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Member since 6/3/08
Posts: 21
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Posted on: 7/9/08 9:00 PM ET
Hey everybody, So I have had my Singer QuantumLock DC 14697 (or whatever the # is) for 2 weeks now- I went through all the stitches with a woven fabric and they were all great... Now I want to do knits and i am tearing out my hair:

Problem #1 - I want to put a binded edge around a tank top I am making- but I do not have a binder and I cannot seem to find one or anyone for that matter- who has used a generic binder for this machine- I am on the lookout though- but in the meantime, has anyone used binding without a binder attachment on knits? I have a bias maker tool that I used to make a bias strip, and I also tried using knit fusing (but I did not cut them on bias so it didn't curve nicely...still have to try that method again)

Problem #2: I decided to forgo the binding finish and just coverstitch it but it all bunched up before I could get anywhere...when I finally got into it- the fabric curled under and bubbles at the top- not very pretty. The coverstitch worked great on the woven but not on the knit...It is very thin but isn't the point of a coverstitch to hem knits??

Problem #3: has to do with #2- when I am sewing- the machine doesn't seem to feed the fabric through on the right side- right away so the stitches are crooked (closer together) at the beginning of the line...

I have heard a few complaints about skipped stitches- which I haven't experienced yet but haven't heard of the problems I have. I hope this is understandable- I am part venting and part asking for help. I want to love this machine like I did last week!!! help!
  
Member since 3/28/08
Posts: 393
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Posted on: 7/9/08 9:09 PM ET
In reply to LorianneH
I also was wondering the same thing-do you need the binder attachment to do the binding on neck edges on knits, or does it make it easier? I don't have one for my serger, and haven't tried binding a knit edge yet, so Lorraine is probably one step ahead of me. I want to utilize my serger and coverstitch feature for a knit dress I'm planning but am not sure if I should go get the binder attachment before even trying another way. I have a Husqvarna/viking 936.
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Sheila

God's love is infinite!
  
Member since 6/3/08
Posts: 21
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Posted on: 7/9/08 9:23 PM ET
Yay I'm not the only one!
I just found on Debbie's Page a link to a seller that sells generic binders so I wrote to him to see if they work on the QuantumLock - I will let you all know (well I guess just the quantumlock owners would care really hehe)
Here's the link: http://myworld.ebay.com/sharpsewing/

Well back to sewing- I want to make something I can wear!!! Have to figure this out!
  
Member since 6/3/08
Posts: 21
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Posted on: 7/9/08 9:25 PM ET
Sorry- I just realized this post should probably be in the sewing techniques and tips so feel free to boot it into that category- I don't think I can...ok now I am really going back to sewing
  
Member since 9/29/05
Posts: 2054
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Posted on: 7/9/08 9:27 PM ET
In reply to LorianneH
Ok wait!

As far as your stitching appears close together at first and then stretches out? I think that's your presser foot pressure. Is there a knob on top of the machine over where the needle bar is? Turn it and loosen the tension on your presser foot.

You can apply binding with your sewing machine to the neckline of a knit tshirt. So, all is not totally lost.

As far as using generic binders on your singer, I don't know. Maybe the ebay guy will help you out.
HTH,
Donna

ETA: Problem #2: differential feed. Look in your manual and you're going to have to adjust your differential feed for knits. It will be different for wovens. In a nutshell, it's a two or more part feeddog. They can be set to move independently of each other or in unison with each other. Unison for wovens, independent for knits. Look in your manual.
-- Edited on 7/9/08 9:29 PM --
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The single most important discovery made by a group of women? The Empty Tomb!

http://www.donnahodgson.blogspot.com/
  
Member since 12/30/06
Posts: 360
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Posted on: 7/9/08 10:00 PM ET
I don't know if this is exactly "kosher" and the back side of my binding doesnt' look exactly like the example on Debbie's tutorial as correct, but... since I haven't been able to find a binder for my Coverpro 900, I have added binding to knits as follows: Made my bias strips. Pressed them so there were like bias tape. Pinned the strips to my neckline/ cuffs. Attached the strips using coverstitch. They have all come out looking pretty nifty as far as I am concerned. I believe a binding foot would probably make the whole process quicker. I sure wish I could find the foot for my coverpro.
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Svetlana
  
Member since 6/3/08
Posts: 21
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Posted on: 7/9/08 11:10 PM ET
Thanks Donna! Great advice- I will definitely try those solutions out tomorrow morning. When I got off the computer to sew I fiddled around with thicker knits and they worked alright- But definitely for the thinner knits I will try out the feed and the foot pressure. I only missed you by to minutes. After I saw the thicker knit worked well I spent the rest of the evening developing a pattern for a hoody- So far so good- I will sew it up tomorrow. If this works out I think I will design a hoody and casual summer 09' collection. I have a fashion show in October for Ottawa fashion week and I have been trying to figure out which route to take- formal, casual, sportswear- But if this hoody looks good I will go from there...now I am babbling- Thanks for the replies girls!! I will keep you posted on my progression after I put your advice into play!
  
Member since 2/3/06
Posts: 2340
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Posted on: 7/10/08 1:01 AM ET
I agree with Donna, it's probably a foot pressure problem. On my Janome Coverpro, I have to lighten the pressure considerably for light weight knits.


As to attaching binding without a binding attachment, I have done this by serging the right side of the binding to the wrong side of the top. Fold it over to the right side and fold under the raw edge. Press. Coverstitch.
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Melbourne
  
Member since 4/22/04
Posts: 7282
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Posted on: 7/10/08 1:33 AM ET
In reply to LorianneH
I have the Universal adjustable binder for my Elna coverlock. It is a Pfaff binder but the same as Elna's adjustable binder and it accepts many sizes of binding either store bought or home made. There is a similar binder that I have seen for sergers on ebay and thought I saw it stated that it fits Singers. I saw one on the Sew Vac Direct website for sergers for only $14.99. It is different than my Pfaff binder but the same idea. I believe it also adjusts to different sizes of bias as my Pfaff binder does. I am uncertain if it fits your Singer serger, it has a snap on foot. You can email or call SewVacDirect to see if it fits. You might also get a better deal if you find this foot on ebay or from another site.
To see how this foot works there is a video on the Pfaff UK sewing machine sales website that shows how to use all the feet for sewing machines and sergers and this foot is located at the bottom of the page that shows the feet.

As for the problems you're having, be sure you are using proper needles with correct differential feed settings plus proper foot pressure and stitch length and stitch width. Just one of these things being off can mess up the stitches so don't be afraid to play with all of the settings, that is what they are there for. It takes time to learn a new machine. Sometimes the main problem can be only because the thread is not sitting well in the tension disk. I know you will conquer it..and enjoy it more after getting to know it better.
  
Member since 12/4/06
Posts: 123
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Posted on: 7/16/08 5:38 PM ET
In reply to LorianneH
I know I am a little late replying to this thread, but I thought this may help others.

Threads magazine has a fantastic video demo on how to apply neck binding, I have it saved and love watching it.


Neckline Binding

Belinda ( :
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Belinda B : )
  
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