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Member since 3/4/12
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Posted on: 7/8/15 9:02 AM ET
I want to use my binder and cpx1000 coverstich to attach a binding to a neckline. I have trouble with the binding strip slipping around, needles running off of the strip, ect. The binder works perfect with thicker rib knit; I cut the strip, feed it through the binder, and sew without stopping. I can sew about 13 stitches on lycra, stop, fiddle with binding fabric with a small screwdriver, and try again. If I am lucky, I make it around the neckline. I've read that if the fabric has a bit of "grab", or texture, and not so slick, it works better. I am wondering if any one has tried an iron on, wash away stabilizer on the binding strips, and if that works. I want the binding to be stretchy after it is sewn on. Thanks in advance for any help!
-- Edited on 7/8/15 at 9:04 AM --
  
Member since 10/30/03
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Posted on: 7/8/15 10:54 AM ET
What has worked for me is to cut the binding strips before I cut anything else. Then I soak the strips in laundry starch & hang them to dry. Once they are dry, I press them flat because wetting them in the starch makes the strips curl up.

If I'm using an unfamiliar fabric, I cut a test strip & make a sample. So far I've been able to make all of the lycra fabrics I've tried work. Narrower bindings are easier than wide ones.

I used Sta-Flo mixed as light starch. I might mix it as a heavier starch next time. There have been a couple that I soaked again in starch because they weren't stiff enough.

I also started starching the hems before I coverstitch. I end up with a more flexible hem than if I fused interfacing, & it's less work.

The starch washes out with the first wash. I've worn all of the things I've done that way before washing without looking weird.
  
Member since 8/6/12
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Posted on: 7/9/15 9:50 AM ET
Would a two sided tape that washes out work? I used that to hold seams together before sewing if the fabric is difficult.
  
Member since 3/27/05
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Posted on: 7/9/15 11:59 AM ET
I had very similar problems when I started using my coverstitch binder for activewear. I ended up compiling a whole bunch of tips together into one post, but I'll freely admit that it's still a very fickle process, even if you follow all of the above. Always cut extra strips and accept the fact that some day the binder gods will be against you. And take heart that at least coverstitching is really easy to rip out!!
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Member since 8/24/02
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Posted on: 7/10/15 1:33 PM ET
In reply to squirrellypoo
Thank you so much for this!
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Babylock Evolution


When life gives you green velvet curtains, make a green velvet dress.
  
Member since 3/4/12
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Posted on: 7/10/15 5:32 PM ET
In reply to kate s
Thanks for the replies! I had found fehrtrade.com and been using some of her tips. Kate s, how narrow of a binding are you talking about? I've been using one that starts with 1 1/8 " strips, type a binder. I am wanting to use self fabric binding so what kind of interfacing would you suggest that has stretch? I have had some success with French fuse, but it has seemed to make the neck hole less stretchy. And maybe I just need to spend some time experimenting with tensions, foot pressure, binder position, ect.....
  
Member since 10/30/03
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Posted on: 7/10/15 9:23 PM ET
In reply to sewin44
The narrowest binder I have uses 1" strips. The next larger one uses 1 1/8" strips. Both of them are the ones that do a single fold. For my tops, I use one of those. For DH's t-shirts, I use one that uses 1 3/8" strips.

I don't use interfacing on edges that I use the binders on or the binding strips. The edge I mentioned that I might use fusible interfacing on is the hem. I fused a knit type interfacing strip 3/8" wide to the edge of the hem. The last projects I dipped the hem in starch & let it dry. That stiffened the edge enough that I didn't need interfacing.

I found these blog posts to be very helpful:
http://stitchesandseams.blogspot.com/2001/01/coverstitch

http://stitchesandseams.blogspot.com/2001/01/coverstitch-adjusting-binder.html
  
Member since 8/24/02
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Posted on: 7/10/15 10:36 PM ET
Try spray starch and reduce your foot pressure a bit. Are you using A or B type binders? A binder might be better with lycra fabric.
For the narrower binding I would use 3mm width c/s with needles in R and middle positions
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Member since 3/4/12
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Posted on: 9/9/15 12:23 PM ET
I'm going to come back here and update. I have been having pretty good success with dipping the cut strips into a mixture of sta-flo diluted with 1/2 water and letting them dry. Then I tape the binder on the machine (with painter's tape) so the edge of the binder is as close to the clear foot as it can get. Hope this can help someone!
  
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Posted on: 9/9/15 6:39 PM ET
In reply to sewin44
Good to hear that that works since I've wondered if it would help! It's a great suggestion to starch the strips before you get started. I can't believe I've never thought to do it that way since it takes so long to dry!
I often use temporary spray for knit hems. It disappears overnight. I use paper templates to keep the spray where I want it. It is not supposed to be used on silk.
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