Replies

1. 
   LindaFaye | Nov 11, 2006 01:56am | #1

   Rainy

   I know this is a crazy question, but are you pin basting before you sew; or pin basting and then hand basting before you sew, or are you just putting the two pieces of fabric together and sewing?

1. 
   rainy | Nov 11, 2006 07:52pm | #4

   Thanks for your interest. It is not a crazy question. When I was younger I did try to sew without pinning. It was awful. Pinning is tedious but necessary.  I still find slack gathers even though pinned. mind you, the problem is less when I pin.

2. 
   Teaf5 | Nov 11, 2006 02:20am | #2

   Most likely, your pressure foot tension is too tight; it's an adjustment on most machines somewhere above the needle, either a dial or a numbered collar at the top left of the machine. 

   On really stiff cottons, it's ok to have it tight, pressing the foot against the feed dogs.  On looser weaves, knits, or anything with a nap (corduroy, velveteen, or fleece), you need to loosen it so that the bottom fabric isn't pressed so hard against the feed dogs and the two layers aren't pressed so tightly together.

1. 
   rainy | Nov 11, 2006 07:56pm | #5

   Thank you.

   This makes sense because I have a fairly new and unfamiliar machine (kenmore) and I have not been sewing for a few years. I am retired now and do a lot of sewing for my grand daughter

3. 
   PASDENOM | Nov 11, 2006 02:24am | #3

   More likely than one stretching is the bottom one being gathered up by the feed dogs. A way to prevent this is "taut sewing" where you grip the two layers a couple of inches in front of and behind the presser foot. Don't stretch them, just hold them so they're not slack and they stay the same length as they feed through. You have to let go and reposition your hands every couple of inches. It also helps to baste so the layers can't differ too much before you notice it as the top one bulges up and you can lift your presser foot and readjust the layers.

1. 
   rainy | Nov 11, 2006 08:01pm | #6

   Thanks for the tip, I appreciate your help. From the advice I am getting, it seems I must get more familiar with this new machine.

1. 
   MaryinColorado | Nov 11, 2006 10:15pm | #7

   Another thought on this:  sew in the same direction on both sides of the garment.  Such as from underarm to hem, if you go up on one seam and down on the other, it can cause irregularities.  Mary

1. 
   rainy | Nov 11, 2006 10:43pm | #8

   Thanks, I never thought of that

4. 
   sleevelength | Nov 13, 2006 06:07am | #9

   I find that lifting the fabric in front of the presser foot helps.  I feed it like it's climbing a hill.

1. 
   user-217847 | Nov 13, 2006 03:21pm | #10

   Hello there Rainy, welcome the the forum.

    I'm not a great sewer, but I use a walking foot without problems.

   Lee

1. 
   rainy | Nov 14, 2006 01:50am | #11

   Thanks Lee

1. 
   fabricholic | Nov 14, 2006 11:29pm | #17

   Hey Rainy,I just have to tell you this. I gave my daughter the middle name of Lorraine, because I love the rain. I like your name, obviously.Marcy

1. 
   rainy | Nov 14, 2006 11:53pm | #18

   Thanks Marcy

   I grew up in Ontario and met extremely few 'Lorraine's, but when I moved to the Yukon Territories I meet a 'Lorraine' every time I turn around

2. 
   MaryinColorado | Nov 16, 2006 09:29am | #19

   I wanted to name my daughter April Rain but another mom in the neighborhood had her baby first and used the name!  I was so dismayed for awhile.  She was born in the South and it rained the whole season, of course she was an April baby.  I still think it is so pretty.

3. 
   fabricholic | Nov 16, 2006 07:35pm | #20

   That is very pretty. What part of the South? I live in Alabama, so that is why I ask.Marcy

4. 
   rainy | Nov 17, 2006 05:44am | #21

   I think April Rain is a lovely name. I would be upset too. I live in the Yukon Territories, Canada. Maybe I should be called Snow White.

   Lorraine Wright

5. 
   MaryinColorado | Nov 17, 2006 08:04am | #22

   Snow White is a better idea than the ice queen or snowflake!  I came up with my youngest niece's name as they wanted a mountain type name.  Laurel for the mountain laurel that grows where they lived.  (better than Ivy for the poison Ivy, there are many many Aspen's and boys named Birch and both named River)  I always loved the name Tera Shay which means "earthly joy" and Dawn.  For some reason I never used poetic names for my own children after all.

6. 
   rainy | Nov 17, 2006 06:53pm | #23

   I love your names. too bad you didn't use them. My granddaughter is 'Rowen' after the Rowen Tree in Ireland

7. 
   MaryinColorado | Nov 20, 2006 12:42am | #24

   that is so pretty, I like nature related everything

5. 
   solosmocker | Nov 14, 2006 03:35am | #12

   I agree with PASDEMON and Mary in Colorado completely. A walking foot will eliminate this problem hence forth but taut sewing and lots of pin or hand basting will help also. Keep in mind that what currently is a problem for you can also be used to your advantage. Any time you need to ease in a longer seam, ie, princess seams, or sleeves put the longer edge toward the feed dogs and let them do the work for you. You have gotten some good advice here. I will admit to not knowing the effect of feed dogs and for years ended up with either the back or front leg longer than its other side. Drove me nuts! LOL! Sandra Betzina's book, Power Sewing tuned me into the feed dogs and making them work for you not against you. Good luck.

1. 
   rainy | Nov 14, 2006 03:44am | #13

   Thanks for the advice, I am dating myself now, but I thought the general foot supplied with machines were walking feet. I remember when none of them were hinged..

   I also sant to thank everyone who took the time to answer. It was a warm welcome.

   Lorraine

1. 
   sherryv | Nov 14, 2006 08:00pm | #14

   Lorraine,

   You've gotten great info here already, but I'd just like to add another resource that I found to address this issue:  Janet Pray's book "Island Sewing Systems I."  The info comes from a former garment industry worker with great insights.  One section in particular discusses how the machines work, why it does what you describe, and how to compensate for it - sewing more accurately, faster, and without pins!  Excellent photos and exercises, solved the problem for me in one sitting.  You might see if your local library has a copy; highly recommended reading!  :)

1. 
   rainy | Nov 14, 2006 08:10pm | #15

   Thanks Sherry

   I will get it

   Lorraine

1. 
   sherryv | Nov 14, 2006 10:45pm | #16

   whoops, should be "Islander Sewing Systems" not "Island" - sorry!  not enough coffee :)