional than starting at the center back.
Katherine McCrea
Designer At Large |
User: kmccrea
Member since: 05-07-2006 Total posts: 173 
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From: gmcsewer
Date: 08-25-2006, 04:28 PM (6 of 9)
| Hi I work with knits a lot. One option now is stretch lace that Hancocks has. Also on ready to wear they use a lot of lingerie elastic. I apply that by serging the neck at 1/4 inch and then sewing the elastic on so it covers the serged edge. If you don't have a serger, sew the lace wrong side to wrong side onto the neck opening. Then flip onto the right side and stitch with double needle or a "3" zigzag. Also, on another, I cut a strip of knit on the bias, folded in half and serged it to the right side. The strip was about 2 1/2 inches less than the neck opening. Divide both the bias strip and the neck edge into quarters, match them up and it will draw in the excess. After I got it attached to the neckline, I turned it with the seam to the inside and top stitched on the right side with a double needle. This was while trim on a royal blue and i stitche it with white thread. Looked real sharp. |
User: gmcsewer
Member since: 08-19-2003 Total posts: 45 |
From: kathntex
Date: 08-29-2006, 09:50 AM (7 of 9)
| I'm joining this thread a little late and I'm confused. If you use elastic on a neckline, doesn't that 'gather' the neck edge? Perhaps I'm thinking of stretching while you stitch as for a waistline? Also, just what is 'fold over elastic? Thanks for the ebay link to the elastic seller - I had no idea it came in so many colors! |
User: kathntex
Member since: 11-30-2004 Total posts: 8 |
From: Bekka
Date: 08-29-2006, 08:12 PM (8 of 9)
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Here is a link for dyable foldover elastic. http://www.birchstreetclothing.com/notions6.html Bekka
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User: Bekka
Member since: 07-28-2006 Total posts: 79 |
From: Skye
Date: 08-29-2006, 09:21 PM (9 of 9)
| I often use 1/4" clear elastic. I serge to the wrong side of the fabric lining up the edge of the fabric with the edge of the elastic at ratio1:1. then fold it over and top sitch from the right side using coverstich or twin needle. Tip re the clear elastic give it a really good stretch before using as it doesn't recoil completely. |
User: Skye
Member since: 09-28-2000 Total posts: 233 |
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