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Having trouble sewing a drawstring
sj3663   Beginner Member since 12/2/09 Posts: 35	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 8/22/12 7:47 PM I have it folded and ready to sew up the open edge. I think that it's too narrow for the feeddogs to grab...about 3/8" wide. The fabric just won't advance under the needle. I can't find anything about this through Google. Any idea of what I can do? Thank you!!
Lena Merrin Expert/Couture AUSTRALIA Member since 2/5/09 Posts: 486	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 8/22/12 8:02 PM What if you cut it much wider, stitch the open edge and then trim the excess? ------ www.thesewingspace.com
Elcue   Advanced WA USA Member since 6/13/12 Posts: 193	Login to reply to this post In reply to sj3663 << Like this post Date: 8/22/12 8:06 PM In the serger class Jennifer Stern placed tissue paper between the feed dogs and the fabric, the kind used for gift packaging, to help move sheer fabric along. Maybe that would work. She also used a similar piece of fabric next to one you are stitching to help balance the contact beteween the foot and the feed dogs. -- Edited on 8/22/12 8:08 PM --
sj3663   Beginner Member since 12/2/09 Posts: 35	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 8/22/12 9:22 PM Thank you for the replies, Lena and Elcue! I'll try Elcue's suggestions first (since I have the drawstring cut, pressed and ready to sew. But, glad to know there is a back up plan! I appreciate the help here so much!!
stirwatersblue Intermediate KS USA Member since 12/13/08 Posts: 2527	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 8/22/12 9:30 PM Even a piece of regular typing paper can help in a pinch! As a rule, I avoid sewing tiny strappy things like drawstrings or ties, if I can at all avoid it. I try to find alternatives wherever possible, like twill tape or ready-made cording. ------ ~Gem in the prairie
sj3663   Beginner Member since 12/2/09 Posts: 35	Login to reply to this post In reply to stirwatersblue << Like this post Date: 8/23/12 6:41 AM Thanks! That's another good option. Haven't attempted to try again yet. I believe in the future I will also try avoid strappy things! What a pain.
schmammy   Intermediate TX USA Member since 12/5/06 Posts: 475	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 8/23/12 7:53 AM An alternative to the tissue paper might be water soluble stabilizer. ------ Indecision may or may not be my problem. -Jimmy Buffet http://chihuahuaonmylap.blogspot.com/
JEF   Intermediate VA USA Member since 7/27/05 Posts: 2460 Board Moderator	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 8/23/12 9:13 AM You can also hold it in the back and front and guide it through. Taut sewing like this can be tricky b/c you don't want to force anything and bend/break needles, however, it can work very well. JEF ------ "The trouble with quotes on the Internet is that you can never know if they are genuine." --Abraham Lincoln
Rhoda K   Beginner AL USA Member since 8/22/05 Posts: 1878	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 8/23/12 9:45 AM Do you have a tube turner? That should work. Good luck.
jynclr   Advanced Beginner TX USA Member since 12/20/11 Posts: 839	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 8/23/12 9:46 AM Try this: move your needle to either the right or left foremost position. Put your drawstring over one of the feed dogs teeth such that the edge you need to sew is under the needle. Then gently pull the material behind the needle as you sew. ------ Evelyn: Pfaff Creative Performance Helen V: Babylock Companion BL1550

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