Sponsors
Sponsors
How to avoid gathering (Moderated by Sharon1952, EleanorSews)
Posted on: 7/24/10 4:55 PM ET
I have tried a smaller needle, lighter presser foot pressure and the walking foot. It still gathers unless I am absolutely focused on keeping the fabric taut every second. Have I missed something or is this just one of those things?
------
------
http://bgballroom.wordpress.com to follow the progress on my next ballgown.
Posted on: 7/24/10 5:30 PM ET
Instead of just letting the machine the fabric through, do what is called "sewing taut". Normal presser foot pressure.
As you are feeding, hold the fabric in front and in back of the needle, hands should be about 10" apart, and stretch slightly.
This is how I sew any fabric where I don't want puckers.
-- Edited on 7/24/10 7:57 PM --
As you are feeding, hold the fabric in front and in back of the needle, hands should be about 10" apart, and stretch slightly.
This is how I sew any fabric where I don't want puckers.
-- Edited on 7/24/10 7:57 PM --
Posted on: 7/24/10 7:39 PM ET
In reply to tourist
Good advice from Soolip. In addition, are you using a fine thread?
------
------
iPad's auto-correct is my enema.
Posted on: 7/24/10 8:00 PM ET
In reply to Doris W. in TN
I usually use 60 wt. cotton when I sew (for shirts, anyway), which is finer than the regular 50 wt. So, I just use what I usually sew with.
However, I often like to baste by hand. Lately I've been using special thread that's made just for this purpose, and it is slightly heavier than normal thread, and feels a bit slicker. Pulls out more easily than regular sewing thread.
However, I often like to baste by hand. Lately I've been using special thread that's made just for this purpose, and it is slightly heavier than normal thread, and feels a bit slicker. Pulls out more easily than regular sewing thread.
Posted on: 7/24/10 8:39 PM ET
Keeping the fabric taut was the only thing that worked. I just had to really stay on top of it and several times wanted more hands! This is one of those situations where I really could have just glue basted. I think I will do that when I get to the collar. Flat, simple pieces that they just want held in place quite briefly before stitching some other way. I do have some nice light embroidery thread that I could try, though...
ETA - I am trying my best to sew "by the book" and at least make informed decisions about whether or not to take a shortcut. I haven't made a shirt in decades.
-- Edited on 7/24/10 8:41 PM --
------
ETA - I am trying my best to sew "by the book" and at least make informed decisions about whether or not to take a shortcut. I haven't made a shirt in decades.
-- Edited on 7/24/10 8:41 PM --
------
http://bgballroom.wordpress.com to follow the progress on my next ballgown.
Posted on: 7/24/10 11:27 PM ET
In reply to tourist
What machine are you using. I just lower the top thread tension way downand lengthen the stitch to the max and that works for me.
------
------
It is common sense to take a method and try it. If it fails, admit it frankly and try another. But above all, try something. ~ Franklin D Roosevelt 1843
Janome 19606 ,Janome My Excel 4023, Brother 1034D, White 1750C, Kenmore 158.1803, White 764, Brother 780D.
Janome 19606 ,Janome My Excel 4023, Brother 1034D, White 1750C, Kenmore 158.1803, White 764, Brother 780D.
Posted on: 7/24/10 11:32 PM ET
In reply to ukdame
The first attempt was on my favourite old mechanical Japanese branded machine, then I switched to the Kenmore 158 because I could change the presser foot pressure. It just incidentally had the walking foot as well. I never thought of changing the thread tension. I have a bit of a dread of doing that for some reason. I'll run some tests and let you know. Thanks!
------
------
http://bgballroom.wordpress.com to follow the progress on my next ballgown.
Posted on: 7/24/10 11:40 PM ET
In reply to tourist
When I sew on light weight fabric I sometimes need to lower tension to avoid puckering. I am very careful to move the tension back to its original spot though, in case the tension police raid my house!
Posted on: 7/25/10 0:08 AM ET
A straight stitch needle plate, & a straight stitch foot can help too. It gives more area to hold the fabric & keeps it more taut. You have a small round hole in the needle plate, & a small round opening in the presser foot, rather than the wider width needed for the needle to zig-zag back & forth.
------
------
SEWING: Pfaff Performance Icon; Pfaff Performance 5.2; Baby Lock Ellegante; Elna Air Electronic SU; Singer Featherweight. SERGING; Baby Lock Imagine Wave; Baby Lock Acclaim; Baby Lock Coverstitch
Posted on: 7/25/10 0:41 AM ET
If you don't have a straight stitch foot and plate, you can cover some of the opening with tape.
------
------
Oops, forgot what I was going to put here.
* Advertising and soliciting is strictly prohibited on PatternReview.com. If you find a post which is not in agreement with our Terms and Conditions, please click on the Report Post button to report it.
Selected Reviews, Classes & Patterns
Fancy Frocks Fabrics
Fine Designer Fabrics
Fine Designer Fabrics








