PatternReview.com online sewing community
Join our community of 579,259 sewists!
SIGNUP Membership is free and includes 1 free lesson
Login |
Join our community of 579,259 sewists!
Signup | Login
To participate in the PatternReview.com forums please Login or Join PatternReview
Member since 3/27/07
Posts: 2438
Send Message
Posted on: 6/8/09 4:35 PM ET
I just finished a sleeveless knit top and I coverstitched the hem on the sleeve. It seems like it has stretched a little. I plan on sewing more sleeveless dress and tops for this summer out of knits and using my coverstitch. By the way, did I mention I love this machine! Anyhow, am I supposed to be doing something to the armholes to prevent them from stretching out of shape?
  
Member since 7/11/05
Posts: 3783
Send Message
Posted on: 6/8/09 8:07 PM ET
In reply to halleyscomet
I don't have a coverstitch machine so I'm not sure how they work but I like to enclose a bit of 1/4 inch clear elastic around armscyes of sleeveless garments as I turn and stitch or before I add a binding. I do it around the neckline, too. I pull it a little tighter than the opening so the armscye or neckline "draws in" when I am wearing the garment.
------
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
  
Member since 8/18/02
Posts: 1578
Send Message
Posted on: 6/8/09 8:29 PM ET
Maybe adjust the differential feed so it won't stretch out when stitching.
  
Member since 8/24/02
Posts: 5885
Send Message
Posted on: 6/8/09 10:35 PM ET
I like to finish the edge with 1/4 inch knit elastic, similar to finishing the arm in a tanksuit. The elastic is cut about 1 inch smaller than the actual opening, and it will grow a little with all the stitching.
------
My grandmother taught me to sew when I was 10, and I've been sewing ever since.
  
Member since 3/27/07
Posts: 2438
Send Message
Posted on: 6/9/09 8:10 AM ET
In reply to diane s
I got to doing some searching here and I see where alot of you use clear elastic for such a thing. I just ordered some so I think I'll try it. I have never used this stuff so wish me luck.
  
Member since 2/9/04
Posts: 18027
Body Type:
Send Message
Posted on: 6/9/09 8:24 AM ET
In reply to halleyscomet
I believe Burda patterns always have us put some fusible interfacing (they call it Vilene over there) along the stitching line, to stabilize. Any kind of stabilizer tape would work.
------
iPad's auto-correct is my enema.
  
Member since 5/22/06
Posts: 3084
Send Message
Posted on: 6/9/09 3:48 PM ET
In reply to halleyscomet
I use clear elastic on the necklines of all of my tops now. Not only does it help keep the shape of the neckline, but it adds just a bit of body to the edge. I haven't yet tried it on armholes because I don't often make sleeveless garments. But it should work well for armholes too.

Be sure to stretch it a couple of times before applying. I apply it in a 1:1 ratio, so I don't cut it ahead of time. I use a fairly wide and long zig-zag stitch to apply it. Also, if you don't have a Teflon foot (a great investment), just reduce the presser foot pressure somewhat. The zig-zag stitch and the Teflon foot/reduced presser foot pressure help the foot move smoothly over the elastic.
  
* Advertising and soliciting is strictly prohibited on PatternReview.com. If you find a post which is not in agreement with our Terms and Conditions, please click on the Report Post button to report it.
Selected Reviews, Classes & Patterns
Fancy Frocks Fabrics
Fine Designer Fabrics
Elliott Berman Textiles
High-end Fashion Fabrics
Specials!
Nature's Fabrics
Natural & Organic Fabrics
Specials!