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From: EmaCon
Date: 07-08-2007, 03:00 PM (1 of 12)
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I haven't much experience with knit fabrics and thought I'd have a go at redesigning some oversized tee shirts which we seem to have too many of in our household. So I undid the seams and I can't get them to lie flat. I used diluted commercial spray starch before ironing (I only use it diluted when I iron shirts but I may have to buy some more and use it full strength) and it doesn't help. Then I tried my own corn starch solution and got the seams to lie flat but they are the texture of cardboard. Does anybody have any experience with this or will I have to keep experimenting? 
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User: EmaCon
Member since: 07-28-2006 Total posts: 67 |
From: PaulineG
Date: 07-08-2007, 05:46 PM (2 of 12)
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I've got a fair selection of knit fabrics that were given to me with the same issue. Horrible stuff to work with. The manufacturers do use something on the selvedges to make them lie flat - making them quite stiff indeed - sounds similar to your solution. They are so dreadful to work with I've only managed to make one or two successful items with them. I did those by increasing my seam allowance hugely so that all the curl sat outside the seam allowance and sewing only on the flat area with a fairly wide overcast stitch and trimmed back as I don't have a serger. All the remaining fabric has been put aside to use as muslins. When finished they seem to be okay - although probably not quite as nicely finished as a better knit. When shopping for knits I won't buy anything that has the stiff stuff on the edges. If I judge by what I have here at home it seems to be a quality issue because I've bought plenty of knits of similar weight that were fine. Pauline
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User: PaulineG
Member since: 09-08-2006 Total posts: 901 |
From: bridesmom
Date: 07-14-2007, 05:43 PM (3 of 12)
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I've found that knits just roll, period. If you knit and you make a stockingnitte stitch, ( knit one row purl one row) the same thing happens, it's just the way the fabric is. The only thing that I have found that helps any is to lay the fabric with the rolling side down and if you are laying a knit piece (pattern) onto the knit fabric, the pattern doesn't tend to roll as much. It can be frustrating, specially if you are trying to get the most out of your fabric, as I can find 2-3 inches rolled over at the selvedge.
Laura
Tickled pink with my Innovis 4000D |
User: bridesmom
Member since: 01-21-2004 Total posts: 2026 |
From: EmaCon
Date: 07-15-2007, 05:25 PM (4 of 12)
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Actually, the starch trick is working quite well. I diluted my original concoction, which was too strong, and have been using a dry iron. The results are pretty good. I just measured and it looks like I have about 2 cups of water and 2-3 Tbsp of corn starch. I put it in an empty spray bottle I had. I have to shake it each time I use it because it separates right away but I spray it on the necessary edge, press it with the hot iron and it has enough firmness to work nicely when I pin, cut or sew. When I'm done I throw it in the wash to get rid of the starch. I've done 2 T-shirts so far and I'm onto my third. My family is impressed. What more could I ask for. I will try to get some help from the more technical oriented folks at my house to put up some pictures. |
User: EmaCon
Member since: 07-28-2006 Total posts: 67 |
From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 07-16-2007, 07:44 PM (5 of 12)
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I guess its because I use the interlock more than the single knit fabric that I don't have any trouble with curling edges.. I use a single knit every once in a while when I find a pretty print that I cannot live without.. I smooth the pattern pieces on with my hand and cut and then immediately fold each piece and this helps the curling for me.. I also handle it as little as possible when I use this type of fabric.. As I said earlier, mostly I use the interlock which does not curl.
Sew With Love
Libby |
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002 Total posts: 2022 
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From: EmaCon
Date: 07-17-2007, 03:19 AM (6 of 12)
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Thanks everyone for your help. If I buy knit fabric I'll know what to look for now. These are all manufactured XL or XXL tees that we've been given as souvenirs from various relative's travel excursions. Since nobody wants to buy us anything too small, we have a large collection of these oversized, fits-nobody T-shirts. My daughters have lopped off the choking collars on some of them and wear them unfinished. I was browsing the internet and came across a blog where the author reconfigured men's tees into something more flattering for women. I had an "aha" moment. But when I took the t-shirts apart as she did, I ran into the problem. http://www.cedesign.com/familyphotos/sewing/clothing/clothing16/index.html There is alot of other interesting information on the site as well. http://stitchesandseams.blogspot.com |
User: EmaCon
Member since: 07-28-2006 Total posts: 67 |
From: susies1955
Date: 07-17-2007, 05:32 AM (7 of 12)
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I just redid "I think" about 13 T-shirts last month. They were way too big. I took a shirt that fit me and placed it on top of the way too big t-shirt and then took some chalk and marked where I should sew down through. I chose a top that had a nice figure flattering curve to it.  I also marked the sleeves about an inch over to sew those too and I cut the hem off to the length of the shirt that fit. Yes, the hem does roll but you just fold it to the hem size you want and press it flat. I then took the T to the sewing machine and took the advice of the helper (Yasmin) was her name.I have the Janome 6500 and she said: ****For the side seam, use a stitch that has at least some forward/backward-motion, it puts more thread into the seam and makes it elastic. These stitches should work fine: mode 1 #5 or #6 mode 3 #1, #2, #3 the stitches in mode 3 finish the edges. The hem: press the hem, then sew with an elastic stitch or the twin needle. Personally, I don't like the twin needle, I rather use some nice decorative stitches like mode 2 #27 #29 #31 #32 #46 #49 #59 #67 mode 3 #28 #45 or any other stitch you like. Remember to loosen the presser foot pressure for sewing knits to prevent stretching and to use jersey or stretch needles.**** You will have to find a forward/backward motion stitch on your sewing machine. I have made a few mistakes but I'm happily wearing them all now. The only thing I have ever sewn is a few quilts, wall hangings, curtains once, and purses. I have never done anything with clothing so this was a first. You can see them here. Look in the month of June. http://susieshobbyspot.blogspot.com/ Susie northern NY
http://community.webshots.com/user/susies1955 |
User: susies1955
Member since: 11-07-2003 Total posts: 124 
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From: DorothyL
Date: 07-17-2007, 06:59 AM (8 of 12)
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Hey Susie, Haven't seen you in a while. How ya doin? Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: kmccrea
Date: 07-17-2007, 11:07 PM (9 of 12)
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I like the cornstarch idea! I've been using a little spray starch and a lot of steam on my edges, but gunks up the sewing machine. Is the cornstarch more machine friendly? Katherine McCrea
Designer At Large |
User: kmccrea
Member since: 05-07-2006 Total posts: 173 
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From: susies1955
Date: 07-18-2007, 05:38 AM (10 of 12)
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Hey Susie, Haven't seen you in a while. How ya doin? Dorothy Hi Dorothy, I'm doing pretty good and how are you?I've been super busy. Wedding coming up for my oldest son and just a ton of family in the hospital and a million things to do. Susie northern NY
http://community.webshots.com/user/susies1955 |
User: susies1955
Member since: 11-07-2003 Total posts: 124
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From: DorothyL
Date: 07-18-2007, 07:30 AM (11 of 12)
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Well, it's good to have you back, Susie. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: EmaCon
Date: 07-19-2007, 11:09 AM (12 of 12)
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Katherine, I've only done 3 shirts but the cornstarch spray doesn't seem to cause a problem with my machine. I found that a dry iron is better than using steam. I don't know how long the cornstarch solution will last though before it becomes a starter for sourdough bread 
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User: EmaCon
Member since: 07-28-2006 Total posts: 67 |
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