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Question on Kwik Sew Pattern 3089 - Material and Sewing
songchilde Beginner Member since 8/30/12 Posts: 2	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 9/13/12 2:17 PM I am a brand new sewer and purchased my first pattern, Kwik Sew 3089 (Baby Sleep Sack), thinking it would be a relatively easy project to start with. The back of the pattern mentioned using fleece but I was hoping to avoid synthetics for something that will go on a baby and bought cotton flannel instead. I was wondering how strict are the material suggestions they give on patterns? Also, I found reviews for this pattern on this forum (I wish I had checked before ordering!) and realized that this is a serging pattern. Like I mentioned before, I'm very new to sewing and the terminology so I was wondering if it's possible to just sew this pattern rather than serging it? I'm pretty sure the sewing machine I have doesn't even have that capability. Thanks in advance for any help!! Melanie
marymary86 Intermediate GA USA Member since 7/20/08 Posts: 2202	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 9/13/12 2:27 PM Welcome! You chose a cute pattern. This 2 minute video shows you how to sew knits (it will work with fleece too) without a serger. Jalie video - How to sew stretch fabric without a serger Even though you chose a cotton flannel, the technique of using a straight stitch with a zig-zag will help to finish the edges. You won't need to stretch the fabric as you sew since you're using a woven. Normally, it isn't a good idea to substitute a woven for a knit fabric in a pattern. My guess (I'm not that advanced) is that it will be okay for the pattern you chose because there really aren't fit issues with a baby sleep sack. -- Edited on 9/13/12 2:34 PM -- ------ Mary http://checkmatesystem.com
BeeBeeSew Advanced Beginner MD USA Member since 12/13/07 Posts: 825	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 9/13/12 2:51 PM Wash and dry your flannel a couple (at least) times before you cut it out. Flannel is a notorius shrinker - and will do so over multiple washings and dryings. Dry on HOT after all washings. I would also suggest that you finish the seams inside with an overcast stitch. Flannel will also ravel leaving loose threads that a baby could catch a toe or finger on. For a larger child or adult I would think Pinking the edges would be enough but not for an infant. -- Edited on 9/13/12 3:00 PM --
minggiddylooloo   Intermediate VA USA Member since 5/17/05 Posts: 1794	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 9/13/12 3:01 PM Do you know if your machine is capable of doing an overlock stitch? Your sewing machine may not be able to cut and serge but it might be able to mimic a serged edge. Otherwise you might consider a straight stitch and then trim your seams with pinking shears (which is a typical way seams were finished before the arrival of home sergers). You can also try to sew your seams as a flat fell seam or another self enclosed seam but for a baby project that might be over the top (method wise). Welcome to the boards and to the sewing adventures! ------ I'm finally a blogger! sewming.blogspot.com
Speech girl Intermediate GA USA Member since 5/11/03 Posts: 1658	Login to reply to this post In reply to songchilde << Like this post Date: 9/13/12 4:31 PM You do not need a serger to make this pattern, by serging pattern Kwik sew just means that it is possible to make the entire pattern with a serger. It is possible to sew it entirely with a sewing machine as well. I made this long ago and am not sure how it will work with a woven such as flannel. It isn't a tightly fitted sleep sack, but a fleece would give the baby more "wiggle room" as it's a little stretchy and flannet is not. You may want to consider going up one size, at least in width. (I'd compare it to other woven sleep sacks or jackets). If I wanted to avoid synthetics, I would make it from a cotton knit, like cotton sweatshirting or french terry or cotton interlock or jersey for summer. There are also organic cotton fleeces available online (at least there were when my babies were little--I have not purchased any for a while) -- Edited on 9/13/12 2:31 PM -- ------ Kim formerly mikkim http://girlwithatimemachine.wordpress.com/
songchilde Beginner Member since 8/30/12 Posts: 2	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 9/14/12 1:52 PM Thanks, everyone, for all the great help! I checked my sewing machine's manual and I don't see anything that says "overlock" but I do see "overcasting" - can those be used interchangeably? It looks like it could be based on the manual. I think I'm going to try with the flannel anyway because I already have the fabric but I'll make sure to go up a size. :) Thanks again for the help! As my first post, it's made me feel very welcome here at PatternReview!

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