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Project of the Week
The Tikva Trench
A sweet, swinging year round staple for all occasions!
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Vintage Sewing: Unprinted Patterns
Ever worked with a vintage pattern that has no markings? Figure out how it works!
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Dalmatian dress/top
lizzie225 has done it again with this great top/dress creation!
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Blast from the Past
Amy S. Hoodie
This basic hoodie is the perfect base to keep you warm and stylish
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Technique of the week
How to draft a "leaf" pleated bodice
Learn how to alter a basic bodice into a "leaf" pleated bodice
Aug 20, 2009, 06.10 PMby Sewinl0ve
Use a ball point needle when you sew any stretchy fabrics, such as jersey or spandex and for delicate fabrics, such as silk or sheer fabrics. Regular needles will try to tear through the fibers, so since the needle cannot penetrate the fibers without breaking them it will just stretch the fabric down into the machine, thus causing the feed dogs to “eat” it instead of feed it through the machine. A ball point needle has a rounded tip which slips between the fibers instead of tearing through them. This is why so many people get frustrated when working with “difficult” fabrics. Many people don’t know the difference between the different types of needles, so now you do. Use a smaller size needle for lighter weight or more delicate fabrics. Increase the needle size according to the fabric weight / durability. I hope this info saves others from the sane frustration ;o)
Apr 19, 2008, 05.49 PMby VioletbyWil
First of all you should be using a ball point needle on spandex.
A trick I’ve employed on small spandex projects to make the fabric behave is apply fusible interfacing to the wrong side of the fabric before you cut out the pieces. Then after you have the pieces cut out, cut back the interfacing to inside the seam allowances. When the you’re all done with your sewing pull the interfacing out. I’ve found this makes the whole process a little less frustrating. Credit goes to my sister for this idea.
Mar 10, 2008, 01.27 PMby ImmaSeamster
Anyone have any suggestions on how to sew on spandex material…I’m having the hardest time not breaking my machine.