Hi,
I am hoping to make a sheer blouse to go over a charmeuse dress. I bought some sheer polyester to make a muslin from, but I plan to make it in chiffon or georgette in the final piece. I’d appreciate any tips for sewing with these fabrics:
1. Your supposed to cut sheer fabric out between sheets of paper to prevent slippage while cutting, right?
2. I’m planning on using french seams and a rolled hem. Will that work?
3. The pattern called for 7/8″ bias cut tape on the neckline, but it looks too rigid. Is there another finish that would look better?
4. Is it enough to adjust the pressure lever on my machine, or do I need a walking foot?
Thanks for any tips you can send my way. I usually try to be more conservative in what I take on in a project, but I’m trying to pull an outfit together for a wedding.
Michele
Replies
A couple of things...
First review this video: http://www.taunton.com/threads/pages/tvt022.asp
French seams work very well for straight seams. The rolled hem is also a good idea.
I have a dual feed foot that I pretty much use all the time, so I don't know if that is actually NECESARY...
BUT... you should have a straight stitch needle plate. This prevents the fine fabric from getting sucked down. You can try to create one by placing tape over the larger zig-zag hole and making a smaller hole, or use some fine stabilizer under the fabric. The straight stitch needle plate for my machine cost $20. I have found it handy for many fine fabrics from ripstock nylon to lace.
3. The pattern called for 7/8" bias cut tape on the neckline, but it looks too rigid. Is there another finish that would look better?
If you make the bias tape from the georgette or chiffon, 7/8" shouldn't be too rigid. You could try it using scraps on a curved edge and that should let you see what the finished neckline would be, and you can adjust the width of the bias tape to suit.
4. Is it enough to adjust the pressure lever on my machine, or do I need a walking foot?
You may find that tissue paper between the fabric and the feed dogs will give you the stability you need without the expense of buying a foot, especially if you might not use it again.
Frances
This post is archived.