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Or is it something else? Pink blouse shirt terribly puckering (Moderated by Deepika, Sharon1952)
Posted on: 8/24/21 2:20 AM ET
Picture of shirt
I made a blouse with terrible puckering and I can't decide if it's salvageable. Has anyone had problems with broadcloth puckering? It's a poly cotton blend, symphony broadcloth from JoAnn.

-- Edited on 8/24/21 at 2:22 AM ET --
-- Edited on 8/24/21 at 2:22 AM ET --
I made a blouse with terrible puckering and I can't decide if it's salvageable. Has anyone had problems with broadcloth puckering? It's a poly cotton blend, symphony broadcloth from JoAnn.
-- Edited on 8/24/21 at 2:22 AM ET --
-- Edited on 8/24/21 at 2:22 AM ET --
Posted on: 8/24/21 3:17 AM ET
In reply to Sarahsewsinca
Did you by any chance use a hot iron on this? I ask after learning the hard way that JA Symphony broadcloth can't take a lot of heat. On the advice of a friend who is a professional costumer, I bought some to use as lining fabric--it's what she uses in all her commissions. Despite being thoroughly washed and dried (on high), it SHRUNK under the iron, rippling horribly! I've managed to use up the rest of my yardage, knowing it needs a much cooler iron, but I won't buy it again.
If it is heat damage, I'm not sure there's anything you can do about it, alas.
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If it is heat damage, I'm not sure there's anything you can do about it, alas.

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~Elizabeth in the prairie
More Plans than Sense
PR's Most Relentless Babbler 2024
More Plans than Sense
PR's Most Relentless Babbler 2024
Posted on: 8/24/21 3:23 AM ET
In reply to Sarahsewsinca
Here's how to tell what's causing the puckering:
minimizing seam puckering from American Efird thread
minimizing seam puckering from American Efird thread
Posted on: 8/24/21 7:42 AM ET
In reply to Sarahsewsinca
Broadcloth can be a challenge. Like Stirwatersblue said, the cotton/poly blends will shrink under the iron, usually unevenly, right before our eyes. Been there, watched that happen. 😳
Your project looks more like the seams have puckered. I have not looked at kayl's link above, but experience has taught me to first do lots of test seams on scraps of same fabric to determine the best needle, thread, and stitch length. Often the tightly woven fabrics are tamed with a smaller needle and a finer thread.
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Your project looks more like the seams have puckered. I have not looked at kayl's link above, but experience has taught me to first do lots of test seams on scraps of same fabric to determine the best needle, thread, and stitch length. Often the tightly woven fabrics are tamed with a smaller needle and a finer thread.
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iPad's auto-correct is my enema.
Posted on: 8/24/21 8:02 AM ET
In reply to kayl
Clearest info on puckering I've seen - thank you for this link!
Posted on: 8/24/21 11:09 AM ET
In reply to Sarahsewsinca
I feel for you! I hate this broadcloth! I hate the puckers, I hate the sound it makes, when the sewing needle hits down on it...
I try to only use it in an emergency or for halloween costumes.
I have had some decent seams with shorter stitch length, Gütermann Mara 150 thread, microtex needles...maybe lower tension setting....
I'm usually much happier, one shelf over in the Kona Cotton section...
I try to only use it in an emergency or for halloween costumes.
I have had some decent seams with shorter stitch length, Gütermann Mara 150 thread, microtex needles...maybe lower tension setting....
I'm usually much happier, one shelf over in the Kona Cotton section...
Posted on: 8/24/21 11:28 AM ET
In reply to stirwatersblue
Thank you for your reply, yes I did use a hot iron at first just when I was putting in darts and then I used a cooker iron bc it looked like it left a mark on the fabric! Shoot, I did not ore wash, as I usually do with cottons. I wasn't thinking about it! Probably will not buy again either....
Posted on: 8/24/21 11:31 AM ET
In reply to Doris W. in TN
Thank you!!! Will try!
Posted on: 8/24/21 11:31 AM ET
In reply to kayl
Thank you!
Posted on: 8/24/21 11:40 AM ET
In reply to SewsforCats
Thank you! This is what I suspected. I usually go for better quality cotton and I saw this and thought "maybe it will work" but haven't had luck with it. Real waste of time, isn't it? :/ Thanks for the thread suggestionn, I may try that. Mara 150 thread and a thinner needle. And shorter stitch length.
I agree re using it only for Halloween costumes....
I agree re using it only for Halloween costumes....
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