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Member since 1/9/05
Posts: 195
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Posted on: 6/24/09 3:44 PM ET
Hi Folks, I checked the archives on this topic and found discussions of stitch witchery and steam-a-seam in general, but I'm wondering how the light/ultralight versions of these two products compare.

I recently used Stitch Witchery Ultra-Light on a stretchy rayon knit and it didn't seem to make them hem too stiff or heavy. Basically I have nothing to complain about with my hem, but I'm wondering if I'd get an even better result with the light version of Steam-a-Seam.

I folded and pressed the hem first, then opened the hem, slipped in the Stitch Witchery, pressed with steam, and then sewed with a double needle.
  
Member since 8/24/02
Posts: 7941
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Posted on: 6/24/09 8:13 PM ET
In reply to Aleah
I don't like Steam A Seam because sometimes it can come out bulky; even the light version. For knits I use fusible tricot--love the stuff, and it's very reasonable.
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Member since 9/3/06
Posts: 8552
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Posted on: 6/24/09 10:18 PM ET
I haven't tried the Stitch Witchery lately, but the lite Steam a Seam won't stick to anything I've tried it on. I do use the regular weight, mostly to hold very ravelly fabrics
jan
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Everyone who sews seriously has a stockpile of fabrics, because it is natural to purchase more than can be sewn in any one season" Singer, Timesaving Sewing, 1987

  
Member since 5/22/06
Posts: 3084
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Posted on: 6/24/09 10:46 PM ET
In reply to Aleah
I use Steam A Seam 2 for every knit top I make, in both the sleeve and bottom hems. It sticks gently before being applied with the iron, adheres well, doesn't create any bulk even on thin knits, and provides a nice bit of stabilization for coverhemming or regular topstitching. I keep quite a bit of it on hand because it is so useful.


Edited to add that I'm really surprised at the comments above for Steam A Seam, and to find that perhaps I'm in the minority in liking this product. Like many of us, I tend to use really good quality rayon/lycra jerseys and other knits from places like EOS, and am also particular about my supplies!


-- Edited on 6/24/09 11:41 PM --
  
Member since 1/9/05
Posts: 195
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Posted on: 6/25/09 1:48 AM ET
Thanks much for the responses! Very interesting. I bought Steam-a-Seam 2 a while ago, but never used it and when I went to hem this recent top I couldn't find it. The store I went to only had light Stitch Witchery so that's what I used. I'm looking forward to the Steam-a-Seam 2 showing up so I can try it and compare. I don't want to buy something I know I have somewhere...

I will buy some fusible tricot, however, and add that to the comparison list.

Thanks again!
  
Member since 12/13/07
Posts: 826
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Posted on: 6/25/09 7:56 AM ET
I use and really like Steam-a-seam. I usually use the "lite" and can't imagine how I managed before I found it. I hem knits, insert zippers, seam seams.
My newest use it to permently close RTW cartigans that I really want to wear as a closed sweater - gets rid of the "comma" look on the button line.
I haven't used Stitch Witchery in a long time, though I used to use it regularly. I remember it being a much heavier and stiffer product - but maybe it's changed since then.
  
Member since 7/25/08
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Posted on: 6/25/09 9:52 AM ET
In reply to Miss Fairchild
What BRAND is fusible tricot?
  
Member since 12/3/06
Posts: 10072
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Posted on: 6/25/09 11:07 AM ET
In reply to gramma b
Fusible tricot is a fabric (tricot) with a fusible backing.

You can find it with interfacings.

I do not know of a method for using this for hemming.
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Member since 7/25/08
Posts: 11055
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Posted on: 6/25/09 11:26 AM ET
In reply to PattiAnnJ
Beth Pierce mentioned it here....
  
Member since 8/24/02
Posts: 5885
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Posted on: 6/27/09 2:04 PM ET
In reply to Miss Fairchild
The type I've used is only fusible on one side. I've used it to stabilize wrap neclines and shoulders in sheer knit fabrics and it's wonderful. I cut my own strips.
Is there a double sided tricot to fuse a hem?
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My grandmother taught me to sew when I was 10, and I've been sewing ever since.
  
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