Pamlyn
 
Beginner
IL USA
Member since 8/12/11
Posts: 50 |
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Date: 5/18/12 12:48 PM I made a bag out of duck cloth and had some trouble getting nice top-stitching on the handles, and I'm not sure what to do differently next time. The material was 4 layers thick, and I used a 100/16 jeans needle on one handle and a 90/14 top-stitch needle on the other. The handle done with the top-stitch needle was a bit less wonky than the one using the jeans needle, but it wasn't straight enough for my liking.
I'm pretty new to sewing, and I am not sure what to do to correct the wonky stitches. Do I need a different needle? Could it be my sm? Or maybe I just need more practice sewing straight...
Pam |
Debbie Lancaster
Intermediate
CA USA
Member since 9/18/02
Posts: 1659 |
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Date: 5/18/12 6:55 PM Fabric, needles, top and bottom tension, stitch length, and presser foot type and pressure will all affect how the stitching looks. Basically you need to test various combinations beforehand until you get something you're happy with. ------
Debbie |
andye
Beginner
VA USA
Member since 5/9/09
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Date: 5/18/12 7:34 PM Perhaps a size 18 or 20 needle? |
Marie367
Intermediate
OH USA
Member since 5/28/11
Posts: 1343 |
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Date: 5/18/12 8:41 PM I have an older mechanical Kenmore. I had some projects using duck awhile back. I was surprised but I got the best results with a Schemtz 14 sharp. I started with a jeans, then a regular 16 but my machine seemed to prefer the 14 sharp. Sometimes you just have to experiment. I made handles and I think I had an interfacing in between the layers. What kind of machine do you have? |
CM_Sews
Intermediate
CA USA
Member since 9/18/04
Posts: 1476 |
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Date: 5/18/12 8:55 PM If you are having problems with how straight and even you are sewing the line of top stitching, you will probably find that using a presser foot with some type of guide or blade helps to keep the stitch line straight.
The hemming foot (foot R, I think) that came with your machine has a blade in the center that you can probably use as a guide along the edge of the fabric. There are a number of presser feet you can buy with guides that will give your top stitching and edge stitching an even and consistent line. However, the hemming foot should be right there with your machine, so you might try that one first.
My Edge Joining foot is probably my most used "additional accessory" foot.
Edge Joining foot Brother Edge Joining foot video
CMC |
Pamlyn
Beginner
IL USA
Member since 8/12/11
Posts: 50 |
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Date: 5/21/12 10:53 PM Debbie, Andye, Marie367, and CM_Sews:
Thank you, thank you for your wonderful suggestions! Before I tackle another project with heavier fabric I will definitely do some test stitching, and I'll write down what combination(s) works best.
I am getting better, but yes, using a presser foot with a guide of some sort sure would be helpful. |
Twizard
Advanced Beginner
UT
Member since 2/11/12
Posts: 207 |
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Date: 5/22/12 0:42 AM You might try a slightly longer stitch length also. When I use thicker fabrics or many layers the topstitching appearance is better w longer stitches. ------
Pfaff 1471, janome 8050, bernina 830e, singer quantum lock 5, baby lock protege, pfaff 794 |
Pamlyn
Beginner
IL USA
Member since 8/12/11
Posts: 50 |
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Date: 5/22/12 3:22 PM Thank you Twizard, good suggestion! |
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