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Posted on: 7/6/16 11:33 PM ET
One more question that illustrates my lack of knowledge regarding how to utilize my machines. When a pattern calls for narrow edge on a knit garment, such as edge of a wrap dress, I never know the best way to go about it.

If I use the coverstitch there are the two lines of topstitching which I may not want. Especially awkward when the edge has a hem at the end as well.

I could serge off part of the edge, fold over, then stitch with sewing machine. Or just follow directions and fold over twice and stitch with sewing machine. Both of these methods produce only a single row of visible stitching, but using a sewing machine for a knit garment seems to defeat the whole purpose of having a serger and coverstitch machine.

And I prefer straight stitches for any visible stitching as opposed to zig zag, but then there's the stretch issue.

I'm curious how everyone else handles this.

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Beth
  
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Posted on: 7/6/16 11:37 PM ET
In reply to nightowlgal
A serger narrow hem would be the easiest, most likely.

But is the knit going to ravel? Will the edge be subject to abrasion? What do you think of bound edges, or taped edges?

Have you ever used your sewing machine's stretch blind hem?
  
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Posted on: 7/7/16 2:03 AM ET
If you download this manual for the Bernina 2000 serger, and go to page 17, which is really a side-by-side view of pages 32 and 33, you can see a nice comparison of different edge finishes:
Bernina 2000 serger manual
Look closely at options 6 and 7, the 2-thread and 3-thread roll hem. I don't know what brand/model of serger you have, but there's a good chance it can create a finished edge like the ones shown on these pages.
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Bongoramsey
  
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Posted on: 7/7/16 11:28 AM ET
In reply to kayl
Quote: kayl
A serger narrow hem would be the easiest, most likely.

Can you elaborate on this? Do you mean a narrow three-thread overlock?

Speaking of blind hems, do you have a blind hem foot for your serger? That might be the best of both worlds--blind hem, but you don't have to fall back on your sewing machine to use it. ;)
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~Elizabeth in the prairie
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Posted on: 7/7/16 12:06 PM ET
Each style and fabric is different so you have a variety of choices. Do a sample and see which one you like the best.

For the bottom of a tee shirt, I use the coverstitch but for the wrap dress hem I might just serge, turn and sew.
  
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Posted on: 7/7/16 12:14 PM ET
In reply to stirwatersblue
Three thread overlock or rolled hem, depending on the knit, is what I meant by "serger narrow hem".

I'm not fond of the appearance of the serger blind hem, so never even think of it!

  
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Posted on: 7/7/16 8:42 PM ET
I love love love the narrow 3-thread overlock that my Babylock does. It's my current favorite finish for lightweight sheers, like mesh knit or chiffon. It just looks so tidy and elegant. I used it to edge-finish some fray-prone metallic rayon satin, and almost didn't bother doing a proper hem, it looked so pretty!

I find the rolled hem to be just a bit fussier and only break it out if I really want that decorative bead-of-thread look (like on a scarf or a veil... not that I've done any veils, but you know what I mean!). The 3-thread just looks beautiful every time. The dense 3-thread is also lovely, but like the rolled hem requires some TLC for perfect results. :)

For the edge of a wrap dress I might use some FOE (I like it better than clear elastic), but otherwise I'm probably in the serge-fold-topstitch camp. I don't have a coverstitch, though.

I like the versatility of being able to switch from machine to machine at my whim--sometimes all-serger, sometimes all SM, sometimes lots and lots of hand stitching, sometimes a mix of all three--so I'd probably get to a point where *not* hemming absolutely everything with the coverstitch didn't bother me... but I'm sure when I do get one I'll go through a phase where I won't want to use anything else! LOL
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Posted on: 7/7/16 9:46 PM ET
My serger is a Babylock Evolution so it produces a nice three thread overlock, rolled hem, and coverstitch. I've used all at various times for hems, but I'm talking about the visible edge of a wrap dress where it crosses over the front. The neckline has a binding up till the point where the tie is attached and the edge angles downward to bottom of garment.

Since a picture will be much more clear than what I'm trying to convey:
wrap dress edge

Off Topic -- I would have preferred to post the pic instead of a link but I can't seem to post images any more. Pretty sure I used to just press the "Image" button and paste in the URL of the picture, but that no longer works for me... Did something change? Or is it different with Shutterfly?
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Beth
  
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Posted on: 7/7/16 10:00 PM ET
In reply to nightowlgal
All I'm getting with the URL is a sign in page for shutterfly, which won't help me much as I don't use the site.

I, too, have suddenly had problems pasting in photos via the method you mention. Dunno why.

As far as a wrap dress edge goes, I'd probably just consider keeping the binding all the way down the skirt from the neckline for visual and methodological continuity.
  
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Posted on: 7/8/16 0:31 AM ET
Well the sign in page isn't super helpful... I guess the ability to post pictures again is something to figure out, but I never had problems till recently.

I like the idea of binding all the way down, at least on the one edge that's in full view. Do you think it would be possible to do in one continuous strip, or would I need to split where the neckline meets the edge and the tie comes out?


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Beth
  
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