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This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and
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From: winn
Date: 09-15-2006, 09:10 AM (1 of 6)
| Would love for someone to tell me how to set my machine up to sew on t-shirts. Also, what kind of needle to use in machine. |
User: winn
Member since: 09-14-2006 Total posts: 5 |
From: kmccrea
Date: 09-15-2006, 06:20 PM (2 of 6)
|
What kind of machine do you have, Winn? A ball point needle suitable for the weight of your knit would be the best one to put into your sewing machine. These needles are designed to push the threads of the knit apart rather then pierce through them like a regular needle would. Your knit is less likely to snag or run with the ball point. The thread you use also needs to correspond to the weight of the knit. A lightweight knit needs a smaller thread. Any good quality general sewing thread will do, but I do prefer Gutterman or Mettler since they have broader selection of weights, colors and fiber content. Great quality and strength, too. Hope this helps, Kate Katherine McCrea
Designer At Large |
User: kmccrea
Member since: 05-07-2006 Total posts: 173 
|
From: winn
Date: 09-15-2006, 06:33 PM (3 of 6)
|
Thanks Katherine, I have a Kenmore with a lot of different stitches. Do I use a zigzag and at what length and width. I would be sewing on a regular t-shirt material. I know just enough about sewing to be dangerous. Sara |
User: winn
Member since: 09-14-2006 Total posts: 5 |
From: sewingrandma
Date: 09-16-2006, 01:12 PM (4 of 6)
|
Winn, I use either a ball point or universal needle for my machine when sewing on knits. I also lessen the pressure on the pressure foot because if you keep it like you do for wovens it will push the top layer so it will be longer than the bottom layer. Some machines have a stretch stitch. Sometimes I use it sometimes I use a very narrow zig zag. I do a test seam on scrap to see which would work best with the fabric weight I'm using. Because some machines will move the needle position using these different stitches make sure you check you seam allowance when you sew. For hems I like to use a double needle. Tensions have to be adjusted for using these so I again do a lot of testing before I sew up the final hem. Hope this helps.
Brockie
|
User: sewingrandma
Member since: 03-06-2003 Total posts: 432 |
From: winn
Date: 09-16-2006, 04:39 PM (5 of 6)
| I'll try it, thanks a lot. |
User: winn
Member since: 09-14-2006 Total posts: 5 |
From: kmccrea
Date: 09-17-2006, 11:10 AM (6 of 6)
|
I like the double needles for the hems, too. I don't usually use a stretch or zigzag stitch on regular knits. I do on the ones with some lycra content. And, I cannot live without my even feed foot or serger! That serger of mine gets a lot of use on all I do, especially knits.
Katherine McCrea
Designer At Large |
User: kmccrea
Member since: 05-07-2006 Total posts: 173
|
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