Date: 5/18/09 4:16 AM

I'm trying to copy a stretch lace tube skirt. The one I have looks like the seams have been serged with elastic thread. I do own a Janome 634D serger and I'm wondering if there are elastic threads for sergers?
The fabric stores I've called say there's no such thing.
And...
Do you need to use elastic thread when sewing stretchy lingerie items?

Thank you so much for your time.
nina

Reply to ninaliza
Date: 5/18/09 6:40 PM

bumping back to top

Date: 5/19/09 12:42 PM

I have some of this, but I don't remember where I got it:



I bought it because I read I could make shirred sleeves using it in my serger looper, but I haven't used it yet.

Hoping someone more knowledgeable will chime in

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Tess

I'm really a Fabric Collector. Sewing and Quilting are just excuses to collect more fabric...

Date: 5/19/09 1:55 PM

You can feed elastic into your serged seam--I did it recently to get a nice fit on the back of an otherwise loose sundress. I'm sure there are special feet for this, but I just tacked clear elastic to the beginning of the seam, and then guided it with my fingers so it got caught up in the serged seam (stretching the elastic a bit to ensure a snug fit).

However, I think you will have an easier time getting what I assume is a shirred effect by using your regular sewing machine and hand winding the elastic thread TessKwiltz has shown (available at Joann and I assume pretty much any sewing supply store) into the bobbin. There is a recent thread on shirring with elastic, if you do a search.

I don't have a coverstitch and know nothing about it, but it's possible that they coverstitched over elastic, as one can zigzag over elastic--wider than the elastic and not catching it in--to create a thread casing.

A picture would help, if it's an unusual new technique none of us are familiar with yet.

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http://theslapdashsewist.blogspot.com
=================
2007: purchased 115+, sewed 105+
So close to parity, yet so far

Trying again in 2008
Yards purchased: 133
Yards sewn: Somewhere around 95

2009? I give up

Reply to TessKwiltz
Date: 5/19/09 2:19 PM

:winkgrin:
this you can get at your local sewing store. I've seen it at handcocks and at the walmart store. Some of the sewing centers have it to.

Date: 5/19/09 4:36 PM

thanks folks, i'm gonna take a pic, maybe that'll help but if there are elastic threads for sergers then i think it'll work!!

Date: 5/19/09 6:55 PM

My favorite book for attractive and practical (not gimmicky) serging techniques is Serger Secrets. It includes two beautiful jackets made of (homemade) shirred fabric (on pages 74-75 and 80-81). Instructions for shirring start on page 192. Essentially: use a (2-thread) chain stitch. Use regular thread in the needle, elastic thread (as shown above) in the looper. Make practice pieces; adjust tension. Once you have it right, just keep sewing in rows.

Hope that helps!