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From: MaryEllen Hunt
Date: 06-25-2007, 04:50 PM (1 of 7)
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Is it me or is it the fabric? I've been making some evening wear separates using Joann Cassa line fabrics. Most have been crepe, sheer or lace and I've had no problems. The last set was made with satin using a serger. It seems that the seams are shredding. Has anyone else had or heard of this problem? At least I can't be too upset. A Joann's about 50 miles from me was clsoing and I got the fabric 80% off, but it is frustrating. Mary Ellen |
User: MaryEllen Hunt
Member since: 04-05-2007 Total posts: 2 |
From: DorothyL
Date: 06-25-2007, 05:20 PM (2 of 7)
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Was the garment lined? Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: plrlegal
Date: 06-25-2007, 05:31 PM (3 of 7)
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Mary Ellen if the tension was too tight on your serger it will cause satin to shred and pull through the seams. I always just use a wide three thread overcast edge on satin. I sew the seams with a sewing machine and then finish the seams with my serger. I've never used just a serged seam on satin. Patsy Patsy
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User: plrlegal
Member since: 05-19-2001 Total posts: 318 |
From: MaryEllen Hunt
Date: 06-25-2007, 07:43 PM (4 of 7)
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Patsy & Dorothy I used a 4 thread overlock and did a lot of 'playing' with tension and stitch length before I actually worked on the garment. Pattern is KwikSew 3139 - just a tank top and elastic waist pencil skirt with a slit. I did not line either. The skirt & tank top side seams are the problem. No problem with the skirt slit facing & hem which I serged before turning and top stitching. Made facings for the tank top since I hate bias facings. The neck & armhole seams are OK but there are some problems with the side seams. Maybe there's too much strain but I actually cut this a size large except at the armholes because I prefer to be comfortable. I've got occasions where I prefer to look elegant rather than glitzy. My husband & I have been doing some "travelling" for a fraternal organization while he is an appointed state officer this year. The satin is hunter green, a color that looks good on me and is a change from my frequent navy blue outfits. The problem is I also have some iris satin & now I'm a bit afraid to use it. At least all of this will be over in August although we've already committed to about three more funtions past then that will require formal attire running through late October. Guys have it easy - a tux or their uniform! Mary Ellen |
User: MaryEllen Hunt
Member since: 04-05-2007 Total posts: 2 |
From: plrlegal
Date: 06-26-2007, 01:58 AM (5 of 7)
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Mary Ellen if you have room on the seams that are fraying out from the serged seam, stitch a seam with about a 3.5 stitch on the sewing machine and see if that will stop the side seams from fraying. Like I said I only use my serger to either finish the fabric edges or machine stitched seams. In my personal experience, strictly serged seams seam to penetrate the satin too much and that is what causes the fraying. Patsy Patsy
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User: plrlegal
Member since: 05-19-2001 Total posts: 318 |
From: DorothyL
Date: 06-26-2007, 07:32 AM (6 of 7)
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Try lining the garments next time. Some fabrics pull like that easily and it sounds like yours are pulling from strain. A lining will really cut down on that. A tiny zig-zag stitch for the seam might help too. I think. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 06-30-2007, 12:25 PM (7 of 7)
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Mary Ellen, The first time I stitched Satin, I contacted our State Agent (homemaker) ... She told me the problem with satin is that the needle holes will always show and do not heal.. She cautioned me to make sure of my seam lines BEFORE I stitched.. The stress on the side seams probably are causing the serger holes to get bigger.. This probably would be helped by lining and using sewing machine only and use a longer stitch length..
Sew With Love
Libby |
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002 Total posts: 2022 
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