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Why these stitches and not others? (Moderated by Sharon1952, EleanorSews)
Posted on: 2/18/11 3:06 AM ET

The stitches in question are the stretch stitches I, J, K, and L.
Can you imagine using one of these supposed stretch stitches on a seam of your rayon-lycra top? Your needle would be bouncing all over the place. Watch out you don't swallow your fabric through the needle plate, make a mistake, and have to rip, rip, rip! What could these four weird stitches possibly do that the other stretch stitches cannot?
Are they supposed to be decorative?
I'd rather sew a string of asterisks around a neckline.
They are weird. And what is the point of having four of them in a machine that does not have a wide selection of stitches to begin with? It's irksome when sm manufacturers hold back certain useful utility stitches or features--yeah, like the adjustable presser foot pressure--for their pricier models.
Edited for a smaller image and spelling typos.
Stitches not stithches. It's a midnight rant after all...
-- Edited on 2/18/11 3:12 AM --
Posted on: 2/18/11 7:28 AM ET
In reply to poplin
These look very similar to the weird ones on the 16231 but they're not identical. I've also noticed some weird stitches that look similar on some pfaff machines--typically the ones that do not do satin stitches and to me, those are even worse for decorative use. I think these are meant to be decorative or maybe to use on the hemline of knit fabrics? its something i have wondered about too. On the 16231, a couple of them look kinda funky (in a good way) when you adjust length and width settings.
Posted on: 2/18/11 8:12 AM ET
I have similar on my Emerald 122.
emerald brochure
In the brochure it is also suggesting they are decorative stitches.
I did stitch them out once as a sample and have never used them again.
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emerald brochure
In the brochure it is also suggesting they are decorative stitches.
I did stitch them out once as a sample and have never used them again.
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My machines; Bernina 135S, Brother JK 4000,
http://fenullapolkadot.blogspot.com
http://fenullapolkadot.blogspot.com
Posted on: 2/18/11 9:54 AM ET
In reply to poplin
Quote: poplin
They are weird. And what is the point of having four of them in a machine that does not have a wide selection of stitches to begin with? It's irksome when sm manufacturers hold back certain useful utility stitches or features--yeah, like the adjustable presser foot pressure--for their pricier models.
They are weird. And what is the point of having four of them in a machine that does not have a wide selection of stitches to begin with? It's irksome when sm manufacturers hold back certain useful utility stitches or features--yeah, like the adjustable presser foot pressure--for their pricier models.
A lot of the vintage machine fans here have made the same point.
So many new machines put in gewgaws that seem appealing on the surface, but, really, add very little. The stitches you mention are intended to be decorative (and even more complicated in "stretch" mode where the machine will move the fabric both forwards and backwards while forming stitches), but who'd really use them? At the same time, quality of the straight stitch is compromised.
Of the stitches you show, I only find these valuable: A (straight), C (zigzag), D (three-point zigzag), F and G (blind hem), plus the stretch versions for those. The buttonhole is fine, but I'll bet a dedicated buttonholer attachment does a better job.
I'd much rather they put their efforts into, as you say, the adjustable presser foot pressure and three or four buttonhole styles. (The six buttonholes was the real strength of Janome's TB-30, which boasted an otherwise paltry 30 stitches.) For my money, straight + buttonholes is all you need for the majority of clothing. If you like knits, the stretch stitches are nice.
I just fixed up a nearly-free Janome-made Kenmore from the early 80s to give to a friend. It has all of 10 stitches, and I've no idea what I'd do with 6 of them. Good thing the other 4 work so well.
Posted on: 2/18/11 9:59 AM ET
I don't believe they're stitches that are intended to BE for anything, even decoration or to take the place of other stitches you may have wanted. They are simply how the stitch above appears when the machine settings are adjusted for the stretch mode.... look at the general configuration and you'll see the similarity between the "shape" of the woven version above them.
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Posted on: 2/18/11 10:03 AM ET
If you combine two rows of D on the bottom and edge it with I, you will have a decorative delicate lace effect. Example of decorative stitching using a similar stitch to one of yours.
-- Edited on 2/18/11 10:04 AM --
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-- Edited on 2/18/11 10:04 AM --
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Marilyn
January 2009 to January 2010 81 yards out and 71yards in January 2010 to the present 106.7 yards out and 146.5 yards in. January 2011 to the present: 47 yards out and 69 yards in.
January 2009 to January 2010 81 yards out and 71yards in January 2010 to the present 106.7 yards out and 146.5 yards in. January 2011 to the present: 47 yards out and 69 yards in.
Posted on: 2/18/11 1:44 PM ET
I would be annoyed to have those, but not the lightning-bolt stitch which is much more useful in my opinion.
Posted on: 2/18/11 2:26 PM ET
In reply to mastdenman
Quote:
If you combine two rows of D on the bottom and edge it with I, you will have a decorative delicate lace effect. Example of decorative stitching using a similar stitch to one of yours.
If you combine two rows of D on the bottom and edge it with I, you will have a decorative delicate lace effect. Example of decorative stitching using a similar stitch to one of yours.
Now, what a nice and POSITIVE comment with what a lovely illustration. Stitching can be fun. I was about to post that these can be satin stitches as well with the length and width tweaked. And here you go showing us! Thank you!

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"Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible." --Dalai Lama
https://eyeletsintheseams.blogspot.com
Pfaff 1222E, Elna eXcellence 720, Brother Innovis PS500, Brother SE400, Brother 1034D, Sunbeam irons ;)
https://eyeletsintheseams.blogspot.com
Pfaff 1222E, Elna eXcellence 720, Brother Innovis PS500, Brother SE400, Brother 1034D, Sunbeam irons ;)
Posted on: 2/18/11 5:05 PM ET
In reply to Mufffet
Quote:
what a nice and POSITIVE comment
what a nice and POSITIVE comment
Which I had none midnight last night. :)
I was trying to exhaust all the choices online for a beginner sewing machine with speed control for my kid (10). I was looking at every machine with a price tag.
Should I spend less and upgrade later? Those computerized Brothers priced well under $150 look very tempting late at night, you know. Or maybe I should ask poorpigling instead. At what time does she do her online shopping, anyway?
Should I spend big money now (over $200) and buy a machine with all the features that can take her far in her sewing adventures?
At any rate, it seems misleading if these stitches are not supposed to be stitches, because they are pictured along with the utility and stretch stitches, and sometimes even included the stitch package. If they are not actual useful stitches but rather pictures of what the regular stitches would like in stretch mode, then the sm manufacturers should omit them in the stitch menu printed on the machines. I guess, they are there to keep the stitch menu looking asymmetrical on the machine, that is, for embellishment.
Posted on: 2/18/11 5:20 PM ET
In reply to poplin
I think those could be used in crazy quilting as well. But if I were you I would spend in the 199 to 299 range, get a Janome, and get one with 50 stitches. Computerized. People are used to pushing buttons these days - and to getting a lot of options in whatever they buy. My daughter won't sew unless it's on the computerized Janome! But then, you know your daughter and what you want to spend....I know how that late night online shopping goes. 
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"Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible." --Dalai Lama
https://eyeletsintheseams.blogspot.com
Pfaff 1222E, Elna eXcellence 720, Brother Innovis PS500, Brother SE400, Brother 1034D, Sunbeam irons ;)
https://eyeletsintheseams.blogspot.com
Pfaff 1222E, Elna eXcellence 720, Brother Innovis PS500, Brother SE400, Brother 1034D, Sunbeam irons ;)
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