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Member since 7/12/07
Posts: 2
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Posted on: 7/12/07 10:08 AM ET
Hi all!

Please help! I'm trying to sew a top from a book (Making Stuff: An alternative craft book by Ziggy Heanor ISBN: 1094772617) using stetch jersey fabric.

I'm fine with everything the instructions up to where they say to use stretchy iron-on (fusible) interfacing on the edges of the garment before sewing it up using a straight stitch... Must I use interfacing? I can't get the stetchy type anywhere and wondered if i used a narrow zig-zag stitch instead whether that would be ok? Failing that I have normal non-stretchy iron-on interfacing...

Feel like just using zig-zag stitch and going for it... Please help - my local dressmaking shop was rude to me - don't think they like beginners much

Many thanks
Amy
  
Member since 8/24/02
Posts: 7614
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Posted on: 7/12/07 10:15 AM ET
What strange instructions. I sew on jersey all the time and use a tiny zagzag stitch to sew the seams, about a 1 for length and .5 for width. I think they want you to use the interfacing so you wont pop the straight stitches but it will also remove the stretch which is the reason for using a jersey in the first place.
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If it's worth sewing, it's worth sewing well;
and if it's worth sewing well, it's worth FITTING FIRST! - TSL
  
Member since 7/12/07
Posts: 2
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Posted on: 7/12/07 10:28 AM ET
In reply to Sherril Miller
Thanks Sherril!

I thought it odd too. I'm a beginner ish but i kinda know some stuff. I used stretch jersey about 5yrs ago on something and don't remember using it then! Thought i ought to check though!

Many thanks once again - I'll let you know how it turns out!

Amy
  
Member since 5/11/03
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Posted on: 7/12/07 10:30 AM ET
In reply to soggy.moggy
I sew jersey without interfacing all the time using a zig zag stitch. I have found that sewing at a slower but steady speed will keep most knits from getting wavy. Experiment with some scraps to see what works best for your fabric.


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Kim
  
Member since 8/12/02
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Posted on: 7/12/07 10:35 AM ET
Adding my voice to Sherrill and Mikkim, I use a .5mm wide zigzag with a 2.5mm stitch length with no interfacing to stitch most jersey seams. I only use interfacing in my seams when I want them stabilized, usually in the case of shoulders or when I have a zipper to insert.

HTH
  
Member since 8/24/02
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Posted on: 7/12/07 11:12 AM ET
If you have a walking foot, use that on jerseys. It keeps the fabric from slipping under the foot and keeps it even and doesn't stretch out the knit.
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Visit my blog at http://sewingsaga.blogspot.com

If it's worth sewing, it's worth sewing well;
and if it's worth sewing well, it's worth FITTING FIRST! - TSL
  
Member since 9/19/06
Posts: 187
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Posted on: 7/12/07 12:16 PM ET
In reply to Sherril Miller
Sherril would this also work when sewing Bottom Weight Stretch fabric too???
  
Member since 8/24/02
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Posted on: 7/12/07 12:24 PM ET
In reply to Bobinator
I use my walking foot anytime I'm worried about the fabric not feeding evenly under the foot. A stretch woven could benefit from the walking foot as does lessening the foot pressure if you have that option.
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Visit my blog at http://sewingsaga.blogspot.com

If it's worth sewing, it's worth sewing well;
and if it's worth sewing well, it's worth FITTING FIRST! - TSL
  
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