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From: seeJanesew
Date: 09-18-2006, 06:05 PM (1 of 17)
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Hi! My name is Jane & I am new to this forum and glad to have stumbled across it too! Quick intro - I am not trained in the art of sewing - I have learned relatively on my own & from asking advice at my local fabric store. I successfully made all my own window treatments (totalling 16 windows) after getting a quote on having custom treatments made. Since that endeavor I have managed to squeak out a few little coats for my dog, a dog bed, repair clothing as needed & make a king sized duvet cover. However recently I have stepped up to the plate and am self-teaching myself to make clothing. I opted to start with a simple straight skirt with a poly liner. I do realize that I should probably take a sewing class eventually but I rather like the jumping in feet first method - yes I have made a zillion errors but I learn what not to do next. I feel I have learned quite a bit from books, internet research & good old fashioned trial & error - but there are days that I would like to have less error with my trials!! So here are a few questions I just cannot seem to figure out & am hoping to solicit some great advice it possible... 1. Stitch 'n Ditch. I want the waistband for my straight skirt to show no visible stitching & would like to use the stich 'n ditch method. I have already botched two skirt attempts & am on skirt #3 I might add. I can do the stitch 'n ditch with a needle & thread but is it possible to do this method with my sewing machine? If so, how? (keep in mind I am still a novice with most sewing terms too). 2. Also related to my waistband woes....the little extra tab that extends beyond the waistband that the hook & eye closure will attach to...how do I sew that tab close? DoI extend the stitch 'n ditch to that tab or do I end stitch it closed? And just what is end stitching anyways? I cannot find a definition that comes to close to being anything but vague. 3. Finally, is there any reason to choose a hook and eye closure for a skirt verses the little flat tab style? Ok, I realize I ask many questions but I truly want to learn and be successful at my clothing sewing attempts. I unfortunately never had a family member as a sewer. In fact, when my Mom found out I bought a sewing machine a few years ago she was nearly appauled that I would try my luck at sewing! Anyways, glad to be here on this forum & hope to learn new things and hopefully be able to contribute advice as well one day!! Thanks, Jane 
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User: seeJanesew
Member since: 09-17-2006 Total posts: 3 |
From: esrun3
Date: 09-18-2006, 08:23 PM (2 of 17)
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Hi Jane and welcome! I'm more an elastic waist person so can't answer all your questions, but you can stitch in the ditch with your machine on your waistband. Fold it over per the directions and on the right side of the skirt, stitch in the seam area you have from putting the waistband on the skirt..does that make sense? To me, "end stitching" is stitching close to the edge to close something-you can close that tab with the sewing machine that way or you could hand stitch it closed. Whatever your preference is. I'm sure someone will be along soon to help out...I tend to quilt more than sew except for the grandkids but I hope I've helped you a little. You'll find lots of help here and good advice too. Congrats for making the move to teach yourself to sew! You'll soon be very addicted to it! Lyn
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User: esrun3
Member since: 12-02-2004 Total posts: 2345 |
From: AndreaSews
Date: 09-18-2006, 08:26 PM (3 of 17)
Welcome, Jane! Learning by doing (and undoing!)--That's my favorite way! Most things we learn in life we learn best by going off and figuring out for ourselves OK, let me take a crack at it, and others will surely chime in with their thoughts. 1) To stitch in the ditch to apply a waistband: Press your seam allowances and press a lengthwise fold along the waistband. You can help yourself here by making the seam allowance on one side a smidge narrower than the other side. Sew, right sides together on the good side, with the wider (5/8) seam allowance. Fold over to inside--If your narrower seam allowance is on this side, then the wasteband will extend slightly past your stitching line from the other side. Pin in place keeping pins on the outside. Now stitch in the ditch on the outside--that little crack between waistband and skirt. Go slowly so you can stay in the line. Since the inside of the band is slightly wider than the outside, your ditch-stitches should catch it as you go around. 3) skipping to number 3 b/c I like it: It's a matter of preference. Want to know why I prefer the flat skirt hook instead of a hook and eye? Ever need to pee so badly and struggle with a pants belt or sailor-style buttons? Easy in and Easy out. That's the way to go. Not just on pants but skirts too, even though I know someone's wondering why you can't just lift that up. But some skirts are special and would wrinkle doing that. Plus it's flat and smooth and looks so nice. I think they're easier to sew in too, b/c they're not as teeny tiny, so I don't have trouble keeping them in place while I get those first stitches in. 2) How to make that tab for the skirt hook: Remember the part about folding the waistband in half and pressing it? First fold it right sides together and stitch the raw edges on the end and on the bottom edge, just the amount that is to extend past the skirt. Clip edges and turn right side out. Now do that pressing and apply the wasteband as above. Once you've satisfied yourself, make something for your mother out of a very expensive fabric and make it extra unique and special so that she can think about what a gift you have given yourself in learning to sew. I'm sure she'll wear it proudly. Andrea
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User: AndreaSews
Member since: 02-18-2005 Total posts: 1007 
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From: bridesmom
Date: 09-19-2006, 01:01 AM (4 of 17)
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You got some great advice already so I'm just going to say Hi and Welcome to the best sewing forum on the net!
Laura
Tickled pink with my Innovis 4000D |
User: bridesmom
Member since: 01-21-2004 Total posts: 2026 |
From: DorothyL
Date: 09-19-2006, 08:18 AM (5 of 17)
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If you have too much trouble with the stitch in the ditch method you can slip stitch the band down from the inside and it certainly won't show. Stitching it down from the top is a short cut and won't look as nice from the inside. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: MaryW
Date: 09-19-2006, 08:42 AM (6 of 17)
Hi Jane and welcome to Sew Whats New. 
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542 
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From: paroper
Date: 09-19-2006, 08:44 AM (7 of 17)
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I agree with Dorothy. However, if you must stitch in the ditch....your method can be helped if you have a blind stitch foot that has a blade (not all machines may have this). The blade is in line with the needle and rides on the "ditch". Keep the blade in the ditch and your needle will sew there.
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: doublekgifts
Date: 09-19-2006, 08:55 AM (8 of 17)
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Welcome Jane Stick around, these ladies are awesome....they could write books
Kathy
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User: doublekgifts
Member since: 03-17-2006 Total posts: 15 |
From: MissTaraTara
Date: 09-19-2006, 01:59 PM (9 of 17)
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Welcome Jane cute username 
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User: MissTaraTara
Member since: 01-24-2006 Total posts: 227 |
From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 09-21-2006, 08:01 PM (10 of 17)
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I would stitch the inside waistband seam with a needle and thread.. A blind hem is what I would use.. Then it looks great from the outside, (no stitches showing) and the inside is just as neat as the outside.. That would probably even suit Dorothy.. LOL
Sew With Love
Libby |
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002 Total posts: 2022 
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From: Sew-blessed
Date: 09-21-2006, 11:06 PM (11 of 17)
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I do the elastic thing too so I wouldn't know exactly what to tell ya. I have used the invisible hem before but would have no clue on how to describe it!! My sewing machine has the instructions inside on how to do it. You might try checking there! Great to have ya! *~~~~(**)~~~~*
Success in the making! Tina Wells http://www.clubcandles.com 256-997-0287 Soy Makes Scents! Enter my free candle drawing and WIN! http://www.tinawells.scent-team.com *~~~~(**)~~~~* |
User: Sew-blessed
Member since: 09-05-2006 Total posts: 16 |
From: DorothyL
Date: 09-21-2006, 11:11 PM (12 of 17)
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Libby, I have gotten terribly lazy. I'd probably stitch in the ditch. But that is difficult for a beginner to do and have it look really good. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 09-23-2006, 04:17 PM (13 of 17)
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SewBlessed-- I'm talking about a hand stitched blind hem, not the machine stitched one.. I don't think you can do the machine one on a waistband.. Also, Dorothy, I can do most anything, but somehow even with my best glasses on, I cannot stay "in the ditch"... So, I have given up on that one..
Sew With Love
Libby |
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002 Total posts: 2022
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From: DorothyL
Date: 09-23-2006, 05:56 PM (14 of 17)
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Libby, For me the problem isn't staying in the ditch, it's making the inside look neat. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: seeJanesew
Date: 10-01-2006, 02:15 PM (15 of 17)
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Hi again, and thanks so much for all the great advice & welcomes. I must admit I became quite intimidated about sewing the waistbands so I simply continued on making skirts but letting them pile up at the wiastband finishing stage until I could muster the nerve to give it a go with the stitch 'n ditch method. Well for no known reason I sat down at the sewing machine last night and sewed all those waistbands & I got to admit - they look fabulous! I am just tickled silly about it all! I sure could not have done it without all the advice I received here on the forum! I have a bad habit of starting little projects and never finishing them - but I seemd to have finally made it past that hurdle and I am already cutting out fabric to make myself my first dress (a simple shift) just in time for a late season vacation. Thanks again everyone for your help! I no doubt will have questions about this shift dress too!! Jane
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User: seeJanesew
Member since: 09-17-2006 Total posts: 3 |
From: Magot
Date: 10-01-2006, 02:29 PM (16 of 17)
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Well done Jane, and welcome to the gang! I am sure you have seen there is a wealth of experience here that is just brimming over with the joy of encouraging others to sew - and to sew well. Best of luck with your dress.
love and kisses, Jan
Guts-R-Us Cells a Speciality DNA to order. |
User: Magot
Member since: 12-22-2002 Total posts: 3626 
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From: AndreaSews
Date: 10-03-2006, 08:46 PM (17 of 17)
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Jane, I'm glad to hear you pushed through your sewing block! Your wardrobe just grew pretty quickly, didn't it!?
Andrea
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User: AndreaSews
Member since: 02-18-2005 Total posts: 1007
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