Finishing delicate fabric

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Wed, 07/06/2011 - 05:34
Oren
User offline. Last seen 12 years 12 weeks ago. Offline
Joined: 06/14/2011
Posts: 2

 
Dear Nehzat,
 
I have used delicate fabric (said by the seller to be a Batist) for sewing trousers. The Burda instructions were to finish the seam edge and to iron it to one side. I have tried to finish the seam edges with zigzag and cutting, but the zigzag stitch caused the fabric to wrinkle. No matter how much I tried playing with the upper and bobbin tensions - the fabric either collapsed and wrinkled under the thread tension, or the stitches were too loose.
 
I used the zigzag because I was under the impression that using pinking scissors is for fabrics that are less prone to threading.
 
What's your advice on finishing delicate fabrics?
 
Thanks,
 
Oren.
 
 

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Thu, 07/07/2011 - 10:25
#1
jnjewel
User offline. Last seen 11 years 43 weeks ago. Offline
Joined: 04/23/2011
Posts: 24
Use overcasting pressor foot!

Hi Oren,

If you have an overcasting foot, it should work great.  I tried to upload a picture, but it didn't work, sorry. 

This foot has a bar in the middle, and the needle of the zigzag goes over the bar.  So the bar prevents fabric from pulled by the thread.  Also this foot has a guide, so you put the edge of the fabric along the guide, meaning you don't trim the edge after stitching.   So trim the seam allowance to the finish width, and go over with this foot.

If you don't have it, you can get it online or from a dealer.  I believe every machine has this attachement.

Good luck with your project!

Jnjewel

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Wed, 07/06/2011 - 16:47
#2
Nehzat
User offline. Last seen 40 weeks 54 min ago. Offline
Instructor
Joined: 10/27/2007
Posts: 1026
RE: Finishing delicate fabric

Dear Oren,

For thinner fabric you can set the zigzag stitch a little narrower and use a thinner needle and thread. You can also lower the thread tension of the bobbin and needle. Make sure both seam allowances are being finished with zigzag stitches at the same time and away from the raw edges, then trim the excess.

If you're still not satisfied with the results, other options you have are:

  1. Sew the seams with a french seam style by watching the video we have here. 
  2. Or sewing with a flat felt seam style by watching a video we have here.

Happy sewing!

Nehzat

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