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Does it really work for knit hems? (Moderated by Sharon1952)
Posted on: 9/1/07 5:13 AM ET
I'm hemming my knit t-shirt and for the first time I'm using a wash-away stabiliser as I stitch with my twin needle around the hemline. It is producing, at this stage, what looks like a sus result but maybe when it's washed out the hem will lie flatter. I've had to clip the stabiliser here and then so the hemline doesn't start to form little tucks. Hmmmm.
Wondering if anyone else has used this and is it worthwhile, the idea of course being to stop any unnecessary stretching of the hem as it is sewn.
It also means you don't get to wear a top immediately after finishing it!
Any opinions on this stuff? I'm using a product called Solvy.
xtreme1
Wondering if anyone else has used this and is it worthwhile, the idea of course being to stop any unnecessary stretching of the hem as it is sewn.
It also means you don't get to wear a top immediately after finishing it!
Any opinions on this stuff? I'm using a product called Solvy.
xtreme1
Posted on: 9/1/07 6:19 AM ET
In reply to xtreme1
xtreme1, you should/will be pleasantly surprised when you wash out the Solvy.
Use warm soapy water or put in a machine wash as usual.
I mostly use the Vilene water soluble stabiliser as it looks and behaves like regular sew in interfacing and not quite so slippery, but both have the same result.
HTH's
Vonne
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Use warm soapy water or put in a machine wash as usual.I mostly use the Vilene water soluble stabiliser as it looks and behaves like regular sew in interfacing and not quite so slippery, but both have the same result.
HTH's
Vonne

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Vonne šOš Brisbane Australia
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Laughter is timeless, imagination has no age and dreams are forever.
We don't stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.
---------------------------------
Laughter is timeless, imagination has no age and dreams are forever.
We don't stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.
Posted on: 9/1/07 8:42 AM ET
Thanks Vonn - that's reassuring, and certainly better than unpicking twins rows of stitching. I have swished the hem area throughly in water and the Solvy has disappeared. The waves created by incorporating Solvy in the hem do seem to have disappeared along with their creator. Tomorrow I'll know for sure.
xtreme1
xtreme1
Posted on: 9/1/07 11:14 AM ET
In reply to xtreme1
xtreme and vonne, tanks for this thread! I've been grappling with ugly hems and reading abut Solvy. I'm getting myself to Greensboro today or tomorrow to but some! 
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Cindy Lou, no more than 2
"Sew, Esmerelda! Sew like the Wind!" -Martin Short, The Three Amigos
"When inspiration calls, you don't send it to voicemail." --Will I Am.
"Sew, Esmerelda! Sew like the Wind!" -Martin Short, The Three Amigos
"When inspiration calls, you don't send it to voicemail." --Will I Am.
Posted on: 9/1/07 1:36 PM ET
In reply to cindy-lou
cindy-lou, if you can find the wash away that looks a little like regular interfacing, it behaves much better and is more durable. In high humidity, Solvy needs to be kept in an airtight container whereas the beefier stabiliser like Vilene, is not as susceptable to humidity, although I keep mine in a ziplock bag.
There are several brands, we just happen to have access to the Vilene brand here in Oz. I did a quick Google and it seems that Joann sell HTC's H2O Be Gone. Sulky might have their version too. It will probably be in the machine embroidery section of notions.
It was through machine embroidery that I discovered this wonderful product and I save every usable scrap.
Vonne
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There are several brands, we just happen to have access to the Vilene brand here in Oz. I did a quick Google and it seems that Joann sell HTC's H2O Be Gone. Sulky might have their version too. It will probably be in the machine embroidery section of notions.
It was through machine embroidery that I discovered this wonderful product and I save every usable scrap.
Vonne

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Vonne šOš Brisbane Australia
---------------------------------
Laughter is timeless, imagination has no age and dreams are forever.
We don't stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.
---------------------------------
Laughter is timeless, imagination has no age and dreams are forever.
We don't stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.
Posted on: 9/2/07 8:01 PM ET
I also thank you for this thread.
I've not been happy with any of the several ways I've been doing tee-shirt hems. I'm in the midst of making many multiples of basic tees and tanks right now and the hemming is the part I really dislike. I always feel like I have things well in hand until that point, then its often a craps shoot whether the thing is going to continue to look OK once the hem is done.
Besides: I have a lifetime supply of some sort of wash away stablizer. I ordered several 1 yard samples from Joanne's a couple years ago and for one of them, instead of a yard I received an entire BOLT. I've been looking for new ways to use it.
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I've not been happy with any of the several ways I've been doing tee-shirt hems. I'm in the midst of making many multiples of basic tees and tanks right now and the hemming is the part I really dislike. I always feel like I have things well in hand until that point, then its often a craps shoot whether the thing is going to continue to look OK once the hem is done.
Besides: I have a lifetime supply of some sort of wash away stablizer. I ordered several 1 yard samples from Joanne's a couple years ago and for one of them, instead of a yard I received an entire BOLT. I've been looking for new ways to use it.
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I am going for a level of perfection that is only mine... Most of the pleasure is in getting that last little piece perfect...Inspiration is for amateurs. The rest of us just keep showing up and doing the work.
Chuck Close, painter, printmaker, photographer
Hope has two lovely daughters: Anger and Courage
St. Augustine
Chuck Close, painter, printmaker, photographer
Hope has two lovely daughters: Anger and Courage
St. Augustine
Posted on: 9/2/07 11:26 PM ET
In reply to tlmck3
Quote: tlmck3
I also thank you for this thread.
I've not been happy with any of the several ways I've been doing tee-shirt hems. I'm in the midst of making many multiples of basic tees and tanks right now and the hemming is the part I really dislike. I always feel like I have things well in hand until that point, then its often a craps shoot whether the thing is going to continue to look OK once the hem is done.
Besides: I have a lifetime supply of some sort of wash away stablizer. I ordered several 1 yard samples from Joanne's a couple years ago and for one of them, instead of a yard I received an entire BOLT. I've been looking for new ways to use it.
I also thank you for this thread.
I've not been happy with any of the several ways I've been doing tee-shirt hems. I'm in the midst of making many multiples of basic tees and tanks right now and the hemming is the part I really dislike. I always feel like I have things well in hand until that point, then its often a craps shoot whether the thing is going to continue to look OK once the hem is done.
Besides: I have a lifetime supply of some sort of wash away stablizer. I ordered several 1 yard samples from Joanne's a couple years ago and for one of them, instead of a yard I received an entire BOLT. I've been looking for new ways to use it.
An entire bolt of wash-away stabilizer! Machine Embroiderers would love to have that luck!

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OLD CHINESE PROVERB: I HEAR & I FORGET; I SEE & I REMEMBER; I DO & I UNDERSTAND.
Posted on: 9/3/07 0:02 AM ET
In reply to PattiAnnJ
I kinda figured it was a sign that I should take up machine embroidery. Haven't got there yet but someday....
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I am going for a level of perfection that is only mine... Most of the pleasure is in getting that last little piece perfect...Inspiration is for amateurs. The rest of us just keep showing up and doing the work.
Chuck Close, painter, printmaker, photographer
Hope has two lovely daughters: Anger and Courage
St. Augustine
Chuck Close, painter, printmaker, photographer
Hope has two lovely daughters: Anger and Courage
St. Augustine
Posted on: 9/3/07 8:38 AM ET
The best trick I've found for hemming knits is to use spray fabric glue. I turn the hem up and press, then spray the hem allowance and glue it in place. Just stitch as usual and voila! A perfect, non-wavy hem.
-- Edited on 9/3/07 8:39 AM --
-- Edited on 9/3/07 8:39 AM --
Posted on: 9/3/07 12:40 PM ET
In reply to *Pepper*
Quote: *Pepper*
The best trick I've found for hemming knits is to use spray fabric glue. I turn the hem up and press, then spray the hem allowance and glue it in place. Just stitch as usual and voila! A perfect, non-wavy hem.
-- Edited on 9/3/07 8:39 AM --
The best trick I've found for hemming knits is to use spray fabric glue. I turn the hem up and press, then spray the hem allowance and glue it in place. Just stitch as usual and voila! A perfect, non-wavy hem.
-- Edited on 9/3/07 8:39 AM --
Pepper, Interesting solution. Do you use temporary fabric glue (the kind that disappears after a couple of days) or permanent fabric glue?
--Lily
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Lily
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