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Moderated by Deepika
Posted on: 7/12/09 0:40 AM ET
I'm not sure where to post this exactly but I need some advice.
I purchased a safari style front buttoning top with extensive seam detailing. 8 vertical pattern pieces for the torso portion of the top, as well as two top and two bottom pockets. Collar, sleeves etc. 100 per cent cotton.
When I washed and dried the top (according to label instructions - warm water, delicate cycle) every single seam line puckered extensively to the point where it almost looks like the flat fell seams are ruched. I tried to stretch the top when ironing it, as soon as the seam is let go from being manually stretched, it pops right back to a wrinkly mess.
Then I tried washing the top a second time, to see if the seams would relax once wet again, but no luck. Severely puckered seams throughout, including the hemmed portion.
I unfortunately am going to have to return the top. The threads are slightly shiny and very soft - not sure if it is rayon or cotton. I don't think its poly, but I could be wrong.
I would like to know what caused this, so I can avoid it if I ever try to sew something similar.
Is it that the thread shrunk? What would be the best type of thread to use to avoid this?
Or is it that the fabric was held too taut when being sewn?
Or is it that the thread was wound too tightly on the bobbin?
I'm so frustrated. I liked this top so much that I was going to try to unpick every seam and try resewing it, but my husband brought me back to my senses.
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I purchased a safari style front buttoning top with extensive seam detailing. 8 vertical pattern pieces for the torso portion of the top, as well as two top and two bottom pockets. Collar, sleeves etc. 100 per cent cotton.
When I washed and dried the top (according to label instructions - warm water, delicate cycle) every single seam line puckered extensively to the point where it almost looks like the flat fell seams are ruched. I tried to stretch the top when ironing it, as soon as the seam is let go from being manually stretched, it pops right back to a wrinkly mess.
Then I tried washing the top a second time, to see if the seams would relax once wet again, but no luck. Severely puckered seams throughout, including the hemmed portion.
I unfortunately am going to have to return the top. The threads are slightly shiny and very soft - not sure if it is rayon or cotton. I don't think its poly, but I could be wrong.
I would like to know what caused this, so I can avoid it if I ever try to sew something similar.
Is it that the thread shrunk? What would be the best type of thread to use to avoid this?
Or is it that the fabric was held too taut when being sewn?
Or is it that the thread was wound too tightly on the bobbin?
I'm so frustrated. I liked this top so much that I was going to try to unpick every seam and try resewing it, but my husband brought me back to my senses.
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Posted on: 7/12/09 2:42 AM ET
In reply to Athene
The 100% cotton fabric shrunk when you washed it which is what caused the seams to pucker. This happens a lot with RTW (store bought clothes) as many manufacturers don't use cotton fabrics that have been pre-washed or treated.
To avoid it with your own sewing make sure you pre-wash every fabric where you intend on washing garment. With cotton it is a good idea to wash twice and throw in a hot dryer just to be sure. HTH
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To avoid it with your own sewing make sure you pre-wash every fabric where you intend on washing garment. With cotton it is a good idea to wash twice and throw in a hot dryer just to be sure. HTH
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Belinda. Melbourne, Australia
http://sew-4-fun.blogspot.com/
http://sew-4-fun.blogspot.com/
Posted on: 7/12/09 2:14 PM ET
In reply to Sew4Fun
Thank you Sew4Fun.
I had thought that somehow perhaps the thread shrunk as the seams are now shorter with the fabric bunched up in the seams so that the hem of the top is not even, it looks almost scalloped because all the seams are shorter.
I do prewash my fabrics. When sewing I will be sure to do my cotton twice and put it in a hot dryer like you suggest.
I would sure hate to put a lot of work into something and have it turn out like this RTW top did.
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I had thought that somehow perhaps the thread shrunk as the seams are now shorter with the fabric bunched up in the seams so that the hem of the top is not even, it looks almost scalloped because all the seams are shorter.
I do prewash my fabrics. When sewing I will be sure to do my cotton twice and put it in a hot dryer like you suggest.
I would sure hate to put a lot of work into something and have it turn out like this RTW top did.
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Posted on: 7/12/09 3:31 PM ET
I think you are right about the thread shrinking for some reason. Your ideas of why it happened sound reasonable... The thread could have shrunk, if it were a different fiber than the fabric. Or maybe the tension was too tight on the machines it was sewn with? I think if the thread or bobbin was wound too tight you would have seen the puckering even before laundering.
This garment isn't underlined or interfaced on all those seams, is it? Some quilters use cotton batting in their quilts specifically so they will get the puckering of the top fabrics when the batting shrinks when washed...
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This garment isn't underlined or interfaced on all those seams, is it? Some quilters use cotton batting in their quilts specifically so they will get the puckering of the top fabrics when the batting shrinks when washed...
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blog: goodworks1.wordpress.com
Posted on: 7/12/09 5:09 PM ET
I referer to this as "the RTW suprise element", you're never quiet sure what you'll get after it's washed. A lot of the material used in clothing construction is also very heavily starched to give it a nice look on the hanger. I had a pair of pants of were so starched in the store they could stand on their own. After 1 wash the fabric almost looks crinckled and very soft (if they weren't cheap and comfortable they'd go back).
When sewing for yourself always prewash your fabrics and dry in drier like others suggested. I even prewash polyester fabrics as I don't trust labels. Also stay away from the cheap thread in dollar stores or 3/99c a spool. Cheap thread equals poor seams that fall apart. When sewing let your sewing machine feed the fabric and resist pulling it along. Press every seam open as you sew.
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When sewing for yourself always prewash your fabrics and dry in drier like others suggested. I even prewash polyester fabrics as I don't trust labels. Also stay away from the cheap thread in dollar stores or 3/99c a spool. Cheap thread equals poor seams that fall apart. When sewing let your sewing machine feed the fabric and resist pulling it along. Press every seam open as you sew.
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Janome10001, Babylock ESG3, Brother ULT 2001, White 634D serger, Pfaff 1472, Singer featherweight, Singer 14T957Dc, Bernina FunLock 009DCC coverlock, Brother PQ1500S, Janome CP900.
Posted on: 7/12/09 9:30 PM ET
Goodworks
No the garment wasn't underlined or interfaced in the seam area. I really do think that somehow the thread shrunk. What a pity.
Sew2006 - definitely a RTW surprise. The garment was so beautifully finished and looked like so much work in the various seam detailing - yet all gone to waste when washed and looking so ugly.
Anyhow - I took the garment back today - It was regularly $50, on sale for $25, plus I had gotten another 20 percent and GST off when I purchased it - so it was very low cost, however it looked so darn ugly that I couldn't even justify keeping it at that price.
But still, I liked it so much, that if I go shopping in a week and see the crinkly mess hanging on a rack for $5 or $10 I may buy it to cut apart and use as a pattern for one I will make myself.
Thanks to all of you for replying to me with your valuable advice.
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No the garment wasn't underlined or interfaced in the seam area. I really do think that somehow the thread shrunk. What a pity.
Sew2006 - definitely a RTW surprise. The garment was so beautifully finished and looked like so much work in the various seam detailing - yet all gone to waste when washed and looking so ugly.
Anyhow - I took the garment back today - It was regularly $50, on sale for $25, plus I had gotten another 20 percent and GST off when I purchased it - so it was very low cost, however it looked so darn ugly that I couldn't even justify keeping it at that price.
But still, I liked it so much, that if I go shopping in a week and see the crinkly mess hanging on a rack for $5 or $10 I may buy it to cut apart and use as a pattern for one I will make myself.
Thanks to all of you for replying to me with your valuable advice.
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