The second dress for the fashion show proves to be a bit of a challenge. Not the pattern; it's easy. The fabric is hateful!! It's a type of sequinned knit. I've tried sharp and ballpoint needles. All produce skipped stitches. Any suggestions??
Thanks,
Cennetta
PS - If you are in the Chicagoland area and would like to attend the fashion show (Haute Couture Club of Chicago). Send me an e-mail.
Cennetta, is that fabric one with mylar dots stuck onto the face? If so, I've had good luck stitching it using wax paper between the presser foot and the fabric. You can see my tip about it here on my blog:
ReplyDeletehttp://gorgeousfabrics.com/blog/2007/11/04/sewing-tip-sewing-knits-with-sequins/
HTH! Ann
It actually looks really nice. Elizabeth (http://ejvc.wordpress.com/) once described a fabric as "woven by the devil himself", which is an apt description in some cases.
ReplyDeleteNo suggestions, but I did want to say that the fabric is gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteCennetta: You are doing a great job! I wish I lived close enough to come to the show. Wishing you and your organization a successfuil, drama free fashion show.
ReplyDeleteCennetta, when I sew particularly difficult fabric I either use on layer under the presser foot or sandwich it between 2 pieces of similar colored tissue paper. the paper tears away easily, but may leave little tiny bits in the seam, hence the matching paper. I pick it up in as many colors as I can at the dollar store etc. I've also had success sewing with layers of plastic grocery sacks and even notebook paper.
ReplyDeleteI'd try a larger sharp needle than you'd usually use, sewers aid is another possibility. I've had bathing suit knits that have given me fits and the larger microtex, like a 14/90 worked.
ReplyDeleteYou might try the water soluable stabilizer between the fabric and the presser foot. Also maybe try a microtex or metallic needle--please test first on scrap.
ReplyDeleteThis is going to be a lovely dress!
I have not sewn this type of fabric but I did read an article once describing the way to do it. It suggested that you mark your seams on wrong side of the fabric and remove any sequin that goes over that line. You need to be careful when removing the sequins; if you cut the thread others will come off. To prevent this hold the thread to one side using tweezers and cut the sequin from the centre hole to remove it.That will leave the others intact. I hope this works for you.
ReplyDeleteThanks everyone, I'm going to try your suggestions this week.
ReplyDeleteCennetta
I wish I could help, however that fabric is gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteThe fabric is amazing!
ReplyDeleteHmmm. I think it depends on the type of sequined fabric. If is has real sequins sewn on, then yes, you'd have to clip them out of the actual seam line without disturbing the rest of the stitching, then sew with whatever needle works for knits in your machine. If it is the kind with the mylar, plasticky dots, I'd try a serger needle in the machine. My sewing machine dealer has me use serger needles (90/14) in my regular machine for sewing all sorts of knits and it actually works.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your suggestions. This fabric has the mylar plasticky dots [squares]. And the glue sticks to the needle (Ann mentions this side effect in her tutorial. I'm try each suggestion until one works for me.
ReplyDeleteThanks again,
C
C~I would try the was paper as Ann suggest, or the paper (I can't think of it's name) but it's lightweight and tears away, and also a ballpoint needle, med. weight with a roller foot. Good luck, I know how tedious and annoying sewing can be when it's not working out. I just experienced my own episode!
ReplyDeleteI've tried to sew this kind of fabric a couple times. The last time I ended up just sewing it by hand and vowing never to touch it again! It's the glue that's the problem--gunks up the needle within about 1 inch. I kept a q-tip dipped in alcohol next to the machine and cleaned the needle every few inches with it.
ReplyDeleteTrena, I thought about sewing it by hand too.
ReplyDeleteEveryone, I was able to sew perfect seams using wax paper and an embroidery needle. Now I need to install the zipper, hem, and attach the foundation.
ReplyDeleteThanks again,
C