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I’m making a tank top from cotton rib-knit.(I thought it would be a quick project.) I used the same fabric to bind the edges and make straps. It came out all stretched out, forming sort of a wide ruffled shelf around the chest-amusing but unwearable. HELP! If I spend a few more hours unstitching it, can I correct it? My sewing machine is just basic straight and zig-zag stitch.
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Replies
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I had the same problem using waffle-knit cotton. Some solutions that I found:
- use purchased ribbing that is meant for that purpose and is more stable
- use the self-binding cut length-wise instead of cross-wise (it's usually more stable that way)
- use a matching or complimentary unribbed knit
- apply a lot of stretching tension on the binding as you sew, and ease in the body as much as possible
- if the wave-damage is not terribly serious, you can sometimes steam press it back into shape
- roller foot may stop some of the stretching while you sew
- run off as many samples as you have patience for (or scraps of fabric) before starting on the project
*Karen,Thanks for all the great tips! I feel encouraged. It's amazing that my test samples had come out perfect before the disaster.Susie R.
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