Crafty Threads 'n' Yarns

miacat · Joined: 18 Jul 2007 Posts: 103

I am a newbie to sewing, but can i sew stretch fabric on a normal sewing machine Confused

melody yarns · Site Admin Joined: 03 Nov 2006 Posts: 8688 Location: UK

Yes! One tip for you - you'll need a ballpoint needle though which is the same as a normal machine needle but it has a rounded tip to prevent the needle from damaging the knit stitches of the fabric.
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GrannySmith · Posted: Fri Jul 17, 2009 7:08 pm Post subject:

Yes you can, small zig zag works well or stretch stitch if your machine does it.

What are you making?

(Sorry Debs to contradict) it helps to have a ball tipped needle but not necessary, I have never used one for all the dance wear I have sewn over the years.

miacat · Joined: 18 Jul 2007 Posts: 103

Thank-you you both Very Happy

I am going to make my little dd some shorts. I found some lovely material in Fabricland that is very girly.

GrannySmith · Posted: Sat Jul 18, 2009 11:06 am Post subject:

If I was making shorts for DD and I really hope I am not teaching you to suck eggs here Embarassed

Start by doing the straight seams at the back and front, if possible do in a straight stretch stitch, if not just do a normal straight stitch, round the back bottom/crutch area, reinforce with a very small zig-zag, width and height.

For the hems on the legs a reasonable zig-zag, have a play on a little bit of the fabric as if your making a hem and sew what length/width stitch blends in the best but also gives a little flexabilty round the legs.

For the waistband, which I am assuming you are just putting some wide (at least 2cm) so that it dosen't cut into the waist or twist. Again do a zig-zag but a slightly wider width as to stretch better when putting on and pulling off. When you have inserted the elastic and made to fit. If you can, try and sew the elastic in place following the back seam, if you can sew in the dip of this seam it will hide itself but it stops the elastic moving round your DD body and also from twisting over on itself. Shout if you need help while sewing.

Good luck and photos please Very Happy

miacat · Joined: 18 Jul 2007 Posts: 103

Thank you for your help, i finished them this morning. They are not perfect,
but look good on and my dd is thrilled with them.

I wil post some pics when i find the camera lead!

GrannySmith · Posted: Mon Aug 24, 2009 12:41 pm Post subject:

Well done you, some photos would be good Very Happy

Glad DD loves them.