I have used several bottles of fray check for many different things! I have found that if you use it on an "inside" seam, it does irritate some....my son thought it was very annoying...it scratched his skin. I found out it is better NOT to use it, if the fabric may be touching your skin.
I have used the "zigzag" stitch many times before I owned a serger. A serger is just so much better (when you can get it threaded) because it trims the edges off as it sews. Good luck!
I have used this (sparingly!!) and it does a good job, especially on a "heavy fraying" material like lining...please note that it does leave a slight residue, but works in a pinch.
I just joined and I would like to say that I LOVE the pace at which the videos' show how to do each and every detail. I really appreciated being able to see exactly what someone is doing with their sewing, instead of having to figure out pictures from a book, which can be confusing.
It would be great too see how to cut out and sew the skirt from the skirt pattern making video series that were posted. I followed the video's exactly and found them incredibly helpful; I would just love to take the next step with the skirt pattern and actually pin it to fabric and cut it out and start sewing it the proper way.
If you are planning to wash your dress at home and your fabric is cotton, you can pre-shrink it. Other wise there is no need to worry.
Take your time and read the manual it is the best source for your particular model.
With regards to the needle – you could use a ballpoint style or a semi-ballpoint universal needle. For the delicate knits use needle size 70 (10). For medium thickness use 80 (12). Size 90 (14) needles are good fabric like polar fleece.
The tension setting depends on the fabric, its thickness and the thread being used. You could practice on a piece of your material to check what tension will work best.
When threading your serger for practice, use different colored threads like indicated on the machine. This will allow you to see if there are any threads that need their tension adjusted. This way you will learn what each thread does and can adjust the tension even when all the threads are the same color.
Yes you could use just the serger, or a combination with a domestic sewing machine. You could use the stretch stitch settings of the domestic sewing machine to sew any darts and do any hemming you need. You could also hem by hand using catch stitches or invisible catch stitches; this will give a finer appearance to your work. For the sleeve and neckline you could do piping from your material – this will make it look nice.
Before attempting to sew your dress, it is good to practice on an old tee shirt. Practice by cutting a few pieces, pinning them together, and sewing a few seams using the stretch stitch settings on your domestic machine if you have them.
Practice with your serger as well, doing seams using 3 and 4 threads, to get familiar with it. Also sew on single, double and triple layers to get the hang of it. Using 3 threads is more economical, while using 4 threads will help secure the stitches better. Serging with 2 threads is good just for seam finishing.
It’s good to cut the jersey with a bit wider seam allowances, since jersey fabric stretches while it is being cut. Before sewing with the serger, baste all the seams and do a fitting to make sure it fits well. If you sew with the serger right away, you will be left with narrow seam allowances, which are impossible to let out.
Well Jersey is not that tricky first it is a knit so you need to use a ball-point sewing needle size 9 or 11. Yes I would pre-wash the material. I don't have a serger I just use a stretch stitch that's built into my machine and light tension also I slightly stretch the material while I'm stitching and always a good hem is a double stitched hem easily done with a twin needle. I hoped I answered some of your questions let me know how it turns out.
I'm so happy with the look of the site. What's more impressive is that the "prettiness" does not interfere with the way I use this site. It's a clean, fresh interface that has remained simple to use. The site is designed to focus on learning how to sew and the interface hasn't interfered with that. The improvements are astounding!
Thank you for keeping the needs of the sewers in mind when designing your site. The quality of the content is the best out there, so the delivery of the site design should complement the elegance of your words and your craft. I feel so lucky to have this site at my fingertips. It's an invaluable resource and I truely cherish it.
Hi, my name is Brandy and I have recently become interested in Sewing. Some time I would like to do quilting; however, I thought there's no better way to start than hand sewing simple stictches then progress from there. I am wondering, is there a certain project that is great for beginner sewers? I am doing all hand sewing right now until I can find the best sewing machine to buy. Any advice is helpful.
When I got my serger I was scared to use it too. My Mom showed me how to use it since she had one too. Your best bet is to take it to someone elce who uses one too, or take it to the store you bought it from and ask them to show you how to use it. If you don't know anyone who sews then call your locl girl scouts or 4H program. Churches are also a great way to find people who sew.
A serger is awesome for finishing seams. I use mine all the time for sewing garments and all sorts of items. I'd also recommend looking online for serger videos. Serger books too.
Hello everyone out there, I just join esewing and I just love the videos they are so detailed and are explained to you so well. very professional website and excellent instructor, you can't get it much easier than this. Its put together so well easy to understand and the instructor takes her time, and the close-up of the cameras are excellent! its helps me so much because I have vision problem and the shots of very step I can see clearly.
Im very glad I found this site, I am new to sewing a beginner although I have put a couple of things together. it started when I had my two children(boys) I wanted to learn how to sew short & t-shirts I taught myself by following directions and trying to figure things out,it has been a great and fun experience but I still need lots of help, and with this website I believe I will acomplish and learn just about everything I need to know about sewing with these videos, I will feel much more confiendent in making my projects.
I saw some of the free videos on youtube and immediately came over to the site. I love the accent... sometimes I have to listen to something twice, but all I have to do is click the circle to go back a bit. Plus, it helps to pay extra close attention ;-) I really do love that everything is so detailed and that it is not assumed that the viewer is going to understand something, that is especially important to someone like me! My main problem is that I've been self taught, but that means that I've missed the 'finer' details of what it takes to sew correctly. I was going to look for a class in my area but I think I've found one right at my computer. I am so excited!!
Hello my name is Channell and I am a beginner. I've been looking for a site like this for a long time and I finally found it. I am soooo happy. My goal is to increase my sewing skill in garmet making so that I can start my own business. I signed up for the one month subscription and I know that I will sign up for the 1 year because I really enjoy the class and I know they will help me in reaching my goal. I can't wait for the garment classes in Sep! Keep up the great service you provide it is very much appreciated.
So glad that I was surfing the internet and came across this website. It has been a pure joy to become a member and have the opportunity to learn some skills that will help me with my sewing. Thanks for the information. Keep it coming. I signed up for a 1 year subsription. So I'm looking forward for all the information I can get to help with my sewing.
I have used several bottles of fray check for many different things! I have found that if you use it on an "inside" seam, it does irritate some....my son thought it was very annoying...it scratched his skin. I found out it is better NOT to use it, if the fabric may be touching your skin.
I have used the "zigzag" stitch many times before I owned a serger. A serger is just so much better (when you can get it threaded) because it trims the edges off as it sews. Good luck!
Dear Happylittlemom,
I need to know what style smock you are using.
Could you send me the link to the free pattern as well as the product number? This way I can check out the style and get back to you.
I have used this (sparingly!!) and it does a good job, especially on a "heavy fraying" material like lining...please note that it does leave a slight residue, but works in a pinch.
Welcome to the Online Learning Community Sewgal. I'm happy to know that you found the videos helpful.
Congratulations on taking the first steps in launching your new business - I hope that you will be successful.
We are currently working on releasing pattern-making for straight and tapered skirts for September and in the near future sewing garments as well.
Best regards.
Dear Aquatuna,
I'm glad to hear that you are enjoying the videos.
We are currently working on this video and should have it ready this month (January 2009).
Hi,
I just joined and I would like to say that I LOVE the pace at which the videos' show how to do each and every detail. I really appreciated being able to see exactly what someone is doing with their sewing, instead of having to figure out pictures from a book, which can be confusing.
It would be great too see how to cut out and sew the skirt from the skirt pattern making video series that were posted. I followed the video's exactly and found them incredibly helpful; I would just love to take the next step with the skirt pattern and actually pin it to fabric and cut it out and start sewing it the proper way.
Thank You!
Dear Fiona,
I am happy to hear the site has been helpful.
If you are planning to wash your dress at home and your fabric is cotton, you can pre-shrink it. Other wise there is no need to worry.
Take your time and read the manual it is the best source for your particular model.
With regards to the needle – you could use a ballpoint style or a semi-ballpoint universal needle. For the delicate knits use needle size 70 (10). For medium thickness use 80 (12). Size 90 (14) needles are good fabric like polar fleece.
The tension setting depends on the fabric, its thickness and the thread being used. You could practice on a piece of your material to check what tension will work best.
When threading your serger for practice, use different colored threads like indicated on the machine. This will allow you to see if there are any threads that need their tension adjusted. This way you will learn what each thread does and can adjust the tension even when all the threads are the same color.
Yes you could use just the serger, or a combination with a domestic sewing machine. You could use the stretch stitch settings of the domestic sewing machine to sew any darts and do any hemming you need. You could also hem by hand using catch stitches or invisible catch stitches; this will give a finer appearance to your work. For the sleeve and neckline you could do piping from your material – this will make it look nice.
Before attempting to sew your dress, it is good to practice on an old tee shirt. Practice by cutting a few pieces, pinning them together, and sewing a few seams using the stretch stitch settings on your domestic machine if you have them.
Practice with your serger as well, doing seams using 3 and 4 threads, to get familiar with it. Also sew on single, double and triple layers to get the hang of it. Using 3 threads is more economical, while using 4 threads will help secure the stitches better. Serging with 2 threads is good just for seam finishing.
It’s good to cut the jersey with a bit wider seam allowances, since jersey fabric stretches while it is being cut. Before sewing with the serger, baste all the seams and do a fitting to make sure it fits well. If you sew with the serger right away, you will be left with narrow seam allowances, which are impossible to let out.
I hope you found this serging info helpful.
Dear laulan,
Thanks for your kind words.
Dear Sewing_buff,
Since we have not covered the serger in our instructional videos yet, I have not used it in any of the video lessons we have released to date.
However, most people do not have sergers, therfore using the zigzag stitch is a good alternative.
Personaly I prefer the zigzag method for finishing raw edges, because serge stitches are not as sturdy as zigzag stitches.
Well Jersey is not that tricky first it is a knit so you need to use a ball-point sewing needle size 9 or 11. Yes I would pre-wash the material. I don't have a serger I just use a stretch stitch that's built into my machine and light tension also I slightly stretch the material while I'm stitching and always a good hem is a double stitched hem easily done with a twin needle. I hoped I answered some of your questions let me know how it turns out.
Do you ever use a serger to do the raw edges rather than zigzag or do you find the zig zag is neater?
Dear Nehzat.
I'm so happy with the look of the site. What's more impressive is that the "prettiness" does not interfere with the way I use this site. It's a clean, fresh interface that has remained simple to use. The site is designed to focus on learning how to sew and the interface hasn't interfered with that. The improvements are astounding!
Thank you for keeping the needs of the sewers in mind when designing your site. The quality of the content is the best out there, so the delivery of the site design should complement the elegance of your words and your craft. I feel so lucky to have this site at my fingertips. It's an invaluable resource and I truely cherish it.
I think it's great too.
Hi, my name is Brandy and I have recently become interested in Sewing. Some time I would like to do quilting; however, I thought there's no better way to start than hand sewing simple stictches then progress from there. I am wondering, is there a certain project that is great for beginner sewers? I am doing all hand sewing right now until I can find the best sewing machine to buy. Any advice is helpful.
Thanks,
Brandy
I love the new updates your making on the site.
It's so very user friendly GREAT JOB! KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK.
Dear Barb316,
For the sewing machine and hand sewing essentials I would racommend about one meter or one yard of plain white 100% cotton drapery lining fabric.
Let me know if you have any questions.
Nehzat
eSewingWorkshop.com
Dear Barb316,
Share your projects feature is one that we are developing and plan to implement very soon.
Nehzat
----------------------------------
eSewingWorkshop.com
Hello,
I am also new to sewing I did take a sewing class at commuinty college years ago. I really enjoy this site since I've
found it. I can come any time of the day and it's here 24/7. and the the membership fee is very reasonable compare
to that of a community college you can't get it any better than this, you can enjoy and learn at your time and the videos
are of excellent quality,the instuctor is great taking her time to explain to you. I'm glad it here.
Hi, I took a sewing class back a couples of years ago at one of our community college, and this so much
nicer, It so convience,detailed, I can come to class when I want and it's availabe 24/7. I love this site! Please keep
adding and good luck I know this site will grow BIG!.
Thanks! I think I'll try your sugesstions.
When I got my serger I was scared to use it too. My Mom showed me how to use it since she had one too. Your best bet is to take it to someone elce who uses one too, or take it to the store you bought it from and ask them to show you how to use it. If you don't know anyone who sews then call your locl girl scouts or 4H program. Churches are also a great way to find people who sew.
A serger is awesome for finishing seams. I use mine all the time for sewing garments and all sorts of items. I'd also recommend looking online for serger videos. Serger books too.
Good luck!
Hello everyone out there, I just join esewing and I just love the videos they are so detailed and are explained to you so well. very professional website and excellent instructor, you can't get it much easier than this. Its put together so well easy to understand and the instructor takes her time, and the close-up of the cameras are excellent! its helps me so much because I have vision problem and the shots of very step I can see clearly.
Im very glad I found this site, I am new to sewing a beginner although I have put a couple of things together. it started when I had my two children(boys) I wanted to learn how to sew short & t-shirts I taught myself by following directions and trying to figure things out,it has been a great and fun experience but I still need lots of help, and with this website I believe I will acomplish and learn just about everything I need to know about sewing with these videos, I will feel much more confiendent in making my projects.
Excellent videos and instructor I'm glad I join!
I saw some of the free videos on youtube and immediately came over to the site. I love the accent... sometimes I have to listen to something twice, but all I have to do is click the circle to go back a bit. Plus, it helps to pay extra close attention ;-) I really do love that everything is so detailed and that it is not assumed that the viewer is going to understand something, that is especially important to someone like me! My main problem is that I've been self taught, but that means that I've missed the 'finer' details of what it takes to sew correctly. I was going to look for a class in my area but I think I've found one right at my computer. I am so excited!!
Hello my name is Channell and I am a beginner. I've been looking for a site like this for a long time and I finally found it. I am soooo happy. My goal is to increase my sewing skill in garmet making so that I can start my own business. I signed up for the one month subscription and I know that I will sign up for the 1 year because I really enjoy the class and I know they will help me in reaching my goal. I can't wait for the garment classes in Sep! Keep up the great service you provide it is very much appreciated.
Channell
So glad that I was surfing the internet and came across this website. It has been a pure joy to become a member and have the opportunity to learn some skills that will help me with my sewing. Thanks for the information. Keep it coming. I signed up for a 1 year subsription. So I'm looking forward for all the information I can get to help with my sewing.