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Member since 8/11/06
Posts: 348
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Posted on: 9/10/07 10:24 AM ET
I recently had a saleslady demonstrate to me a stretch stitch, which looks like double stitches but the seam really does stretch. My sewing machine actually has this capability but I never even knew about such a thing. I’ve always used a narrow zig zag on seams where I needed some stretch, such as on bias seams and on knits. When would you use one stitch versus the other?
  
Member since 8/24/02
Posts: 2728
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Posted on: 9/10/07 10:30 AM ET
In reply to DrFill
I almost never use the stretch stitch in the manner it's designed, which is as a substitute for a serger -- seam and finish all in one. I find that puts so much thread in that it actually ends up making the seam wavy and stretched out.

I alwalys use the small zz. Occasionally, I'll use the stretch to finish an edge, but usually knits don't need to have their edges finished because they don't ravel.

Nina
  
Member since 7/28/03
Posts: 1405
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Posted on: 9/10/07 12:23 PM ET
In reply to DrFill
I also never use the stretch stitch, altough the one on my machine is not a substitute for a serger, it doesn't wrap thread around the seam. It does put lots of thread in the seam, I find like Nina it makes the seam wavy, and, this is the real reason, it is bl**dy impossible to rip out if you make a mistake.

The only time I would even consider it is for real activewear, like bike shorts, where there will be a lot of stress on a really closely fitting garment that requires lots of movement. And even then I'd think long and hard about it.

HTH
-- Edited on 9/10/07 12:24 PM --
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Suo ergo maledicto

Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma - which is living with the results of other people's thinking. Don't let the noise of others' opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary. - Steve Jobs
  
Member since 4/8/02
Posts: 5095
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Posted on: 9/10/07 12:27 PM ET
I don't use the straight stretch stitch on my machine either. It doesn't wrap around (that's a different stitch on my machine) but it puts a lot of thread in there and it takes longer to sew. I much prefer a zigzag set at .5. Don't even want to think about trying to rip it out.
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Member since 10/16/06
Posts: 890
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Posted on: 9/10/07 12:34 PM ET
I don't use my stretch stitch either. I find it difficult to get out if I make a mistake (which is more times than not ) so I just use a narrow ziz zag.
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Member since 6/18/04
Posts: 446
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Posted on: 9/10/07 12:39 PM ET
In reply to DrFill
Sometimes I use it at a longer length for hemming knits - it looks like thick topstitching on the right fabric. Test! Wrong fabric = much waving and sometimes holes, but on the right fabric it looks very nice.

Gail
  
Member since 5/25/04
Posts: 299
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Posted on: 9/10/07 1:10 PM ET
I'll use it to reinforce my crotch seam sometimes. I only do this when I know the seam is correct, though. I've ripped one of those out in my life, and that's enough!
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-Marcia
http://pimpmysewingroom.blogspot.com/
  
Member since 12/28/04
Posts: 13915
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Posted on: 9/10/07 2:19 PM ET
In reply to DrFill
I have used the stretch stitch, the multi thread one, but only to reinforce the crotch seam. Some people use it for topstitching but I find it too hard to control with its back and forth motion on curves.
I usually use a basting stitch on knits and then serge using the basting as my guide, especially if I have added incase sas, which I usually do if I haven't made the pattern before.
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www.nancyksews.blogspot.com
  
Member since 1/12/04
Posts: 6312
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Posted on: 9/10/07 9:42 PM ET
I've used it to stitch hems and things on tshirts. Its a great stitch. Also use it for topstitching. If you use regular thread, the triple stitch makes it look like you are using heavy thread.
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Marilyn

January 2009 to January 2010 81 yards out and 71yards in January 2010 to the present 106.7 yards out and 146.5 yards in. January 2011 to the present: 47 yards out and 69 yards in.
  
Member since 9/14/07
Posts: 16
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Posted on: 9/15/07 10:29 AM ET
I like to use a double needle for hemming and topstitching t-shirts, takes some pratise but the results are very professional.
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Dear Lord, May I remeber how lucky I am on the bad days as well as the good.
  
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