Sewing help

[Random Axe]

Here's a trick that I've been using for a while that may or may not work for anyone else but it's been a blessing for me. I sew everything right on to the paper. I cut out whatever pattern I'm using, fold the spandex over and pin the paper down tight. Then I sew along the pattern line either by hand or machine. Once I backstitch and tighten it up I peel the paper off and turn it. This gives it body and reduces all of the floppiness. I think someone else mentioned it, but use a blunt needle. Sharp ones tend to get caught on the spandex and snap the thread.

Even using the above I still mess up 2 out of 3 times when I sew. I waste so much spandex, but to get a suit or cape right I've got to go through maybe a third of a yard to do it. I'm still a very basic sewing guy making gingerbread suits. I've got a ways to go improving my style, making patterns and just using the machine with a steadier hand and a gentler foot pedal.

[lilbrosj66]

I definitely reccomend hand basting it together first. That always seemed to make the process easier or at least less frustrating for me. Good luck!

[megalomaniac001]

I like to machine sew where possible. I move my needle over to the right (I'm a lefty) and it works for me. Lot's of practice helps! I hand sew around the collars and other edge seams when needed. Like a lot of posts said, go slow! Another tip I learned recently, do a quick hand stich on the lines (like collars, sleeves legs etc.) to match up the fabric before sewing the seam with the machine. This way everything stays lined up and looks nicer on the final product.

[thunderbolt]

Wow, I must be lucky. always used a sharp needle and never had a problem snagging

[aden2008]

I've been trying to sew suits for my figures and just gave up on it all.. I haven't became a good seamstress yet and can't master sewing something so tiny.. It's very hard to use the machine.

[JediJaida]

Try doing it by hand first, practice helps.

Like we've all been saying, don't just sew on the fabric; with seams that small, it's going to be nearly impossible to keep everything from being eaten by the feed dogs, or the thread tangling.

Make sure that there is a strip of paper underneath the fabric. Plain old typing or notebook paper works just fine. Just cut it into say a five or six inch strip that is at least one or two inches wide.

When it comes to applying elastic, get one of those elastic applicator feet. They work wonders, even with really narrow elastic. Since it's being fed through the hole in the foot, you don't have to worry about pinning it in place.

If you have trouble seeing what you're doing, get one of those clip on magnifiers that are made for sewing machines. They're great!

If your machine is sliding all over the table, put a rubber placemat underneath it. No more slippage.

Make sure that the bobbin area is free of lint, fuzz and thread, always use a fresh needle, and DON'T use cheap thread. Thread from the bargain bin is no bargain. Pay for the good stuff and you will not have to worry about fuzzies in the bobbin area, or messing up the tension discs on your machine.

Whew!

Also, if you can afford it, take a basic sewing class. It always helps to have a teacher showing you what to do, rather than trying to muddle through it yourself.