Burda Style For people who sew

It occurred to me during some discussions, particularly concerning serger/overlockers, that I haven’t been keeping my stitch log up to date…

This is a book of samples I used to keep. What I like to do is staple a sample of the fabric used with a note of the stitch type, the needles and threads used, tensions set, and fabric and process all noted. Thus when I come to do something similar again, I have a reference that will help me to decide what I need to do.

For example, from my recent excursions into The Land Of Lycra, I need to rescue a couple of bits of set-up seam and staple them to my sheet, noting which machine I sewed them on (Bernina 1150MDA or Brother 1034D), the number and type of threads, the tension set on each dial, the needle size and type, and the fabric type.

When I come to do another similar project, I have a ready reference for the process, and can start with those threads and settings rather than experimenting from scratch each time. This can save a lot of time and it only takes a minute or two to fill in the sheets, as I have a pile ready printed from a template I keep on the computer!

I also do it with processes like applique work and some of the odder things I do for historic costumes, especially when I need to work out a machined alternative to hand stitching, and when I’m working on raw edge finish stuff, which can be interesting or scary, depending on the fabric…

Does anyone else keep such a log? I started mine years ago, when I went on a ‘how to drive ytour overlocker’ course, but I haven’t kept it going as well as I should.

Nov 1, 2009, 01.43 PM by katexxxxxx