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When do I do this, and How (Moderated by Sharon1952)
Posted on: 8/30/09 9:16 AM ET
When should I stabilize should seams? Is it only when I am sewing with knit?
And how do I stabilize the shoulders?
Thanks in advance!
And how do I stabilize the shoulders?
Thanks in advance!
Posted on: 8/30/09 10:23 AM ET
I use clear elastic on knit shoulder seams. I like that it will stretch then snap back.
Most woven fabrics are not a problem stretching at the shoulder but sometimes you gst a loosely woven fabric that needs a little help. I use a strip of selvage from a similar colored cotton. I have a lot of them because I often use them for interfacing.
I'm sure someone will come along and point out I do it wrong -- but that works for me.
-- Edited on 8/30/09 10:25 AM --
Most woven fabrics are not a problem stretching at the shoulder but sometimes you gst a loosely woven fabric that needs a little help. I use a strip of selvage from a similar colored cotton. I have a lot of them because I often use them for interfacing.
I'm sure someone will come along and point out I do it wrong -- but that works for me.
-- Edited on 8/30/09 10:25 AM --
Posted on: 8/30/09 11:55 AM ET
In reply to Vie
Quote: Vie
I'm sure someone will come along and point out I do it wrong -- but that works for me.
-- Edited on 8/30/09 10:25 AM --
I'm sure someone will come along and point out I do it wrong -- but that works for me.
-- Edited on 8/30/09 10:25 AM --



Nora :)
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Nora :)
Posted on: 8/30/09 12:34 PM ET
Sometimes I use clear elastic on shoulder seams for knits and lycras. Other times I use twill tape. It depends how much stretch I want through that area and how a person is getting into the garment (button front, pullover, zipper, etc.)
On wovens, when I use a stablizer I usually use twill tape since I always have a roll of it around in both black and white.
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On wovens, when I use a stablizer I usually use twill tape since I always have a roll of it around in both black and white.
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Sheila
"sewing very slowly to fill an empty closet"
Stash Tally: net +46.375 yds (2014 to 2020); net +48.0 (2021); net +57.125 (2022); net +109.875 (2023)- Stash Tally 2024: 77.5 yds out/90.375 yds in (net + 12.875 yds)
2025 Stash Busting:
0 yds sewn (as of 01/01/25)
0 yds purchased/received (as of 01/01/25)
"sewing very slowly to fill an empty closet"
Stash Tally: net +46.375 yds (2014 to 2020); net +48.0 (2021); net +57.125 (2022); net +109.875 (2023)- Stash Tally 2024: 77.5 yds out/90.375 yds in (net + 12.875 yds)
2025 Stash Busting:
0 yds sewn (as of 01/01/25)
0 yds purchased/received (as of 01/01/25)
Board Moderator
PR Weekend 2019 Organizer
Member since 3/1/06
Posts: 1530
Member since 3/1/06
Posts: 1530
Washington USA
Skill: Intermediate
Skill: Intermediate
Posted on: 8/30/09 12:36 PM ET
I've tried using clear elastic and stay tape on knits. I've had better luck with the stay tape since I get the clear elastic distorted when run the shoulder seams through my serger. I did just notice on a RTW shirt that the shoulder seams were stabilized using the same fabric the shirt was made from but only using the less stretchy direction. I think this may work best for me since I won't have to cut my stablilizing piece to an exact width and just let my serger trim off the rest. (I hope that makes sense.)
-- Edited on 8/30/09 12:40 PM --
-- Edited on 8/30/09 12:40 PM --
Posted on: 8/30/09 12:52 PM ET
In reply to Jacqui315
I mostly use Clover bias tape because I have a whole box of small pieces. It gives a little stretch but stabilizes the seam. I almost never use clear elastic because my machine isn't a big fan of it. I have also used selvage and a piece cut on the crossgrain.
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dawn
www.twoontwooff.blogspot.com
IG: @two_on_two_off
www.twoontwooff.blogspot.com
IG: @two_on_two_off
Posted on: 8/30/09 4:27 PM ET
I like Dritz Stay Tape, it's sheer nylon tricot cut on the sraight.
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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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