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Kona cotton having trouble with this fabric
SouthernStitch   Advanced LA USA Member since 8/24/02 Posts: 8178	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 1/28/13 10:39 AM So this is my first time using Kona cotton. I had some black which matches the black in the rest of the quilt, so I cut my borders from it. I'm noticing that even with a brand new Microtex sharp 12 needle, this stuff is hard to sew through! It makes a sound when the needle punches the fabric, like it doesn't want to play. Should I be using a smaller or larger needle? I've changed out needles twice, and so I'm assuming it's something about this fabric...... I also noticed that when I ripped a seam, it didn't want to steam nicely. The holes are huge, and appear punched out on one side! Yuck! Someone in my ASG raves about this fabric. I think I'm going to stay away! ------ Bernina 730E, 530, and 350PE Singer 221 FW, 403a When life gives you green velvet curtains, make a green velvet dress.
Cat n Bull   Advanced NC USA Member since 2/17/06 Posts: 1919	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 1/28/13 10:47 AM I used Kona black a lot, I have not noticed any unusual behavior from it while sewing, but I DID notice that 'noise' when it was being embroidered! Hmmmm......I just thought it was something I did, like wrong needle or not-so-perfect hooping. I never thought it could be the fabric itself! ------ Cathryn
SouthernStitch   Advanced LA USA Member since 8/24/02 Posts: 8178	Login to reply to this post In reply to Cat n Bull << Like this post Date: 1/28/13 11:16 AM I also noticed iron shine after pressing the borders. Really weird, as I thought only polyester fabrics did that! ------ Bernina 730E, 530, and 350PE Singer 221 FW, 403a When life gives you green velvet curtains, make a green velvet dress.
Learn To Sew   Intermediate WA USA Member since 4/12/05 Posts: 7987	Login to reply to this post In reply to SouthernStitch << Like this post Date: 1/28/13 11:21 AM Must be something to do with the way it was processed and the chemicals on the fabric. I do not think you washed the fabric yet, did you? ------ Quilting is relaxing to me. I love to play with fabrics, patterns and colors. Bernina 630 machine only Pfaff 2036 Babylock Molly Bernina 1200DA serger Unique Sewing Cabinet 450L
TessKwiltz   Intermediate TX USA Member since 9/21/07 Posts: 1315	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 1/28/13 11:26 AM Really weird! I haven't noticed any of these things, but am still using up Kona black from my stash that's probably at least five years old. Did you get it from a reputable shop? Is it Kaufmann Kona or some Kona-ish knockoff? If you think it may have poly in it a quick burn test will tell you. Another thing to check - do you have same size needles from a different pack? I once got a pack of Schmetz that I swear every needle in the pack was dull. Or try that needle in something else to see if it acts dull. If your thread isn't too thick you might try a smaller needle. ------ Tess On threadpainting flowers: "How many colors are in a flower? ... How many do you have?" - Ellen Anne Eddy
SouthernStitch   Advanced LA USA Member since 8/24/02 Posts: 8178	Login to reply to this post In reply to TessKwiltz << Like this post Date: 1/28/13 2:18 PM I got it from a reputable quilt shop, yes. I remember it came on a huge roll. I'm suspecting poly, yes. I did wash it, but didn't do a burn test. ------ Bernina 730E, 530, and 350PE Singer 221 FW, 403a When life gives you green velvet curtains, make a green velvet dress.
jannw   Intermediate WA USA Member since 9/3/06 Posts: 7392	Login to reply to this post In reply to SouthernStitch << 1 member likes this. Date: 1/28/13 2:40 PM I've used it and loved it..now the Bella broadcloth is another story! I'd check your needle..I used a regular 80/12 Schmetz for piecing and had no noise. It seems that whenever I get needle noise with any fabric, changing my needle helps. The other thing I've noticed is that black fabrics of any brand seem to feel different. If you are a "fabric patter" try it the next time you are in a fabric store..the blacks seem to feel rougher..I believe that's to do with the dyes. I just noticed that you are using a microtex needle...I generally use a universal..you might try a quilting or regular sharp. -- Edited on 1/28/13 2:42 PM -- ------ 2009-113.25 yds 2010-115.5 2011-80.25+30+donated 2012 86.3 yds.. 2013 21.0 Everyone who sews seriously has a stockpile of fabrics, because it is natural to purchase more than can be sewn in any one season" Singer, Timesaving Sewing, 1987
Warbler   Advanced VT USA Member since 4/15/07 Posts: 2580	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 1/28/13 3:39 PM I made an Amish style quilt from nothing but Kona... no issues that I can recall... I think I have even used it on my Dear Jane quilt without problems... Did you buy it online or from a LQS? You can do a burn test to see if it has poly in it... then you know it's not Kona. -- Edited on 1/28/13 3:41 PM -- ------ Janome MC6600 Bernina 240 Juki MO735 Singer 201-2 Singer 221-1 Singer 15-91
CM_Sews Intermediate CA USA Member since 9/18/04 Posts: 1476	Login to reply to this post In reply to SouthernStitch << 3 members like this. Date: 1/28/13 3:40 PM I've noticed that "popping" sound when sewing on some cotton batiks, fabrics that are very saturated with dye. I'm going to guess that in order to get a deep black fabric, the fibers are over saturated with dye (as compared to a pastel fabric, for example). In some video documentary about quilting that I watched, there was a scene where a master quilter was teaching students and she was explaining this phenomena to her student, that fabrics that are very saturated with dye are somewhat stiffer, and will make that popping sound as the needle penetrates the fabric. CMC
Warbler   Advanced VT USA Member since 4/15/07 Posts: 2580	Login to reply to this post In reply to CM_Sews << 2 members like this. Date: 1/28/13 3:44 PM I always thought that Batik fabric popped when sewn because the weave is tighter than standard cotton. -- Edited on 1/28/13 3:45 PM -- ------ Janome MC6600 Bernina 240 Juki MO735 Singer 201-2 Singer 221-1 Singer 15-91

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