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Member since 8/29/05
Posts: 221
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Posted on: 9/24/10 9:54 AM ET
I'm trying to coverstitch down the elastic in a leg hole of a swimsuit. I lock in the stitches at the end, according to Debbie Cook's method.

When I check the stitches after there seems to be loose looper stitches along the bottom and, when I pull or poke them, the whole thing unravels. I noticed that if any of the stiches veer off the elastic and onto the fabric itself, that is where the looper thread seems to be really loose. I have woolly nylon in the looper (BLCS coverstitch machine) and regular thread in the needles. I have the needle tensions set at 4, the looper at 0 (though I've tried increasing it but it didn't help) and stitch length at 3. Does anyone have experience coverstitching elastic and, if so, what settings do you use? Will the stitches stay locked if I make sure I keep the stitches on top of the elastic and not on the garment?
Thanks for your help.
  
Member since 7/18/09
Posts: 1312
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Posted on: 9/26/10 11:46 PM ET
I've only done some test sewing as I just bought the BLCS but I think my samples felt pretty rugged. I will try a few more pieces tomorrow and let you know. I'll note the tensions and pass that on too.

I am in love with my machine. I bought it used but it's new to me and it feels like Christmas! I attached a double fold bias binding as a skirt waistband (in lieu of the twill tape the pattern called for) and it turned out beautifully. It took several tries to get it exactly right but I was so happy with the way it turned out. This is one of the best sewing purchases I've ever made.
  
Member since 6/23/04
Posts: 4892
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Posted on: 9/27/10 0:20 AM ET
In reply to sport
I've done this type of CS many times with no trouble, but I own the Brother.

The stitches can only unravel like this if there are skipped stitches. One skipped stitch and the whole thing will unravel. Usually skipped stitches relate to the needle. Either the wrong size or the wrong type.

On elastic I use a size 90 needle, and because I own the Brother I use a stretch needle. However, I don't think you can use a stretch on the Babylock because it takes a different needle type. I could be wrong though.

All this is to say, try a different needle. HTH
------
Belinda. Melbourne, Australia
http://sew-4-fun.blogspot.com/
  
Member since 7/18/09
Posts: 1312
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Posted on: 9/27/10 2:09 PM ET
I tested my BLCS by attaching elastic to bathing suit fabric. The elastic is on top of the fabric. For the test I used regular thread, no wooly nylon. The two needle tensions are set at 7, the looper is between 5.5 and 6 and the stitch length is 2.5 . I could not pull the elastic and the fabric apart. I tried rubbing the stitches to make them loose but they stayed nice and tight; no unraveling.

Maybe it is a needle issue as the other poster indicated since you only have this problem with elastic. It could also be the stitch length. What stitch length are you using? I have found a shorter stitch length works better with elastic.
  
Member since 8/29/05
Posts: 221
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Posted on: 9/28/10 10:58 AM ET
In reply to Sew4Fun
Thanks for your response, Sew4Fun. I didn't realize the stitches would unravel if there was a skipped stitch. This is good to know. I'll have to keep an eye open for that.

I'm using the organ El-705 needles that came with my BLCS. If I keep the topstitching on the elastic the stitches seem fine/locked in. It's just when I veer off the elastic that they become loose and unravel.

I believe my BLCS manual says to use only the Organ EL-705 needles, but I will try putting in new ones since I haven't changed them since I purchasd the machine a few months ago.

-- Edited on 9/28/10 11:13 AM --
  
Member since 8/29/05
Posts: 221
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Posted on: 9/28/10 11:07 AM ET
In reply to rieski
Thanks for doing this for me, Rieski. Maybe my tensions are set too low. I had my needles at 4, looper at 0 (suggested tension when using woolly nylon) and my stitch length at 3.5. I'll tried different settings to see if that helps.
-- Edited on 9/28/10 11:12 AM --
  
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