This was so helpful. I’m about to sew my first stretchy garment. I’ve been sewing off and on for 30 years and have never tried knit fabric. Now I’m ready. Thank you!
I had no idea there was a different needle for stretchy fabrics! I've had a nightmare today sewing stretchy material. Thank you so much for the advice xxx
Omg …I just learnt this last night when I googled how to sew stretchy fabric . The needle to buy is called a “ Ballpoint needle “ , that’s the technical name . The tip of it is little rounded vs the regular needle where the tip is pointed sharp. I am a newbie sewer and I am very grateful for this tutorial! My machine is 25 years old …yeah , bought it to sew Halloween costumes and costumes for school concerts. Then it was parked until 2020, learnt to make face masks. 2021 making baby bibs, burp cloths. Now ….I am stepping into the challenge of making a stretchy summer dress. Definitely , I am willing to learn more about sewing garments. It’s a very practical skill. Please continue to post these great tips and thank you for sharing your knowledge! 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Thank you so much, Wendi! Sewing many many years and stayed away from stretch materials. No more fears now with this invaluable information! Many thanks!
For those who have never used one, what Wendi is calling a 'stretch needle' (which I've never heard it called that after 50 years of sewing) is more commonly called a 'Ballpoint' Needle, which is used exclusively for knit fabrics because it does not cut/pierce the fabric, which would make it run, but rather 'pokes' through the threads. Sewing machine needles for woven fabrics cut and pierce the threads as it sews, which is why they're used for cottons and other wovens. The length and width of your stitch would depend on what kind of knits you are sewing. Testing on a scrap of knit is the only way to know what would be best for the kind of knit you're using. I have as serger gathering dust in my closet, and a stretch stitch on my machine that I never use. I use a regular stitch and always just use a scrap and see which length and stitch works for any fabric I sew, knits or wovens. It's true that skipped stitches can be caused from the wrong tension, but it can and often is caused by not pre-washing your fabric. I always pre-wash all my fabrics as soon as I bring them home. Even though most knits don't shrink that much, they do still shrink and dark colors can also bleed. Most fabrics, including knits, also have a sizing applies to them at the manufacturer to keep them looking good on the bolt, not to mention all the dust (and germs) fabrics gather in the stores and from human handling. Not something I want to take a chance on, but that's just me. My favorite finish on the raw edges on those garments that I make from really thin knits, is just a second row of stitches about 1/4" away from the first in the seam allowance and trim seams to that row of stitches. Knits do not ravel, although some of the really thin ones will 'run' like a pair of stockings if you use a regular sewing machine needle for wovens. I also use a strip of soft iron-on tricot (or any woven )fusible on JUST the shoulder seams of any knit garment I sew because these seams hold the weight of the entire garment and therefore get alot of stress. I iron this fusible strip on either the front or back panel (doesn't make any difference which but you don't need it on both front and back panel) the should seams first before doing any sewing and I center it over where I will be sewing the seam, so that half of the fusible strip will be on one side of the sewn seam, and half on the other, which makes it sewn in as well as fused in. Hope this helps someone.
+Bags and Bling On stretch vs. ball point needles - Schmetz makes both and that's the brand I use. They fix different potential problems when sewing with stretch fabrics. The ball point needle (I think Schmetz calls it a jersey needle - I don't have any in my kit right now to check) helps prevent snags in the fabric. The stretch needle has a deeper scarf (the groove that the thread sits in) designed to prevent skipped stitches. I tend to run into more problems with skipped stitches, so I usually start with a stretch needle and switch to ballpoint if snags happen on my test. Always test! :-)
Stretch needles are called ball point needles. The needle separates the fibers instead of piercing fibers in the material. You can also set your machine to sew 9 stitches per inch before you start. Then you slightly stretch the material as you sew. That’s what we were taught in “Stretch And Sew” classes back in the 70’s. Some newer machines have the stretch stitch built in as you showed.
I forgot to mention... No matter what kind of fabrics you're sewing, but especially knits, first put your needle down about 1/4" away from the raw edge and backstitch to the edge before continuing sewing your seam forward . This will prevent your needle poking your fabric down into the hole of your throatplate and usually prevents 'rat nests' of threads as well. Also, if you start your seam with at least 6" of loose thread, you can hold on to those threads as you sew the seam, gently tugging it along and stretching the fabric just a tiny bit as you sew. This is especially helpful for really thin knits although I do it when sewing all weights of knit fabrics. Some slight puckering is to be expected, but those puckers will usually all press out nicely, and you should be pressing each of your seams anyway for a more professional looking garment at the end.
Thank you Wendy, I love that you got right to the real information without to much extra talking. I do not have a serger machine. Mine is an older kenmore. Since I have such a hard time finding the style of bathing suit that I want I have decided to modify one that I already have and I just needed to know how to sew that stretchy swimsuit material. If you have any other tips specifically for swimsuit material before I start please let me know where to look. thanks again, I loved your video.
UMMM! I’ve been looking for this information for what feels like an eternity! Most of the things mentioned I found before, but no one thought to mention a stretch needle... thank you!
You have such a pleasant voice and manner of speech! It calms me down. Thank you for this tutorial, some very helpful tips here. I knew that I'd need to use the zigzag stitch, but I wondered about the length and width. And I'll make sure to buy the ball-point needle.
thank you so much for this! been all over the net looking and watching videos, only to be confused by them. Your video, however, straight to the point. Love it. I can now start on and/or finish all my projects that are not ruined already !! thank you thank you thank you
Do you ever use a twin stretch needle with a walking foot with a roller attachment foot? If so, I have a brother LS 590 and am new to this and would be using mostly Lycra or elastic 4 way stretch material. I was told by a friend and Dancewear line she makes here in the us! With all USA made materials to use Willy nylon thread high sheen with twin stretch needles to obtain the closest to pro made with home machine creations. She's an incredibly humble and talented woman at BDancewear! Cyndi creates many videos on how tos like yours but hers are created for folks whom already basic machine usage. I'm inspired by her generosity of sharing her knowledge (even though it's her business too! ) and now to find you whom can help me learn how to use my machine to its best ability doubles my gratitude!!! Thank you for any and all help. So lucky to have found such generous lights in both y'alls hearts! Brother LS 590 Wolly nylon thread high sheen Twin needle- how to thread it? Walking foot and rolling foot attachment? For best results? Honestly I can not figure out what setting to use for all 4 options when mostly using this type of material... I'm a tactile and Watching learner- so the pamphlet doesn't help me. All helps received with love and gratitude! Thank you, Catherine Boydston 918-565-4082 Coweta, OK 74429
I haven't - but I don't sew a lot of garments and that's where you really use a lot of stretch fabrics. I mostly use them for extra-cuddly dolls and stuffed animals and for that you don't need anything so fancy. :-)
Wish I saw this video when I made a wrap dress out of a super stretchy thin knit a few years back! I tried tissue paper, a walking foot, and many other tricks to keep my thin knit from being sucked into the machine, and dealt with the thread breaking every 30 seconds. That indeed had me screaming swear words lol! I didn't realize it was probably just the wrong needle. I went through an entire pack of them though! Found this video because I was thinking of trying to sew knit again. I',ll try to buy some of both needles this time. Thank you.
The machine has a tendency to pull the fabric down in but if you have a straight stitch throat plate and use a straight stitch it will be a lot happier.
The package should say ballpoint or stretch needle. I use Schmetz brand and they use different color bands at the top of the needles to tell them apart when they're out of the package. My stretch needles are banded with yellow.
Thank you! Very nice tutorial. 😊 I have a 30 year old cheap sewing machine with just the basic features so I especially appreciate that you showed a variety of methods. I was wondering if you could help me figure out how to repair a small hole in a stretch knit jacket (94% acetate, 6% spandex combo from Vikki Vi clothing). There are actually two small holes (smaller than pea size) close to the shoulder seams. Their locations aren't very visible. I'm mainly wanting to stop the holes from spreading and ruining the jacket. I don't know if I should try to sew up the holes, glue them, do both in combination, or do something else. Do you have any suggestions or know of any videos with ideas? I've found ways of mending holes on non-stretch fabric, but I need to be sure what I do will work with stretch fabric. I also need the repairs to be really small since the fabric tends to be slightly transparent so something like an iron on patch will probably show through, making the holes very visible. This is why I'm leaning toward sewing and/or gluing. Given the tiny size of the holes, maintaining the stretch in those small areas isn't important. The main goal is to prevent the holes from enlarging using the least visible method possible. Thank you for any ideas you can offer!!
Thank you for this tutorial. I needed this reminder. It's been many years since I sewed & I forgot which needles to use on different types of fabrics. Keep your tutorials coming. It's very helpful to me. :o)
Thank you for sharing this video! I just spent 3 hours trying to figure out what I was doing wrong sewing knit fabric! Definitely had plenty of frustration! 😩😅 Going to buy a stretch needle asap!
I found out the ball point needle the difficult way. If I had seen this years ago when I sewed my first spandex mermaid tail, it would have saved me soooo much trouble. Haha I just finished another spandex costume though, with much less swearing.
I would try pinning it like crazy - like pins every 1/4 inch. And sew with the stretchy fabric on top so you can see it and make sure it's not stretching. Good luck!
Hahahaha thanks for this video after a frustrating couple of hours trying to sew a stretchy t shirt fabric with normal needle and no success even after walking away and drinking 4 strong coffees I found your video... Off out to get a stretch needle now :-) many thanks
"If you use a regular needle, you will swear a lot." Yes, Wendi, you are so correct. I was watching this video, and when I came to that part, I howled! I have been going crazy all morning trying to figure out what I'm doing wrong. Yoo so fnny.
I wish i had looked this information up 3 days ago.. 🙄. Everything you said even about the swearing. Lol. Thank you so much for this. Im Omw to get the needles now. This is about to save me a lot of headaches..
@charlotteviner1 I usually use a product called Fold Over Elastic, but if you want to use the same fabric you made the shirt out of, I would make bias tape (just like for woven fabric) and sew it on with a stretch or zigzag stitch and be REALLY CAREFUL not to stretch it even a tiny bit while you sew. Good luck!
Thank you Wendi that was a very useful tutorial. Can you tell me please if all the same rules/tips would apply with a stretchy metallic faux leather? Thanks
+Alison Browning It should! Just be prepared to do a little testing. I always try a universal needle first and sometimes that works just fine. If I'm skipping stitches, I switch to a stretch needle. If I'm getting tiny snags in the fabric I switch to a ballpoint needle (sometimes called a jersey needle). Good luck!
I've never seen what a stretch stitch looks like sewn up. It seems like the best one and my machine has it, yay! Does it use much more thread than a regular stitch? Just wondering if the bobbin might run out. I want to make a lot of tees and I'm nervous about it. This was so helpful!
can a ballpoint needle that uses on Jersey material be on stretchy Jeans too? Or do I need to buy a ball point needle specific for stretchy Jeans? a newbie to the sewing world. I tried to hem my stretchy Jeans using needle for Jeans only but it still skipped.
Dear Wendi, I know my question on this subject is 8 years too late, but I hope you or someone else reading here will answer it. How about thread tension dealing with stretch fabrics? Can you do a tutorial on plus and minus tension for different fabrics, please! I could probably find a video relating tension, but you have a very neat way of tutoring. If u already have a tutorial on the subject, please show me the link. Thank you for your service :)
Which number is stretch needle is it 90/14 or something else and which is a stretch stitch setting on machine example please and if no stretch stitch setting is found what are the stitch number setting WxL of stitch thank you Dee
No - a stretch needle is different. It has a longer groove leading up to the eye, which helps prevent skipped stitches. A ballpoint needle can also be helpful for knits - use it if your universal needle is tending to create snags in the fabric.
What is a stretch needle ... I'm seeing baby blankets and dresses with a lot of stretch fabrics and I'm not only missing elasticity but thread keeps breaking
Just sew a little test swatch - sewing the two fabrics together. You may be able to just use a universal needle - but a test swatch will let you make sure.
Are stretch needles the same as ball end needles? P.S. Thank you! I think you have solved an issue I had the other day. I'm new to sewing and only have pointy needles, but didn't get any ball end ones because I didn't know. I did get it to sew moderately well by sandwiching it between printer paper, lol. Otherwise it gathered thread under at low tension (2) and jammed after an inch or so. It skipped most stitches at any higher(2-1/2 to 3) tension. The cursing was just as you describe.
They're both used on stretch fabric, but they're a little different. A stretch needle has a longer scarf (the groove that the thread sits in) and that helps prevent skipped stitches. A ballpoint (or jersey) needle has a rounded tip that helps prevent snags in the fabric.
Hi there. I am using a mini sewing machine and when I tried spandex (stretchy) fabric, the thread is not passing through the cloth and nothing happens at all. Zero stitch... my machine has straight stitch only. Any suggestion please. Thanks
I notice that my tension isn't great when I sew knits. I use a stretch needle and the bobbin thread looks a little loose. Should I tighten the tension or loosen it?
Thank you, Wendy, for the great tutorial! I'm glad you mentioned the stretch needle. I have to buy a few! What kind of fabric did you use for this video? I bought some poly/spandex blend since poly/cotton is nearly impossible to find these days.
I always start with a universal needle on a scrap of fabric to see what it needs. Sometimes the universal works just fine. If it's skipping stitches, you need to switch to a stretch needle. If it's making little snags in the fabric, you need to switch to a ballpoint needle.
The ball point needle separates the fabric fibers when passing through the fabric to make the stitch. The regular needles split the fibers when passing through the fabric. That is why you use regular needles with medium to heavier woven fabrics. A ball point needle works great with sheer fabrics, too, since it doesn't split the fibers.
hi there! ur video was so informative and i even downloaded it..i just got one question and hope u can help me......my sewing machine has 10 stitches including diff zigzag stiches but according to my sewing machine its not for knit fabric huhuhuhuhu do u have any idea how can i still use my sewing machine for knit fabric using any stuff such as the twin neddles or something..tnx muah muah godbless
+kim aquino I know you can use a double needle for knit hems - but I've never done it. Sorry. I don't understand why it's saying you can't use a zigzag for stretch? That's a pretty standard stretch stitch in most machines. I'd test it with a little swatch and see how it handles it.
+Wendi Gratz hello there my machine says it's not for knited fabric I mean the while machine itself guhuhuhu but anyways wendi thanks for ur time replying for me I really appreciate it ans godbless
LOL, my machine is even more regular than yours. It doesn't have options for anything other than a back and forward stitch. I have a singer 404 slant-o-matic. is there anyway I can do sewing with stretch fabrics on that machine?
To sew knit fabrics I need a stretch needle, but what about stretch thread. Is there a difference between it and regular thread aside from the obvious?
You don't need a stretchy thread for most stretch sewing - the way the machine does the stitch builds in stretch. They may use stretchy thread for really specialty sewing - like athletic wear for gymnasts, etc. - but I've never done that level of specialty sewing.
This was so helpful. I’m about to sew my first stretchy garment. I’ve been sewing off and on for 30 years and have never tried knit fabric. Now I’m ready. Thank you!
I had no idea there was a different needle for stretchy fabrics! I've had a nightmare today sewing stretchy material. Thank you so much for the advice xxx
Same 😭 I bought stretchy fabric and after sewing it I couldn’t stretch it because the stitching was so tight
Same 😂
Nazish Ansar - Crafty Seams buy ball point needles.
@@janetbeans6472 yeh I did quite a while back. That comment was from 8 months ago 😆
i guess I'm quite off topic but does anybody know of a good website to stream new movies online?
You make an excellent sewing teacher. Thanks for the information.
I literally came here because i used a regular needle. I was swearing & stitches were skipping. Thanks for the tip lol
same lol.
Omg …I just learnt this last night when I googled how to sew stretchy fabric . The needle to buy is called a “ Ballpoint needle “ , that’s the technical name . The tip of it is little rounded vs the regular needle where the tip is pointed sharp.
I am a newbie sewer and I am very grateful for this tutorial!
My machine is 25 years old …yeah , bought it to sew Halloween costumes and costumes for school concerts. Then it was parked until 2020, learnt to make face masks. 2021 making baby bibs, burp cloths. Now ….I am stepping into the challenge of making a stretchy summer dress.
Definitely , I am willing to learn more about sewing garments. It’s a very practical skill.
Please continue to post these great tips and thank you for sharing your knowledge! 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Very helpful. Thanks for the awareness on the STRETCH NEEDLE. 👏👏👏
Thank you so much, Wendi! Sewing many many years and stayed away from stretch materials. No more fears now with this invaluable information! Many thanks!
For those who have never used one, what Wendi is calling a 'stretch needle' (which I've never heard it called that after 50 years of sewing) is more commonly called a 'Ballpoint' Needle, which is used exclusively for knit fabrics because it does not cut/pierce the fabric, which would make it run, but rather 'pokes' through the threads. Sewing machine needles for woven fabrics cut and pierce the threads as it sews, which is why they're used for cottons and other wovens.
The length and width of your stitch would depend on what kind of knits you are sewing. Testing on a scrap of knit is the only way to know what would be best for the kind of knit you're using. I have as serger gathering dust in my closet, and a stretch stitch on my machine that I never use. I use a regular stitch and always just use a scrap and see which length and stitch works for any fabric I sew, knits or wovens. It's true that skipped stitches can be caused from the wrong tension, but it can and often is caused by not pre-washing your fabric. I always pre-wash all my fabrics as soon as I bring them home. Even though most knits don't shrink that much, they do still shrink and dark colors can also bleed. Most fabrics, including knits, also have a sizing applies to them at the manufacturer to keep them looking good on the bolt, not to mention all the dust (and germs) fabrics gather in the stores and from human handling. Not something I want to take a chance on, but that's just me. My favorite finish on the raw edges on those garments that I make from really thin knits, is just a second row of stitches about 1/4" away from the first in the seam allowance and trim seams to that row of stitches. Knits do not ravel, although some of the really thin ones will 'run' like a pair of stockings if you use a regular sewing machine needle for wovens.
I also use a strip of soft iron-on tricot (or any woven )fusible on JUST the shoulder seams of any knit garment I sew because these seams hold the weight of the entire garment and therefore get alot of stress. I iron this fusible strip on either the front or back panel (doesn't make any difference which but you don't need it on both front and back panel) the should seams first before doing any sewing and I center it over where I will be sewing the seam, so that half of the fusible strip will be on one side of the sewn seam, and half on the other, which makes it sewn in as well as fused in. Hope this helps someone.
+Bags and Bling On stretch vs. ball point needles - Schmetz makes both and that's the brand I use. They fix different potential problems when sewing with stretch fabrics. The ball point needle (I think Schmetz calls it a jersey needle - I don't have any in my kit right now to check) helps prevent snags in the fabric. The stretch needle has a deeper scarf (the groove that the thread sits in) designed to prevent skipped stitches. I tend to run into more problems with skipped stitches, so I usually start with a stretch needle and switch to ballpoint if snags happen on my test. Always test! :-)
Reading the comments makes me feel a lot better about swearing a lot, glad to see I'm not the only one :)
Stretch needles are called ball point needles. The needle separates the fibers instead of piercing fibers in the material. You can also set your machine to sew 9 stitches per inch before you start. Then you slightly stretch the material as you sew. That’s what we were taught in “Stretch And Sew” classes back in the 70’s. Some newer machines have the stretch stitch built in as you showed.
Stretch and Sew is where I learned to sew knits. Great for making children's clothes.
I forgot to mention... No matter what kind of fabrics you're sewing, but especially knits, first put your needle down about 1/4" away from the raw edge and backstitch to the edge before continuing sewing your seam forward . This will prevent your needle poking your fabric down into the hole of your throatplate and usually prevents 'rat nests' of threads as well. Also, if you start your seam with at least 6" of loose thread, you can hold on to those threads as you sew the seam, gently tugging it along and stretching the fabric just a tiny bit as you sew. This is especially helpful for really thin knits although I do it when sewing all weights of knit fabrics. Some slight puckering is to be expected, but those puckers will usually all press out nicely, and you should be pressing each of your seams anyway for a more professional looking garment at the end.
Bags and Bling
Bags and Bling
Can you demonstrate PLEASE!?
this helped me, i would start and it wouldnt begin clean. so backstitch to the edge then continue.
Bags and Bling i
Finally, I know there is a stretch needle after a few days of nightmares with my new sewing machine. Thanks a lot!
Thank you Wendy, I love that you got right to the real information without to much extra talking. I do not have a serger machine. Mine is an older kenmore. Since I have such a hard time finding the style of bathing suit that I want I have decided to modify one that I already have and I just needed to know how to sew that stretchy swimsuit material. If you have any other tips specifically for swimsuit material before I start please let me know where to look. thanks again, I loved your video.
UMMM! I’ve been looking for this information for what feels like an eternity! Most of the things mentioned I found before, but no one thought to mention a stretch needle... thank you!
You have such a pleasant voice and manner of speech! It calms me down. Thank you for this tutorial, some very helpful tips here. I knew that I'd need to use the zigzag stitch, but I wondered about the length and width. And I'll make sure to buy the ball-point needle.
So helpful ... Thank you for expanding my little arsenal of IMPORTANT sewing tricks ...
thank you so much for this! been all over the net looking and watching videos, only to be confused by them. Your video, however, straight to the point. Love it. I can now start on and/or finish all my projects that are not ruined already !! thank you thank you thank you
Hi Wendy! Your video was very helpful thank you so much!
Do you ever use a twin stretch needle with a walking foot with a roller attachment foot? If so, I have a brother LS 590 and am new to this and would be using mostly Lycra or elastic 4 way stretch material. I was told by a friend and Dancewear line she makes here in the us! With all USA made materials to use Willy nylon thread high sheen with twin stretch needles to obtain the closest to pro made with home machine creations. She's an incredibly humble and talented woman at BDancewear! Cyndi creates many videos on how tos like yours but hers are created for folks whom already basic machine usage. I'm inspired by her generosity of sharing her knowledge (even though it's her business too! ) and now to find you whom can help me learn how to use my machine to its best ability doubles my gratitude!!! Thank you for any and all help. So lucky to have found such generous lights in both y'alls hearts!
Brother LS 590
Wolly nylon thread high sheen
Twin needle- how to thread it?
Walking foot and rolling foot attachment? For best results?
Honestly I can not figure out what setting to use for all 4 options when mostly using this type of material... I'm a tactile and Watching learner- so the pamphlet doesn't help me.
All helps received with love and gratitude!
Thank you,
Catherine Boydston
918-565-4082
Coweta, OK
74429
I haven't - but I don't sew a lot of garments and that's where you really use a lot of stretch fabrics. I mostly use them for extra-cuddly dolls and stuffed animals and for that you don't need anything so fancy. :-)
I'm sure this video isn't that active but it just helped me a ton. Thanks
Show the image of the stitch on the machine..help newbies recognise the different stitches.
I agree.what is considered the stretch stitch for us newbies?
ikr
@@harrythehamster72 Google it.
I agree
@@Immaculate_he4rt I googled it and got this video.
Wish I saw this video when I made a wrap dress out of a super stretchy thin knit a few years back! I tried tissue paper, a walking foot, and many other tricks to keep my thin knit from being sucked into the machine, and dealt with the thread breaking every 30 seconds. That indeed had me screaming swear words lol! I didn't realize it was probably just the wrong needle. I went through an entire pack of them though! Found this video because I was thinking of trying to sew knit again. I',ll try to buy some of both needles this time. Thank you.
The machine has a tendency to pull the fabric down in but if you have a straight stitch throat plate and use a straight stitch it will be a lot happier.
Great video .. short & to the point. Everything I needed for my first stretch stitching. Thanks!
Thank you for your helpful hints. I have my stretch needle on order as I’m planning to make a bathrobe out of jersey knit
7 years later and this video is still very handy, easy to follow great little video.
Jenifer Acklin I agree with you.
Thank you for clarifying things about sewing on stretchy fabric ❣️
Thank you from Australia Wendy. I just love sewing and always looking to learn more.
That was so helpful for the project I’m about to start, especially about the correct needle to use. Thanks for posting.
Thank you so much . I know what kind of needle I need for the stretch fabric. I really very much appreciated. Thanks again. ❤💯👌
Thank you so much for a great tutorial. All of your videos have been a great help to me. You are one of the best!!
Thanks Wendy! I knew zig zag stitch would be the one with my machine but your tip on the length and width was just what I needed!
Best tip u mentioned was the needle!
Couldn’t work out (newbie) why the top cotton kept breaking!
Now I know!
Thanks
The package should say ballpoint or stretch needle. I use Schmetz brand and they use different color bands at the top of the needles to tell them apart when they're out of the package. My stretch needles are banded with yellow.
Always happy to help minimize the swearing. :-)
Thankyouuuu
Thank you! Very nice tutorial. 😊 I have a 30 year old cheap sewing machine with just the basic features so I especially appreciate that you showed a variety of methods.
I was wondering if you could help me figure out how to repair a small hole in a stretch knit jacket (94% acetate, 6% spandex combo from Vikki Vi clothing). There are actually two small holes (smaller than pea size) close to the shoulder seams. Their locations aren't very visible. I'm mainly wanting to stop the holes from spreading and ruining the jacket.
I don't know if I should try to sew up the holes, glue them, do both in combination, or do something else. Do you have any suggestions or know of any videos with ideas? I've found ways of mending holes on non-stretch fabric, but I need to be sure what I do will work with stretch fabric. I also need the repairs to be really small since the fabric tends to be slightly transparent so something like an iron on patch will probably show through, making the holes very visible. This is why I'm leaning toward sewing and/or gluing.
Given the tiny size of the holes, maintaining the stretch in those small areas isn't important. The main goal is to prevent the holes from enlarging using the least visible method possible. Thank you for any ideas you can offer!!
Thank you for this tutorial. I needed this reminder. It's been many years since I sewed & I forgot which needles to use on different types of fabrics. Keep your tutorials coming. It's very helpful to me. :o)
Thanks Wendi, straight to the point. Answered all my questions 😀
thank you Wendi...your tip on ball point needle is one I really needed.. best wishes Bill
Thank you for your tips, this was really helpful
Soooooooooooo much more useful and informative then other 'professionals' videos....
I'm guessing the same techniques apple to spandex too?
Thanks :)
Thank you for sharing this video! I just spent 3 hours trying to figure out what I was doing wrong sewing knit fabric! Definitely had plenty of frustration! 😩😅 Going to buy a stretch needle asap!
so happy this is still on youtube - very useful information. thanks!
hey thanks for the tip just like the other gal I had no idea either I just started sewing great job great video thank you
ohhhhh this is wonderful....have a great machine I LOVE but started to sew stretch with it...and had some troubles....this was great...
I found out the ball point needle the difficult way. If I had seen this years ago when I sewed my first spandex mermaid tail, it would have saved me soooo much trouble. Haha
I just finished another spandex costume though, with much less swearing.
5
Thanks for the tips, very helpful
i can't thank you enough for this tutorial. You're amazing!
I would try pinning it like crazy - like pins every 1/4 inch. And sew with the stretchy fabric on top so you can see it and make sure it's not stretching. Good luck!
Thank you so much for telling I need a stretch needle. My thread didn't break, but my fabric got stuck in the machine.
I've been using a ballpoint needle all this time
Ballpoint needle
Hahahaha thanks for this video after a frustrating couple of hours trying to sew a stretchy t shirt fabric with normal needle and no success even after walking away and drinking 4 strong coffees I found your video... Off out to get a stretch needle now :-) many thanks
Hi.its really great and thank you for giving your theorize.actually i was helpless about sewing now i am hopefull to do sewing.
So glad I found this video! So helpful !
For a simple skirt i slept at 3 Am. Needle kept breaking thread kept skipping. What a nightmare . but now i know Thank You😍
Yes - it uses more thread than a regular stitch, but not a crazy amount. You should be able to sew several T-shirts with one bobbin.
"If you use a regular needle, you will swear a lot." Yes, Wendi, you are so correct. I was watching this video, and when I came to that part, I howled! I have been going crazy all morning trying to figure out what I'm doing wrong. Yoo so fnny.
I wish i had looked this information up 3 days ago.. 🙄. Everything you said even about the swearing. Lol. Thank you so much for this. Im Omw to get the needles now. This is about to save me a lot of headaches..
@charlotteviner1 I usually use a product called Fold Over Elastic, but if you want to use the same fabric you made the shirt out of, I would make bias tape (just like for woven fabric) and sew it on with a stretch or zigzag stitch and be REALLY CAREFUL not to stretch it even a tiny bit while you sew. Good luck!
Thank you Wendi that was a very useful tutorial. Can you tell me please if all the same rules/tips would apply with a stretchy metallic faux leather? Thanks
+Alison Browning It should! Just be prepared to do a little testing. I always try a universal needle first and sometimes that works just fine. If I'm skipping stitches, I switch to a stretch needle. If I'm getting tiny snags in the fabric I switch to a ballpoint needle (sometimes called a jersey needle). Good luck!
+Wendi Gratz Thanks Wendy very helpful
Love this🥺 Crying happy tears after my frustration tears earlier😭😭😭
Really useful and easy to follow. Thanks!
"Swear a lot" indeed! Thanks for the tips!
So helpful!! Can anyone tell what tension and length we need? Medium? I don't think I have a stretch option. I have a singer genie. An old one.
Thanks for this video! Would you recommend the stretch needle for stretch denim?
i ordered stretch needles but they are so delicate, and break easily. The size is 130/705 H-S 75/11. What size will not break as easily?
I've never seen what a stretch stitch looks like sewn up. It seems like the best one and my machine has it, yay! Does it use much more thread than a regular stitch? Just wondering if the bobbin might run out. I want to make a lot of tees and I'm nervous about it. This was so helpful!
For the zig zag stitch-what width and what length do you recommend?good tutorial thank you
You just need to do a little trial and error with some scraps of the actual fabric you're using. Different knits respond differently.
nice tuorial, thank you! I didn't quite understand if you also used elastic thread or not...?
Nope. Just regular thread.
can a ballpoint needle that uses on Jersey material be on stretchy Jeans too? Or do I need to buy a ball point needle specific for stretchy Jeans? a newbie to the sewing world. I tried to hem my stretchy Jeans using needle for Jeans only but it still skipped.
Thank you, very helpful and nice and clear 😊
What about the thread? Can I use cotton or is there another type of thread meant for stretchy fabrics?
Thanks for the tips!!!👍🏻
Dear Wendi, I know my question on this subject is 8 years too late, but I hope you or someone else reading here will answer it. How about thread tension dealing with stretch fabrics? Can you do a tutorial on plus and minus tension for different fabrics, please! I could probably find a video relating tension, but you have a very neat way of tutoring. If u already have a tutorial on the subject, please show me the link. Thank you for your service :)
Is there an effect of the foot on the sewing Stretch Fabrics process? and what kind of legs have you used? and what's the name of it?
also which sewing feet should I be using for stretchy materials?
the needle tip was so helpful. Thank you.
Which number is stretch needle is it 90/14 or something else and which is a stretch stitch setting on machine example please and if no stretch stitch setting is found what are the stitch number setting WxL of stitch thank you Dee
Great video!! .....I did NOT know about the stretch needle! ): Thank you.
When you say "Stretch needle" are you referencing a Ballpoint needle? Thank you!
No - a stretch needle is different. It has a longer groove leading up to the eye, which helps prevent skipped stitches. A ballpoint needle can also be helpful for knits - use it if your universal needle is tending to create snags in the fabric.
thanks... very good tip... didnt know their is a stretch neddle...
What is a stretch needle ... I'm seeing baby blankets and dresses with a lot of stretch fabrics and I'm not only missing elasticity but thread keeps breaking
Thank u very helpful, short, rt to the point 🌷
What is the brand and number of your needle you are using for stretch?
Which model of machine do you have?
I want to repurpose a stretch dress (from baby shower)into baby blanket with quilting cotton fabric, any advice on combining the two?
Just sew a little test swatch - sewing the two fabrics together. You may be able to just use a universal needle - but a test swatch will let you make sure.
Are stretch needles the same as ball end needles?
P.S.
Thank you! I think you have solved an issue I had the other day. I'm new to sewing and only have pointy needles, but didn't get any ball end ones because I didn't know. I did get it to sew moderately well by sandwiching it between printer paper, lol. Otherwise it gathered thread under at low tension (2) and jammed after an inch or so. It skipped most stitches at any higher(2-1/2 to 3) tension. The cursing was just as you describe.
They're both used on stretch fabric, but they're a little different. A stretch needle has a longer scarf (the groove that the thread sits in) and that helps prevent skipped stitches. A ballpoint (or jersey) needle has a rounded tip that helps prevent snags in the fabric.
Hey mam can u kindly suggest me a sewing machine for all types of fabrics light heavy and stretch fabric
Hi there. I am using a mini sewing machine and when I tried spandex (stretchy) fabric, the thread is not passing through the cloth and nothing happens at all. Zero stitch... my machine has straight stitch only. Any suggestion please. Thanks
I've never had that happen before. The first thing I'd check is to make sure the bobbin is threaded properly.
i want to sew a gown and the fabric is spandex does this apply too as the knit fabric?
I notice that my tension isn't great when I sew knits. I use a stretch needle and the bobbin thread looks a little loose. Should I tighten the tension or loosen it?
ive been sewing with stretch fabric and whenever i sew the fabric tends to pull to the left and i cant stop it. what should i do
Thank you, Wendy, for the great tutorial! I'm glad you mentioned the stretch needle. I have to buy a few! What kind of fabric did you use for this video? I bought some poly/spandex blend since poly/cotton is nearly impossible to find these days.
mmmbad It's just T-shirt fabric.
Great video! Do I need a stretch needle if I am sewing with blended fabrics like a 60/30/10 cotton/poly/rayon blend?
I always start with a universal needle on a scrap of fabric to see what it needs. Sometimes the universal works just fine. If it's skipping stitches, you need to switch to a stretch needle. If it's making little snags in the fabric, you need to switch to a ballpoint needle.
Are you using normal or stretch thread?
I mainly sew outdoor and running equipment.
I use normal thread and a stretch stitch.
Do you suggest a walking foot?
Just the video I was looking for! Thank you so much!!
I'm glad it was helpful. :-)
The ball point needle separates the fabric fibers when passing through the fabric to make the stitch. The regular needles split the fibers when passing through the fabric. That is why you use regular needles with medium to heavier woven fabrics. A ball point needle works great with sheer fabrics, too, since it doesn't split the fibers.
Would have been helpful to show what you changed on your dials. I’m a newby sewer and I’m going to have to look up patterns and stitches in manual.
The settings and icons are different for every machine brand. :-( You'll definitely want to look at the manual for your particular machine.
Thanks.very useful and practical.
hi there! ur video was so informative and i even downloaded it..i just got one question and hope u can help me......my sewing machine has 10 stitches including diff zigzag stiches but according to my sewing machine its not for knit fabric huhuhuhuhu do u have any idea how can i still use my sewing machine for knit fabric using any stuff such as the twin neddles or something..tnx muah muah godbless
+kim aquino I know you can use a double needle for knit hems - but I've never done it. Sorry. I don't understand why it's saying you can't use a zigzag for stretch? That's a pretty standard stretch stitch in most machines. I'd test it with a little swatch and see how it handles it.
+Wendi Gratz hello there my machine says it's not for knited fabric I mean the while machine itself guhuhuhu but anyways wendi thanks for ur time replying for me I really appreciate it ans godbless
LOL, my machine is even more regular than yours. It doesn't have options for anything other than a back and forward stitch. I have a singer 404 slant-o-matic. is there anyway I can do sewing with stretch fabrics on that machine?
To sew knit fabrics I need a stretch needle, but what about stretch thread. Is there a difference between it and regular thread aside from the obvious?
You don't need a stretchy thread for most stretch sewing - the way the machine does the stitch builds in stretch. They may use stretchy thread for really specialty sewing - like athletic wear for gymnasts, etc. - but I've never done that level of specialty sewing.