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Member since 10/20/05
Posts: 848
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Posted on: 10/21/05 2:40 PM ET
I have a question about blind stitch or blind hemming. I have made many pairs of curtains, valances, etc. On draperies I have either blind stitched by hand or top-stitched with a machine. I had a low end Singer and it didn't have a blind stitch option.

I bought a Pfaff sewing machine and it comes with a blind hemming foot, and it has an elastic blind stitch but not a traditional blind stitch. Can I use a shell stitch as a blind stitch? And is there any way to blind stitch the bottom and side hems on curtains with the stitches I have, or should I continue to sew them by hand? I just bought the Pfaff so I could return it. I could kick myself for not noticing it didn't come with this feature, but I guess the bargain price clouded my judgment.

I am interested in buying a blind hemming machine, but have no idea how to use one, or which one to purchase.

Thanks for any info.
  
Member since 4/4/02
Posts: 7876
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Posted on: 10/21/05 2:48 PM ET
There's nothing wrong with using the elastic blind hem stitch or, if you are able to mirror-image it, the shell stitch.

I have a portable industrial blind stitch machine - the TacSew T-500. I highly recommend it. It took me less than 10 minutes to blind hem a king-size gathered dust ruffle!
  
Member since 10/20/05
Posts: 848
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Posted on: 10/21/05 2:52 PM ET
Thank you Gigi. Mirror image the shell stitch--good point. I don't think I can.

Thank you for the recommendation of your blind stitch machine. I will look into it. I notice you are an advanced seamstress. Is the TacSew pretty easy to learn and use?

Thanks.
  
Member since 10/20/05
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Posted on: 10/21/05 2:53 PM ET
I meant say, "easy to use for a beginner like me?"
  
Member since 10/20/05
Posts: 848
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Posted on: 10/21/05 2:57 PM ET
Gigi, I just read your review on the TacSew. Thanks. :)
  
Member since 4/8/02
Posts: 5095
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Posted on: 10/21/05 3:08 PM ET
In reply to Lori Sews
I think you could use either one. I would suggest getting some long strips of fabric and practicing. Then you can see which one works for you. Your scallop stitch looks almost identical to my blind-hem stitch.
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www.thereisjoyadventures.blogspot.com
  
Member since 3/2/04
Posts: 2073
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Posted on: 10/22/05 9:19 AM ET
My machine just has the stretch blind stitch too [called elastic blind stitch on your machine].

There's absolutely nothing wrong with using the stretch blind stitch on non-stretch fabric.

The problem would be using a normal blind stitch ---v---v--- on a stretchy knit fabric.
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Ardis

the lefthanded daughter of a lefthanded mother
  
Member since 4/4/02
Posts: 7876
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Posted on: 10/22/05 10:28 AM ET
Nurse, I found the blind stitch quite easy to learn. If you buy one online there are several of us here who have them and can help you. The main thing you want to look for is the curved needle. I bought mine from my friend's shop. He kept telling me that I didn't need it. Ha! I have never regretted the decision. Although it's not a machine that I use every week I want to give it a big fat kiss every time I do use it. :-)
  
Member since 9/28/05
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Posted on: 10/22/05 12:52 PM ET
In reply to Gigi Louis
I tried to do the bling hem stitch on my kenmore machine, but i dont know if the end result is supposed to look like that. And mine doesnt even look like a finished hem.

Are there any websites which show the front and back of the completed blind hem? Thanks!
  
Member since 4/4/02
Posts: 7876
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Posted on: 10/22/05 1:05 PM ET
Thaiyal, I don't know of any place that has pictures but from the front you should just barely be able to see little pricks from the needle if you're working on a smooth fabric. On anything with more texture you should be able to see anything. From underneath you should be able to see the entire stitch on the hem allowance only. Each left swing of the stitch should just catch a thread or two of the fashion fabric.
  
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