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12 
Member since 8/13/08
Posts: 88
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Posted on: 3/24/09 11:59 PM ET
I really want to learn to sew knits since this is what I wear mostly.

I do not have a serger or a coverstitch machine and I have my eye on the Jalie sweetheart top and the empire crossover top. Will this be a problem? Will the instructions assume that I have a serger?

My Janome machine does have some different stretch stitches and I could purchase a twin needle if necessary.

Any thoughts?
  
Member since 8/13/08
Posts: 88
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Posted on: 3/25/09 0:11 AM ET
Well now, I just looked at the Jalie website again and found that I could look at the instructions myself. They do include instructions for sewing without a serger.

I'm still interested to hear what people think about this, though.
-- Edited on 3/25/09 0:11 AM --
  
Member since 1/20/08
Posts: 1301
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Posted on: 3/25/09 7:34 AM ET
In reply to neighbourhood gal
You don't need a serger to sew knits. I sew knits all the time and I do it on a Singer 401 that is older than me.

You do need to make sure that you are using the proper needle, and the proper stitch though.

Get needles that are especially for knits, they are ballpoint.

You don't necessarily need to use the stretch stitches on your machine, many people prefer using a narrow zig-zag...set the width of the stitch so it looks almost like a straight stitch.

If you want to see some great work on knits without a serger, go look at PR member Amanda's blog.
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Michelle

http://cheapandpicky.blogspot.com/
  
Member since 4/8/02
Posts: 5095
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Posted on: 3/25/09 8:27 AM ET
In reply to neighbourhood gal
No, you don't have to have either! Remember, we sewed on knits before home sergers and coverstitch machines were available (some of us did anyway!!). Stretch and Sew was well known for their techniques. You can find Ann Person's books on ebay for super cheap. Styles are way out of date but the techniques are good.

ETA: the stretch stitches usually put too much thread in the seam. Do some samples first!
-- Edited on 3/25/09 8:28 AM --
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www.thereisjoyadventures.blogspot.com
  
Member since 3/28/08
Posts: 393
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Posted on: 3/25/09 9:01 AM ET
In reply to neighbourhood gal
You don't need a serger or coverrstitch machine, but they are nice to have with knits. I just hemmed a pair of knit pants on my new coverstitch machine last night, and they look just like they did before I cut them off! I bought the Brother 2340 for $299, and I think it is a great investment for relatively little money if you want to give your knit garments a RTW look on the hems and neckline bindings. I can't wait to put mine to more use. A serger will make quick and neat work of the seams, but only you will know the difference there.
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Sheila

God's love is infinite!
  
Member since 12/23/03
Posts: 1268
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Posted on: 3/25/09 9:13 AM ET
Although knits can certainly be sewn on a regular machine (with zig zag or knit stitches), a serger really speeds up the process. A serger is also useful for speed-sewing woven fabrics, finishing the seams at the same time--very useful for home dec or other projects involving miles of seams. If you're hankering for a new machine, buy a serger. It's more versatile than a coverstitch machine. BTW there are combo serger/coverstitch machines.
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"All things are difficult before they are easy."
--Thomas Fuller
  
Member since 4/28/08
Posts: 1038
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Posted on: 3/25/09 2:28 PM ET
In reply to neighbourhood gal
I sewed on a straight machine for years before I got a serger and coverstitch. I purchased serger about 15 years ago and coverstitch a year ago. It makes sewing knits easier and quicker. So I suggest if you plan to sew knits a lots to purchase these machines. If you hadn't used them before you will not realize the benefits of having them.
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sewing grammy
  
Member since 5/28/06
Posts: 1449
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Posted on: 3/25/09 2:53 PM ET
In reply to neighbourhood gal
I have an overlock/coverstitch machine and have yet to use it to sew knits.

I'm looking for a class on overlocking/coverstitching knits specifically... so far, the classes around me have the "get to know your serger" theme.
  
Member since 12/3/05
Posts: 6572
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Posted on: 3/25/09 6:39 PM ET
I have a sewing machine, a serger and a coverstitch machine. When I sew a tee shirt, I construct it on the sewing machine, finish the seams with the serger and sew the hems with the coverstitch machine.
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No sewing project is ever a complete success nor a total failure.
  
Member since 5/25/05
Posts: 779
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Posted on: 3/25/09 10:20 PM ET
IMHO have the best sewing machine you can afford right now, then get the best serger/overlocker that you can afford, and then get the coverstitch.
I have a combo overlocker/coverstitch machine and it's great... but I didn't get as much use from it and have now added a coverstitch machine to the 'stable'...
it's much nicer having separate machines that you can just use without having to fiddle and change things.
BUT... pace yourself... by researching exactly what you want, with what capabilities; then save; then shop around to get the best deal on the best (for you) item.
If that takes a bit longer, then just use the overlock/twin needle stitching on the sewing machine until you can get the next one... then you'll find that you LOVE the new machines when they come!!
hth
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G
Sydney, Australia
  
12 
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