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From: bridesmom
Date: 10-15-2006, 11:17 AM (1 of 9)
So I bought some gorgeous spandex knit for some good t-shirts, (at $17/m :shock got any hints on sewing this stuff as I've never used it before and at that price I'd hate to not love it when its done!
Laura
Tickled pink with my Innovis 4000D |
User: bridesmom
Member since: 01-21-2004 Total posts: 2026 |
From: Sancin
Date: 10-15-2006, 04:52 PM (2 of 9)
Laura - I can't lay my hands on it as it is in a huge box of papers to sort, but Threads magazine had an article several years ago on designer TShirts. Someone else may have the specific article. If you go to the Threads mag site they do have an index you can search and many of their articles are there to download. Good luck and let us know what works. I have often thought of making one. I have purchased several tshirts with lycra/spandex in them. This summer I purchased 2 that I really wasn't comfortable with the fit after wearing them for awhile. I don't know if it was my body or the fabric. 
*~*~*~* Nancy*~*~*~* " I try to take one day at a time - but sometimes several days attack me at once."
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User: Sancin
Member since: 02-13-2005 Total posts: 895 
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From: mommydionne
Date: 10-18-2006, 03:39 PM (3 of 9)
use a ball point or microtex sharp needle (i usually use the microtex), make sure your pattern fits well (ie muslin or a favourite pattern) cut single layers, I like a double needle for hemming, foldover elastic is nice for necklines on T's. hmmm.... what else? Do you have a serger? if not use a narrow zig zag, don't stretch the fabric as you so or you get rippled seams and edges, if you can reduce your presser foot pressure (say that 10 times fast) to keep the feed dogs from stretching the fabric. if you have a serger practice on scraps to get the differential feed sorted out. I'm sure I'll think of other things, avoid zippers till you are comfortable esp with the really stretch stuff. Jeanette
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User: mommydionne
Member since: 01-08-2004 Total posts: 838 
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From: bridesmom
Date: 10-18-2006, 11:11 PM (4 of 9)
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Nancy, I found the article on the Thread's website, or at least one that seems very similar to it. Looks good. I really like the Thread's website! All sorts of info, just not enough time to sit and read it all!!! Thanks!
Laura
Tickled pink with my Innovis 4000D |
User: bridesmom
Member since: 01-21-2004 Total posts: 2026 |
From: bridesmom
Date: 10-19-2006, 11:26 AM (5 of 9)
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Jeanette, what exactly is fold over elastic? for the neckline?? I don't think zI've ever seen it, unless I just don't know what I'm looking at! Do you have a picture or a weblink I can look at??
Laura
Tickled pink with my Innovis 4000D |
User: bridesmom
Member since: 01-21-2004 Total posts: 2026 |
From: mommydionne
Date: 11-09-2006, 07:08 PM (6 of 9)
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it is for a neckline, it is a semi-shiny satin elastic that has a thinner line down the middle for the fold http://www.wazoodle.com/cgi-bin/catstore.cgi?user_action=detail&catalogno=1030001 Jeanette
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User: mommydionne
Member since: 01-08-2004 Total posts: 838
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From: Cathie.Tombs
Date: 12-14-2006, 05:02 PM (7 of 9)
| A gorgeous idea. I have been planning to make some designer T-shirts for a while, and also found that Marcy Tilton article, from the great Threads site!!!! I haven't started yet. But, I did get some gorgeous remnants of cotton. cotton/lycra, and nylon/lycra, and hubby got me some lovely violet floral. We must remember, as someone said, to alter the pattern, even if the fabric is more forgiving. For instance, for full bust, narrow shoulders, etc. A few years ago I began a lovely dress, with lycra, and ran into some of the pitfalls mentioned above. It is really imp. to get tension, pressure right, so test on swatches, one and two layers. Another idea I had was looking at the instructions in Vogue designer patterns for knits. I have two gorgeous Donna Karan ones. Then, with the very good instructions, a more finished look is possible. We can be comfy, and gorgeous all at the same time. Oh, also found an old Quik Sew book on making action wear, and info can be very useful (transpose it). And, did see a similar book from Singer. Happy sewing!!!!!!! |
User: Cathie.Tombs
Member since: 08-27-2006 Total posts: 44 |
From: dmoses
Date: 12-14-2006, 10:35 PM (8 of 9)
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My daughter used a beautiful lycra/spandex knit for her apparel class project at school. She used a Schmetz size 75/11 stretch needle and a narrow zigzag stitch(on seams, and for hemming armhole edges). She tried using a double needle on the neckline edge, but it wasn't as nice. I thought she would have all kinds of trouble because of the stretch in the fabric, but it sewed up like a dream. She didn't even have to lower the pressure on the presser foot. I was really surprised at how easy it was to sew. We found the fabric in the remnants bin...inexpensive, but perfect for the project she had in mind...a great find! I went back to the store with the idea that I would buy more, but the regular price scared me off.  Here is a photo of her project. Hers is the one in purple/blue. She decided to try to replicate one of her favourite tops. Not exactly the same, but close. http://new.photos.yahoo.com/dmoses_99/album/576460762336097752/photo/294928804008205059/28 Take care,
Donna |
User: dmoses
Member since: 02-22-2002 Total posts: 964 
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From: Cathie.Tombs
Date: 12-15-2006, 06:00 PM (9 of 9)
| The last post is very encouraging!!!!! I found two more remnants of knit to-day!!!! I am looking for high quality cotton, cotton/lycra, and nylon/lycra, all generally expensive. I forgot to say, yesterday, that somehow, in my first project, the lycra threads snapped here and there, causing unsightly mini-runs. I used a ball point needle, but can try Schmetz. Maybe I hit a pin, and it was dull. I also thought to say that there is an older book, from 70's, "Stretch Sewing", by M. Sinclair (put out by Bouclair). This is helpful, and has various topics covered. I particularly like the part about taking a basic T-shape, and how to change totally, i.e. boat neck, V-neck, etc. Like the last poster suggested, we are wise to look at pleasing RTW, and then we can modify. Also, U. of New Mexico, Home Ec. Dep't., has an extensive sewing site, with a great article on knits. |
User: Cathie.Tombs
Member since: 08-27-2006 Total posts: 44 |
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