Sew What’s Up Presents
The Sew What’s New Archive
This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and
quilting message board “Sew What’s New,” which was
retired in August 2007. It is being provided by
“Sew What’s Up,”
which serves as the new home for many members of “Sew What’s New.”
From: Addicted2Sewing
Date: 06-28-2007, 04:37 PM (1 of 17)
|
I am trying to do an applique on a shirt. I have my sewing machine set at a close zig zag stitch, because I don't have satin stitch on my machine. My problem is I can go about half way down the applique and then my thread knots up, and seems like it gets jammed, or it misses a stitch and looks like crap. I have checked my tension, rethreaded my machine, changed needles and made sure it was in correctly. Redid my bobbin to make sure it was in properly. I even changed the length and width of the stitch. The fabric i'm working with is thin so I am using a stabilizer. I don't know what else to do, besides give up. This has frustrated me to the end. If anyone can help please do because i'm ready to throw my machine out the window lol. I forgot to mention that my sewing machine is a Brother ES-2000 |
User: Addicted2Sewing
Member since: 02-01-2007 Total posts: 133 
|
From: lendube
Date: 06-28-2007, 05:39 PM (2 of 17)
|
All I can suggest is that you go S L O W, real slow. Also, the fact that the fabric is so thin can be a real problem. I'd loosen the tension on top and bottom. A smaller needle might help. Above all, don't rush it. Hang in there and repeat, "It's all a learning experience. It's all a learning experience..................." Good Luck, Lennie |
User: lendube
Member since: 08-06-2006 Total posts: 1548 |
From: Addicted2Sewing
Date: 06-28-2007, 05:53 PM (3 of 17)
|
Thanks, I will keep trying. I know how to loosen the top tension but not sure about the bottom. |
User: Addicted2Sewing
Member since: 02-01-2007 Total posts: 133
|
From: jwright
Date: 06-28-2007, 06:52 PM (4 of 17)
|
Try singing while going slow... 99 bobbins of thread on the wall, 99 bobbins of thread. Take one down throw it around.... 98 bobbins of thread on the wall. 98 bobbins of thread on the wall, 98 bobbins of thread. Take one down throw it around.... 97 bobbins of thread on the wall. 97 bobbins of thread on the wall, 97 bobbins of thread. Take one down throw it around.... You get the point. 
|
User: jwright
Member since: 12-28-2006 Total posts: 96 
|
From: DorothyL
Date: 06-28-2007, 11:29 PM (5 of 17)
|
Sometimes if the stitch is a little wider or even longer it helps, I think -- especially if you have sharp corners. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: Skye
Date: 06-29-2007, 04:21 AM (6 of 17)
| what kind of thread are you using? Also I use a embroideryor quilting needle when doing applique - done it twice so I am not exactly an expert tho' |
User: Skye
Member since: 09-28-2000 Total posts: 233 |
From: Addicted2Sewing
Date: 06-29-2007, 10:03 AM (7 of 17)
|
what kind of thread are you using? Also I use a embroideryor quilting needle when doing applique - done it twice so I am not exactly an expert tho' I am using all purpose thread. I thought I could use that for anything. Maybe I need to try something different. |
User: Addicted2Sewing
Member since: 02-01-2007 Total posts: 133
|
From: dmoses
Date: 06-29-2007, 11:49 AM (8 of 17)
|
Which foot are you using? If the stitching is even a little bulky, it may not be moving under the foot easily. An open-toe embroidery foot, or a foot with a channel underneath may help.
Take care,
Donna |
User: dmoses
Member since: 02-22-2002 Total posts: 964 
|
From: MissTaraTara
Date: 06-29-2007, 12:03 PM (9 of 17)
| All I can think of to ask is did you stabilize both the shirt and the applique? Is the shirt a T-shirt? As dmoses said, the foot you use can make all the difference in the world. |
User: MissTaraTara
Member since: 01-24-2006 Total posts: 227 |
From: lendube
Date: 06-29-2007, 12:59 PM (10 of 17)
|
As far as loosening the tension on the bobbin I can only tell you how my machine works. I have a bobbin with a case as opposed to the drop in style. On the case are two screws. One holds the thing together and the larger screw adjusts the tension. There should be a screwdriver that came with your machine and use that to turn the screw to the right for a tighter tension and to the left for a looser tension. Move it in VERY tiny increments. It doesn't take much to change it. Your manual should explain exactly how to do it but I think it's pretty standard. Good luck and let us know. Lennie |
User: lendube
Member since: 08-06-2006 Total posts: 1548 |
From: woodywoodpecker
Date: 06-29-2007, 12:59 PM (11 of 17)
|
I suggest that you use more stabilzer on your project, have you got any scraps to try it out on first? If your material is really really thin it may help. Used dryer sheets can be used if your family doesn't have nay allgeries to them. Next question is "does your stablizer have any kind of glue on it?"Does your needle gum up,or does it seem like it shreds the thread? You could try a drop of sewer's aid on your needle, it may help. |
User: woodywoodpecker
Member since: 11-07-2003 Total posts: 242 |
From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 06-30-2007, 11:00 AM (12 of 17)
|
About turning the screw on the bobbin for tension adjustment.. My manual says only turn this one a quarter of a turn at the time and then test the stitch again.. (Same advice my Home Ec teacher gave us in 1949-50 when I first learned to sew)
Sew With Love
Libby |
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002 Total posts: 2022 
|
From: Addicted2Sewing
Date: 06-30-2007, 11:25 AM (13 of 17)
|
I am using the foot that came with the machine. It says to use it for zig zag stitch. I also use this foot to just sew straight stitching. I went to Hancocks the other day and told them what I was doing. She gave me this stabilizer that you just peel off and stick on the back. I did use some stabilizer on the applique as well. It's the iron on kind and says you can also sew to it. I really don't know how to tell if my needle is gumming up, but I do know it is a brand new needle. When I start stitching the applique it starts out pretty good, then all of a sudden my machine makes a funny noise and then I have a wad of thread on top of my applique, and the thread shreds. I have also had problems turning corners. The garment is not feeding through the machine and ends up sewing in one place. I did try on scrap fabric but I didn't do a whole lot of stitching. I guess I should try doing the applique on scrap fabric to see if maybe it's just the fabric I am using. To let you guys know, the t-shirt i'm doing this on is what I call a wife beater shirt lol. I really don't know what else it's called. The applique is an initial cut from a reg. bandana I thank all of you for trying to help me. Maybe i'll start to tackle this project again later today. I'm not gonna give up just yet. |
User: Addicted2Sewing
Member since: 02-01-2007 Total posts: 133
|
From: MissTaraTara
Date: 06-30-2007, 12:14 PM (14 of 17)
|
To let you guys know, the t-shirt i'm doing this on is what I call a wife beater shirt lol. I really don't know what else it's called. The applique is an initial cut from a reg. bandana I thank all of you for trying to help me. Maybe i'll start to tackle this project again later today. I'm not gonna give up just yet.  I know what those are, I think it's become a universal term. It a mans dress undershirt. Good for you for not giving up! That is very stretchy knit. Did the saleslady give you a sew-through Heat N Bond Lite for a stabilizer. I know many quilters use it for applique. I don't know if it's a stabilizer or just meant to hold the applique in place temporarily. When you stabilize the back of the knit shirt, be sure you stabilize a good size. If the applique is like I don't know, 3"x5" , make sure the margin of stabilizer around it on the knit shirt is pretty big.....kind of like when the hamburger patty is too tiny for the bun  Yes, it will look like a waste Perhaps someone will come along who has experience embroidering on knit, I would think that the same principles apply. Also, try your satin stitching on a scrap of woven fabric using the same threads and such and see if you get the same headaches.
|
User: MissTaraTara
Member since: 01-24-2006 Total posts: 227 |
From: DorothyL
Date: 06-30-2007, 12:36 PM (15 of 17)
|
I've had that happen a lot. I think it may be due to that shirt and I would stabilize it well. With Heat and Bond on there, your applique will not fray much. Instead of the satin stitch I really think a small zig zag will give you a nice finish. A lot nicer than those bumps from the thread wadding up and it's If you really want a satin stitch do it before you even cut the applique, cut around it and just sew it on with a straight stitch on the satin stitch in the same color. As for corners -- that just takes practice and luck. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: EmaCon
Date: 08-01-2007, 04:26 PM (16 of 17)
| I was also going to suggest that you practice with a less dense zigazag stitch and gradually work up to something resembling a satin stitch. You may find that you actully don't need the satin stitch. |
User: EmaCon
Member since: 07-28-2006 Total posts: 67 |
From: MartySews2
Date: 08-02-2007, 07:44 AM (17 of 17)
|
It sounds as if you are using the wrong type of stabilizer. To stabilize knits, you need to use a medium weight cut-away. You should be able to find this at your local dealer. Your bobbin thread needs to be a 60wt specific bobbin thread and your top thread needs to be a 40wt embroidery thread. It can make all of the difference in the world. Also, since you are sewing on a very stretchy knit, you need to use a ball-point needle. Hope this helps. Marty
|
User: MartySews2
Member since: 05-03-2007 Total posts: 293 
|
Visit Sew What’s Up for the latest sewing and quilting tips and discussions.
This page was originally located on Sew What’s New (www.sew-whats-new.com) at http://www.sew-whats-new.com/vb/archive/index.php/t-22748.html
Sew What’s Up is hosted by ZenSoft