Replies

1. 
   Crazy K | Mar 18, 2007 12:08am | #1

   I think it might be done with a blind-hem stitch..............not positive but I think I tried it on a sample once and used that stitch.  I have a Designer SE and previouly a Designer I ......you have the blind-hem stitch.  Play with it a bit....it should work.

    

    

2. 
   colleendg | Mar 18, 2007 12:13am | #2

   thanks.  i have the designer 1 and will play for awhile.  i've tried several stitchs but the loops that fell off the edge just didn't form the pique.

   thanks again

1. 
   Crazy K | Mar 18, 2007 02:36am | #6

   I am sorry..........I did some checking.  This stitch I remembered using is one on my Janome 9000 and its called the shell stitch (stitch #30).........I've looked on my SE and there are not exact stitches......the blind hem is the closest and that may not work since it takes a couple of stitches in between zig-zigs........

   The shell stitch grabs a bite of fabric and then goes off the edge, drawing it up to create the 'shell'.  It works quite well but I'm not sure if you can duplicate it on the Designer.

   Woe is me..........hope this info is helpful in some way.

1. 
   solosmocker | Mar 19, 2007 02:38am | #7

   I have used the blind hem stitch successfully for shell stitch edgings. I did struggle in the beginning but learned from one far more experienced at these things that the shell stitch effect works on light weight fabrics only. When I tried it on batiste instead of linen I got wonderful results. Again that's with the blind hem stitch, not the picot stitch. It just dawned on me that a shell stitch may not be what you want. It pulls in the edge of the fabric and makes it look like a tiny scallop. Does that sound right? If so try the blind hem. If you need length and width numbers let me know.Edited to add that you sound like you could benefit from a book called Fine Machine Sewing by Carol Lafflin Ahles. I highly recommend.Edited 3/18/2007 7:40 pm ET by solosmocker

   Edited 3/18/2007 7:41 pm ET by solosmocker

1. 
   Crazy K | Mar 19, 2007 03:02am | #8

   Thanks for the response.  I used the picot (shell) stitch only on a sample.  I was going for that look......in fact, that was the recommended with the pattern instructions.  Yes, it does pull it into a 'shell' looking thing...........probably not what the original questioner was asking about.  I was just giving my humble input.......probably not correct!

   Thanks for the info.  Appreciate it.  I don't do heirloom sewing (although I admire it) but  who knows what the future may bring??

    

1. 
   solosmocker | Mar 20, 2007 04:34am | #10

   Just wanted to add that this is wonderful on nylon tricot for lingerie as well. I purchased fabric this week to make DGD who's 3 a slip out of batiste and it will have the shell stitch on the neckline and armholes.

2. 
   Thimblefingers | Mar 20, 2007 10:40pm | #11

   I have done the picot edge.  I believe I used the blind hem that does the straight stitch between zigs.  I also used ribbon thread wound on the bobbin which gave the stitch a little more weight.  Then I used strips of paper under the edge of the garment so that where the stitching comes off the fabric, it is sewing in the paper.  This kept the stitches nice and even and gave a little more control to the sewing.  I also (as opposed to the shell stitch) just caught the zig a tiny bit right at the edge of the fabric.  Does this make sense?   

3. 
   colleendg | Mar 21, 2007 12:05am | #12

   thanks to all who replied to my picot edging question.  that was exactly what i was looking fo

    

   thanks again

3. 
   solosmocker | Mar 18, 2007 12:56am | #3

   Correct me if I am wrong but are you referring to a picot edging? This has like a little ball, very teensy and the size of a stitch? I have seen picot edging in heirloom clothing and this is why I ask. Pique is also a type of fabric, usually white and used for collars often. Thanks.

   
   

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   Edited 3/17/2007 5:56 pm ET by solosmocker

1. 
   colleendg | Mar 18, 2007 01:23am | #4

   thats exactly what i mean.  thanks you, thank you, thank you.  i thought pique wasn't right but that's all i could think of at the time. 

1. 
   solosmocker | Mar 18, 2007 01:43am | #5

   I appreciate your response. Picot edging is sold by the yard by many of the heirloom online purveyors. However, I would love to know how to do something similar on the machine. Do you recall where you saw this machine stitch, Martha Pullen or such? Thanks.

4. 
   Sewanna | Mar 19, 2007 05:59am | #9

   I have used the picot edging on my slips.  I serge the edges then turn that under and use the blind hem stitch, using short stitches and a tight pressure on the thread so that it makes little puffs as the zig zag goes off the edge.  Hope this makes sense to you.  That way I don't have to add extra lace.