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Rayon jersey - How do you sew the d*mn thing!
rfsews Beginner CA USA Member since 11/21/06 Posts: 140	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 8/29/12 2:12 AM This is the first time I’m sewing rayon jersey (bought from Gorgeous Fabrics last year so definitely good quality) and I’m just having problems with the fabric on both serger and sewing machine. Both machines stitch in the same place/spot over and over again - but the fabric isn't 'eaten' by the machines - it's just stuck/not moving. For serger, I finally figured out that it did not like uneven surface of the layers (I was sewing back neck facing to the back neck so part of the foot is on 3 layers of fabric while part of it is on just one layer). After I made sure the entire foot is resting on 3 layers of fabric, I was able to serge on. Is there another way to deal with this? Because the way I "fixed" it, I'm no longer following the stated seam allowance. For sewing machine, I just gave up for the night I’m trying to topstitch the back neck facing down. Again, I’m dealing with multiple layers but the foot is resting on all layers (not uneven), but the fabric just isn’t moving at all. I’ve tried regular foot, Teflon foot, and edgestitch foot and got the same result. GAH!
QuiltSewSewSue Intermediate AUSTRALIA Member since 4/28/08 Posts: 2769	Login to reply to this post In reply to rfsews << Like this post Date: 8/29/12 3:45 AM A walking foot may be worth a try. I use a walking foot for all difficult fabrics. All the best with it! ------ Sue (Toowoomba Qld) Love to sew.... http://quiltsewsewsue.blogspot.com/
rfsews Beginner CA USA Member since 11/21/06 Posts: 140	Login to reply to this post In reply to QuiltSewSewSue << Like this post Date: 8/29/12 3:59 AM Thanks Sue. I will give that a try tomorrow night!
tg33 Beginner IRELAND Member since 11/11/08 Posts: 951	Login to reply to this post 1 member likes this. Date: 8/29/12 5:23 AM Have you tried taut sewing? I don't have a walking foot and this often works (I would try it with scraps first though). ------ Reading from Europe
Pam~Off The Cuff~   Expert/Couture NY USA Member since 4/18/05 Posts: 99	Login to reply to this post In reply to rfsews << 2 members like this. Date: 8/30/12 6:59 AM Try increasing the pressure on your foot.... knit fabric needs to be firmly gripped between the feed dogs and the foot in order to move smoothly. ------ ~Pam Pamela Erny OFF THE CUFF ~Style~ www.Off-The-Cuff-Style.blogspot.com and My Store... www.FashionSewingSupply.com !
Sewmissy2   Advanced MO USA Member since 12/5/10 Posts: 94	Login to reply to this post 3 members like this. Date: 8/30/12 7:55 AM I would actually decrease the pressure on the presser foot. Knits will stretch and ripple when then cannot move through the machine. When I choose knits on the sewing advisor of my Designer 1 sewing machine it decreases the presser foot pressure and always sews beautifully. Decrease the pressure on the serger too by loosening the screw at the top.
JTink Intermediate VA USA Member since 4/20/08 Posts: 4800	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 8/30/12 8:05 AM I actually use a combo of suggestions that are given here. I keep pressure, the same I use for any cotton/woven type fabric(I do not lighten up) and I make sure the fabric is taut. Also, make sure you are using a stretch needle.
stirwatersblue Intermediate KS USA Member since 12/13/08 Posts: 2468	Login to reply to this post 1 member likes this. Date: 8/30/12 11:00 AM A scrap of tissue or parchment paper might help the fabric feed a little more easily, too. ------ ~Gem in the prairie
Elona   Advanced CA USA Member since 8/24/02 Posts: 7401	Login to reply to this post In reply to rfsews << 2 members like this. Date: 8/30/12 12:42 PM Sometimes, going to a 'stretch' needle works magic with cranky, stretchy fabrics, too. I've had that experience pretty often.
rfsews Beginner CA USA Member since 11/21/06 Posts: 140	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 8/30/12 2:04 PM Thank you for the responses! I ended up trying the tissue method and it worked pretty well...my fabric moved! Needle wasn't the issue - I used stretch needle on all stretch fabrics. The problem was with fabric not moving at all, it's like the feed dogs don't have anything to grip onto to move the fabric? Adding something grip-able (like tissue paper) worked. For serger, I have to make sure to start serging on even layers then it will serge fine. So tricksy! This is for V1250 for my mom. It's all sewn up as of last night and I will hem it tonight. I wonder what problems I will have with coverstitch…

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