Elona
 
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Date: 1/17/12 5:11 PM I just ordered a knit fusible tape made for Emma Seabrooke for stabilizing necklines, armholes, and so on. According to advice on her site, it is said to be more knit-friendly even than many bias tapes, but since I have never used such products, I don't really know anything about them. This will be a test-drive.
However, I thought I would mention the very good news that her prices include the shipping costs, and those prices are already quite modest. The fact that shipping is included make them irresistible to me.
NAYY. I can hardly wait to try the stuff out, though. |
Barbara3
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In reply to Elona
Date: 1/17/12 8:02 PM I think you'll like these tapes. I sew a lot with knit fabrics and use Emma Seabrooke's 1/2 in. fusible straight stay tape (shoulders), 1/2 in. knit stay tape (necklines), and 1 1/4 in. knit interfacing (hems) often. They're very soft and nice to work with, and I like that they're available in black, white, and natural.
The other fusible tapes that I like are the 3/8 in. bias and straight tapes made in Japan and sold by Judy Barlup and Joyce Murphy. They're available in black and white. Because they are 100% cotton, they feel a little firmer, so I tend to use them primarily on wovens.
All of these tapes really improve the quality of the garments that I sew.
-- Edited on 1/17/12 8:14 PM -- |
squirrellypoo
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Date: 1/18/12 5:57 AM I am a MASSIVE fan of good ol' Vilene bias tape. I use it on shoulder seams and necklines of knit garments, but also where bias seams on wovens might stretch out - like on the pocket edge of the trousers I'm sewing now. I usually buying 5-10m at once and then just buy more when I use it up.
I'm not really a big notions or gadget person, but I would have a hard time sewing without the stuff now. Stay stitching and twill tape just seem so stone age, slow, and just don't give as nice a finish IMHO. ------
www.fehrtrade.com |
Elona
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In reply to squirrellypoo
Date: 1/18/12 12:15 PM Good to hear feedback about this stuff! My spur to venture into newer stabilizer technology was actually disgust with my last twill tape experience. There had to be a better, faster, more lightweight way to go at it.
Thank you both. |
marec
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OR USA
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Date: 1/18/12 12:23 PM This is exactly what I needed to read this morning! I am making notes-thanks everyone. ------
my blog: http://kf-biblioblog.blogspot.com/
Sewing through my pattern stash-105
completed. |
diane s
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Date: 1/18/12 12:31 PM One brand I used, (not Emma's) was somewhat stiff for the knit I was using. So I got the idea to cut my own. I use tricot interfacing and my rotary cutter and cut strips on the bias. The shorter strips are good for stabilizing shoulders. ------
My grandmother taught me to sew when I was 10, and I've been sewing ever since. |
kkkkaty
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UT USA
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Date: 1/18/12 1:00 PM Here's a source for a bias fusible tape available in the US; I don't think we can get the Vilene here. I ordered this from Judy Barlup in the past, but she's transferred her business to these folks
Japanese bias and straight fusibles ------
Viking Lily 545
Viking Scandinavia 400
Bernina Activa 210
Brother 1034d
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kkkkaty
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UT USA
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In reply to Barbara3
Date: 1/18/12 1:12 PM Barbara, thanks for detailing the way you use these! I went ahead and ordered some of Emma's products, and look forward to trying them out.... ------
Viking Lily 545
Viking Scandinavia 400
Bernina Activa 210
Brother 1034d
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purplebouquet
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AR USA
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Date: 1/18/12 1:29 PM I'd like more advice, please, as I've been having lots of problems with the round (crew or scoop) necklines on my knits lately. I end up with a stretched out or puckered front neckline, but only on the part where I sew from the center front up to the shoulder. To clarify: I start with the back neckline first, then go DOWN from the right shoulder toward the center front and then UP toward the shoulder on the left part of the neckline. That last part then usually looks wavy and stretched out. Or puckered if I sew on ribbing. It's because I am sewing against the fibers when I go up and with the fibers when I go down.
I've interfaced, but maybe I am using the wrong stuff? Should it be straight interfacing? That might reduce overstretching the seam but would it maintain the stretch necessary to pull the item over my head? Would bias interfacing not make the stretching worse? Or should I do directional basting toward the center front? I can't serge directionally.
Please share your throughts of wisdom. Thank you.
Claudia
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Barbara3
OR USA
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In reply to kkkkaty
Date: 1/18/12 2:36 PM kkkkaty, Hope you like Emma Seabrooke's tapes. Her business name is SewkeysE - just in case you see that name mentioned elsewhere or see the products in a local store.
That link you provided is to Joyce Murphy's website, and she has also sold those tapes for many years. She and Judy Burlap are longtime collaborators in pant fitting and pattern development. I understand that Judy has retired - after many years of great contributions to the world of tailoring and sewing, including selling and providing tips on using those tapes on her website Unique Techniques. Click on the Tips button on the right.
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