I’m trying to sew something out of a jersey fabric that has a plastic layer on one side. Kind of like the oilcloth fishermen coats used to be made out of but a modern version, it’s very lightweight and drapes well.
The problem I have is that my machine kept slipping stitches, it seemed like the coordination was off. The two threads didn’t meet at the right time to be able to hook into one another and make a clean stitch.
After reading an old Threads article on the different types of sewing needles, I got the sharp microtex needles and ussumed my problems would be over.
Not so. Most of the time it works fine BUT when I try to sew horizontal to the jersey (sewing straight across the most stretchy part of the fabric) my machine is still skipping stitches!
Anyone out there who has experience with this kind of fabric and some tips for me?
Replies
Try using some tear away stabilizer on both sides of the material and also some sewers aid on the needle as it then will pass through the fabric easier and should form the stitch properly. Also you did not say what kind of machine you are using but make sure that you have the correct brand of needle for your machine, the old Singers will not stitch on anything with any other needle but a Singer needle. Don't ask how I discovered this. Also check your stitch length as you will need a longer stitch length so that after this is completed your stitches will not tear the seam line out completely. Hope this helps.
Thanks, at this point all advise is welcome.
I'm using a 30 year old Elna - as far as I know no specific needles are required. The bobins on the other hand are very specific. Don't ask how I found out!
I would still check to see if there is a specific needle for the machine as this would make your job easier.
Hi Inga,
I recently bought a remnant of this fabric to make a fancy dress costume - it is fun stuff. The shop assistant advised using the microtex needle, placing tissue paper over the stitching line and tearing it away later or using kitchen paper towel in a similar fashion. I have tried the tissue idea on a plastic coated coat fabric some years ago using my trusty Toyota machine and it still looks good. Best of luck.
akm27
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