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Kerfuffle with a ruffle Ruffler foot problems
tourist   Intermediate BC CANADA Member since 7/23/07 Posts: 5477	Login to reply to this post 1 member likes this. Date: 8/28/12 4:50 PM I have two layers of poly organza (sewn together) that go merrily along in the ruffler then stop. Either it stops ruffling and just sews a straight stitch or it stitches repeatedly in the same spot. Machine problem, foot problem or organza problem? I have 45 feet of this stuff to ruffle. ------ http://bgballroom.wordpress.com to follow the progress on my next ballgown.
a7yrstitch   Intermediate TX USA Member since 4/1/08 Posts: 4474	Login to reply to this post In reply to tourist << 1 member likes this. Date: 8/28/12 5:03 PM Different needle and/or different thread? (if you did not rinse or prewash the fabric.) Chemical finish on fabric gumming up the needle? If this might be the culprit it might also help to clean the ruffler foot too. Had you tried supporting the fabric (don't you have a hook in place already that you used on a hemming project) to discourage catching as it feeds? Or, recruit that nice tall husband of yours to use at a fabric feed stand ------ I have no idea what Apple thought I was saying so be a Peach and credit anything bizarre to auto correct.
tourist   Intermediate BC CANADA Member since 7/23/07 Posts: 5477	Login to reply to this post In reply to a7yrstitch << 1 member likes this. Date: 8/28/12 5:23 PM Hi 7yr - it doesn't seem to be a needle problem, but I switched it out right away anyway. The fabric does have raw edges and a couple of times I thought that threads might be getting caught, but really it just seems to stop. I think the next move is to switch machines. I am using a great old Kenmore, but I don't use it much. I should try another one in case it is a feed dog problem. ------ http://bgballroom.wordpress.com to follow the progress on my next ballgown.
tourist   Intermediate BC CANADA Member since 7/23/07 Posts: 5477	Login to reply to this post 1 member likes this. Date: 8/28/12 6:46 PM Huh...went back to the machine and remembered it had presser foot pressure adjustment. That didn't help. Changed rufflers, changed machines and had a bit more success, but I am pretty fed up with the whole process right now. I probably shouldn't have started with organza, but the samples went so well! I have 4 or 5 feet left to do, but the ruffle is uneven and the thread keeps breaking, so I am done for the day. Herbal tea time because if I start on the wine now (only 3:45 pm here) I will live to regret it! ------ http://bgballroom.wordpress.com to follow the progress on my next ballgown.
GlButterfly Intermediate CA USA Member since 8/28/08 Posts: 2425	Login to reply to this post 1 member likes this. Date: 8/28/12 7:43 PM Can't remember if you bought this new or not. Have you tried oiling the ruffler as it may have been a long time since that was done if you bought it used. When I read somewhere that it should be oiled every so often I was surprised that I didn't know this. Try playing with it with other fabrics, then you'll know if it's the fabric. Try it after you finish your tea. ------ I have not yet begun to procrastinate
a7yrstitch   Intermediate TX USA Member since 4/1/08 Posts: 4474	Login to reply to this post In reply to GlButterfly << 1 member likes this. Date: 8/28/12 9:26 PM Good one GI! http://susanscloches.blogspot.com/2010/04/using-vintage-sewing-machine-ruffler.html If the link doesn't work, the title is: Spare Time (For Sewing): Using a Vintage Sewing Machine: The Ruffler Part 1 Basics Maintaining ruffler ------ I have no idea what Apple thought I was saying so be a Peach and credit anything bizarre to auto correct.
CosmicFabulosity Intermediate VA Member since 12/15/07 Posts: 145	Login to reply to this post 1 member likes this. Date: 8/29/12 0:51 AM You mentioned changing rufflers, so I'm sure this isn't the problem. But the ruffler I used to use was notorious for having the settings change on me while I was sewing, especially if I sewed fast. It was a cheapie third party version and the screw that adjusted the fullness of the ruffle would loosen and the ruffler would be on the least amount of fullness. I don't envy you at all. I've done a few projects with organza ruffles and it was a pain. And I have friends begging me to do full length jackets covered in row upon row of organza ruffles edged in a rolled hem with fishing line. Uh uh. Not happening. ------ www.iamchristianmichael.com I'm proof that men really will ask for directions :-D Bernina 240 & 130, Pfaff 1222E & 2020, Singer 503, Janome 3434D, closet way too full of spandex and I think there is a puppy somewhere in this mess.
Doris W. in TN   Intermediate TN USA Member since 2/9/04 Posts: 6803	Login to reply to this post In reply to tourist << 1 member likes this. Date: 8/29/12 3:36 AM Do you have a "gathering foot" you can use, instead of a ruffler? Bernina has one, and I link it only for illustration purposes: Gathering foot #16 There might be a generic version that would fit your machine. This foot is perfect for light-weight, thin fabrics. (it is terrible for heavier fabrics) I used it with silk chiffon a few years ago and it was wonderful.
quathy   Intermediate CA USA Member since 6/3/06 Posts: 766	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 8/29/12 4:10 PM I've never done this with organza, but maybe you could try water-soluble stabilizer? I wonder if it's having trouble feeding through that very complicated foot and the feed dogs because there's not much for it to grab onto? Just a thought.
tourist   Intermediate BC CANADA Member since 7/23/07 Posts: 5477	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 8/29/12 7:03 PM *Sigh* Could NOT get the darn things to work for more than a foot with any fabric. I am obviously missing some key piece of info. So I finished the ruffle with a good old fashioned long basting stitch and gathering it. We'll see how it works out. Going on a bit of a hiatus on this gown. The previous one needs a bit of maintenance and I might make a start on the next one. I will let you know if and when this ruffle gets used. More about it on my blog. ETA the important word "not" -- Edited on 8/30/12 9:26 AM -- ------ http://bgballroom.wordpress.com to follow the progress on my next ballgown.

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