Many types of stretchy fabrics are available today. There are two main ways that I sew seams on stretchy fabrics: 1. For this, the fabric must have a minimum 80% crosswise stretch, but 100% is best for a snappy recovery. This stitch is quite a stretchy and flexible one, making it a perfect choice for knit fabrics. When top stitching, choose a zig zag stitch on a standard machine, or a coverstitch or chainstitch on a serger. This type of stitch will let your fabric stretch along the seam. Let’s get a little deeper into this discussion and look at the best stitches for stretchy materials. Use your scraps to experiment with a narrow zigzag stitch that will allow the fabric to stretch but still maintain a straight seam. Our suggestions depend mainly on the type of fabric you’re sewing, but there are some technique-based suggestions we can give you. In the twin needle stitch, you make use of two needles for the same. Let us know how the repairing goes, and best of luck to you! We recommend laying it flat on a table or other flat work surface. A zigzag stitch on a standard sewing machine can be used as an alternative to a serger. But on that occasion, you'll need to choose the correct kind of stitch to suit the fabric. Now, there are numerous kinds of zig-zag stitches that you can use according to the type of design you plan on doing. Good tips for a beginner here with stretch material. I’m recovering my patio cushions with Sunbrella fabric and I purchased “exterior ” thread for the project. How could I have had such a huge brain fog. This is why a zig-zag stitch is a preferable stitch that you can perform on stretchy material. The most suitable stitches for stretchy fabrics are zig-zag stitches, as explained above. The best stitches to use for sewing stretch fabrics are: Narrow zigzag: opt for a very narrow setting with the zigzag, with the stitch length equal to the stitch width; Overedge stitch: a specialty stitch that locks over the edge of the fabric so it stitches and finishes a seam in one pass Hence, you can choose between these stitches to which one works better for you and your projects. Ideally, the top thread and bobbin thread are drawn equally into the fabric, forming a link in the middle of the fabric layers. Ensuring the finished seams lie neatly and flat and at the same time don’t break when the garment is used is your endgame. These stitches are flexible enough and move along with your fabric. It certainly hasn’t been like riding a bike. Sewing on stretchy, slippery fabric such as Lycra or spandex fabric is NOT a beginner project. Learn how to create a strong seam that lays flat with your serger in the Activewear Sewn with a Flatlock Stitch tutorial. Since they have an elastic finish, we need to be careful with the types of stitches we perform on them. And trust us: it isn’t as hard as you might think. Stretching the waistband as you topstitch allows for the topstitch to be able to complement the stretch performance. I discovered that stitch I was thinking of, on my Singer 44S “Classic”, is actually called “multi-stitch zigzag”. However, let us clear up this myth and tell you that you need not necessarily have a serger machine for knit fabrics. These fabrics have a greater tendency to move or stretch as compared to other fabrics. This little tip will make a big difference in stabilizing the edges of a super stretchy fabric! Step 4: In this step, it is time to adjust your thread tension setting. Also, a majority of the stretch fabrics are knit materials. This is quite a popular stitch, which is again commonly used for stretchy or knit fabrics. Required fields are marked *. Is a triple or three step zigzag more durable, stronger in resisting broken threads, than a regular zigzag? I”d like to whip up a couple of cotton jersey slip-type night dresses now that the weather has gotten very hot. The name itself is self-explanatory. The stitch you use needs to stretch with the fabric, otherwise you will be popping threads left and right when putting on the garment. Ballpoint needles are commonly called Jersey needles. 3-thread stretch overlock For sewing extra strechy fabric. But I’m wondering if the triple or 3-step zigzag would be stronger than the regular zigzag. Your email address will not be published. You have to change the settings according to the materials you are using. Techniques and tips. Of course, the answer is zigzag, overstitch etc. Also, if the project you are sewing requires a straight stitch only you can switch out your throat plate and use a straight stitch throat plate. Some other top tips for knowing how to sew stretchy fabric and how to handle it during the sewing process include: TOP TIP: Part of understanding how to sew stretchy fabrics is to have patience. But always test on a scrap first to make sure your fabric can handle a larger needle The standard zig-zag stitch is the best choice that you can use for stretchy fabrics. A ballpoint needle has a rounded tip that will go in between the knit fibers rather than piercing through them. You can find buying guides, sewing machine reviews, and helpful sewing tips on my site. However, one of the safest options is to use a zig-zag stitch. So mum here has to alter them, never altered this type of material before, what thread and size needles would you suggest. A standard zigzag does really well on lingerie fabrics. I’ve had to repair seams on some of my panties because the “wooly nylon” the seams were originally, isn’t durable at all, and keeps disappearing. The Unique Stitch Fabric Glue is another great product from Dritz, but this one is not a temporary glue; it’s a permanent fabric adhesive. All the patterns I’ve found want a woven cut on the bias. Any 70-90 (10-14) sized needle should suffice. Most sewing machines have a zigzag setting, but the zigzag stitch can also be worked easily enough by hand. If your machine doesn’t have a built in stretch stitch, you can use the zigzag stitch and adjust the width and length. The new dress hemming project sounds exciting! Since stretchy materials tend to stretch or move over, it requires a flexible stitch to hold the material together. Though longer zig-zag stitches are also durable, they do not have much flexibility. It is similar to a herringbone stitch. Don’t rush it! Because of these loops, the stitch is very stretchy. Underwears are one type of garment that we often move up and down. November 27, 2019August 19, 2020 by Kaity. Unfortunately brain fog is sometimes getting the better of me, but hey, aren’t we lucky to have the internet and find so many short video’s to confirm we are, or not on the right track. Thx! Let us know how you get on! While the serger machine can be an expensive investment, you can also use the regular sewing machine for sewing stretchy fabrics. Try a zigzag stitch with a short stitch length and a medium or wide width, depending on the look you’re going for. Additionally, this stitch is mostly used for outdoor gear, tents, kites, and other outdoor items. Oliveborden.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. If you happen to choose the best, you can be sure of achieving the desired results. The fabric can move a bit with every stitch with the zig-zag stitch’s usage, which is why zig-zag stitch is recommended for stretchy fabrics. The stitch created when using a twin needle has the appearance of coverstitch from the right side, but on the wrong side, it looks like a zigzag stitch. Don’t over-stretch the fabric! We love DIY face masks! Learn more. Managed to fix one pair but the other pair is giving me fits. A Quick Vocabulary Lesson… Lycra and spandex are the same material. By following a few simple tricks and tips, your knowledge of how to sew stretchy fabric will sky rocket. I totally get you Cath, I going through exactly the same, googling a lot of “how to do hint” you won’t get old and dodgy-I also have been sewing for 50+ years. Your choice of needle, thread, and stitches play an important role in sewing fabrics. Though it can be nice to have a serger machine for the same, it is unnecessary anyway. My name is Olive Borden. Whether you are an accomplished sewer or a novice, knowing how to sew stretchy fabric is a key skill that will help you with a wealth of sewing projects and save you a lot of nerves. You would not want such a situation to arise during your sewing projects. We hope these top tips for how to sew stretch fabrics will give you the confidence you need to get stitching with knits! This will help you with achieving the right and clean finish. [1] X Research source Choose a fine (thin) needle for tightly woven knits and a thick needle for loosely woven knits. How to sew stretchy fabric without puckering. However, because a serger cuts the edge of the fabric, it can only be used on seams, not for topstitching. Zig Zag stitch. – If you need professional quality seams for your projects, all you need to do is dial the needle slowly. Since these outdoor items need to be extra durable and strong, the triple zig-zag stitch is what comes in handy. Hem your stretch fabric (and finish the necklines and arm holes) with a zigzag stitch. We wish you luck on altering your daughter’s trousers – sounds like you’ve got your work cut out for you! Furthermore, it is recommended that you perform smaller zig-zag stitches as they offer higher flexibility. An overlock stitch (made by a serger) has thread looped around the edge of the fabric. Three Best Zig Zag Stitch Types For Stretchy Fabrics, Tips And Sewing Machine Settings For Sewing Stretchy And Knit Fabrics. This stitch is on many basic home sewing machines, and if it is your only option, use it. Gives a nice finish to silky scarves, pillow ruffles and napkins. Best of luck Linda! Looking for more? The feather stitch is a beautiful top-stitching stretch stitch that is great for joining the edges of two fabrics. effect either with the flatlock side or the ladder stitch side. Choose it instead of cotton thread. Tee Shirts, button holes, and zig zag stitch? This stitch gives a very smooth finish to the edges. 2) Separate Waistband, Sewn-in: It didn’t go much better than previous repairs, so I looked up some of that “fuzzy nylon” thread, and found that Walmart carries it, though I’ll have to order it since they don’t have it on the shelves in the store. Making comfortable masks to wear. We’ve even got a 20% sitewide Student Discount for everything else! Stitches that stretch are the ones you will use for sewing a knit fabric. Discover a wide range of stretchy fabrics and feel the difference with your very own fabric swatch pack. Am I crazy to try cutting the pattern in the jersey on a straight-grain layout, paying attention to how much stretch the suggested bias-cut woven is likely to have vs my jersey? Here are a few stretchy stitches that you can add to your repertoire: Zigzag. If you wish for a much more effective and stronger stitch, then the triple zig-zag stitch is exactly what you need. Furthermore, this stitch is also quite common in babywear or kids’ wear. Many users find the twin needle stitch to be more appealing than the standard or basic zig-zag stitch. My Favorite Stretch Stitches at a Glance [table]Stitch, Favorite Place to Use It A common misunderstanding about how to sew with stretchy fabrics is that you need to serger. June 3, 2019November 25, 2019 by Stefanie. It is an alternative to a serger. Andria, glad to hear this repair went ever-so-slightly better! Great to hear from you. I would like to find a singer sewing machine that is very simple yes to do zippers or buttonholes but no L no other types of soy a simplistic basic see her so I machine what would be the name of it and we are could I purchase it thank you. The slight zigzag will give you the stretch you need. If your machine does only straight and zigzag stitches, it is possible to use the zigzag stitch as a stretch stitch. Also, you can make use of a cover stitch machine or a tissue to avoid puckering. More about me. For the two stitch you have have the needle right next to each other as show here, or take out the middle one for a wide double stitch. I promise. lol. The running stitch is the most basic of all hand sewing stitches and it’s what all other forms of sewing are based off of. On my coverstitch machine I often have to switch to 90/14 when stitching over bulky layers to avoid skipped stitches, and seldom have problems with holes that won’t heal. Along with this, look for either a ballpoint/jersey or stretch needle, stretch needles are specifically suited to sewing stretchy fabrics and ballpoint needles are great for any poly-based fabric. This is why it is important to get the right kind of fabric for your projects. Is this possible? At the same time, the stitch is also beautiful to look at. Polyester Thread. Oliveborden.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. If you are worried about damaging the stretch fabric you are using, then choose a ballpoint needle. They can withstand heavy rains, storms, or winds. This means that these fabrics or materials can be stretched either lengthwise or crosswise. Discover the magnificent world of fabrics, art & fashion. Now let’s glance at some tips and tricks to help you get the best results sewing a stretchy fabric using a regular sewing machine. Also, in the case of knit fabrics, it is recommended that you use a ballpoint needle. You might come across many unique or different kinds of stitches that you may not be aware of. So, I thought if a put a zipper in them, it’d be much easier. Hi! This stitch has inherent stretch and is excellent for close-fitting knit garments. We hope this helps, and good luck! However, second glass of wine and the knowledge I have a super stitch ripper on the ready! hi there… Daughter bought a pair of trousers material, polyester, nylon and elastane. It is best to rely on the instruction manual provided to you by the brand in such circumstances. Although a serger can make it quicker to sew with stretchy knits, it is a costly addition to your sewing machine. I pray I’m not the only one here that had that brain fog! My name is Olive Borden. Using the wrong presser foot won’t give you the desired results. My goal for this site (Oliveborden.com) is to provide you the most updated information on sewing, designing, embroidery, and garment making. The zig-zag stitch is considered to be the best when it comes to stitching knit fabrics. Learn more. The best stitches to use for sewing stretch fabrics are: TOP TIP: If you are planning on stitching buttonholes in a stretch fabric, we recommend sewing in the direction of least stretch. However, you can ONLY use a straight stitch. It is important to factor in the percentage of stretch in your chosen fabric, and that it matches the pattern you are working with. I’ve been trying to do the repairs using elastic thread hand-wound onto the bobbin, polyester for the top thread, in a regular zigzag stitch. . If you need to make a hem on a knit fabric, then this is the best type of stitch that you should go ahead with. Suggestions? If you take 3 simple steps (choosing needle, thread, and stitch type) when you start sewing a stretch fabric project, you can proceed confidently every time. Pause occasionally with the needle down, so you can readjust the alignment of the raw edges of the material. Either too loose or too tight. The thing that differs it from a normal pointed needle is that it has a rounded tip. Overlockers or sergers are wonderful at handling stretch fabrics and creating a polished finish, but are they always necessary? This is ideal for making shirts Faux Leather/ Vinyl Fabric with stretch. If you’re ready to design the perfect stretchy fabric, you can shave the price down with our 30% Student Fabric Discount. If you may wonder which is the preferable stitch for stretchy fabrics, then the zig-zag stitch is the answer. This should give you beautiful and stable buttonholes. I’ve tried using the width set to 2.5-3 and length 2, all the way to width at 4.5 and length at 2.5-3… and wind up with broken stitches no matter the stitch width/length settings. A twin needle is your best bet if trying to imitate the look of a coverstitch. Use Zig Zag stitch. It has a little give to it, so when you wear it, those stitches don’t get stressed as the fabric stretches on your body. This helps the waistband to stay put and hold it’s shape. Hi Linda! A zigzag stitch is your #1 of best stitches for knits. . Size 90/14 is best when sewing over bulky seams on thicker knit fabrics. Hi! Hence, certain specific stitches are suitable for stretch fabrics or knit materials. In such a case, if you happen to choose a less flexible stitch, the stitches will fall apart soon. I’m having great difficulty loading a bobbin with it. It is also not imperative for sewing with elastic textiles. However, make sure not to move or stretch the fabric too much, as that can make your stitches have an uneven finish. Similarly, another garment that makes use of this triple zig zag is the underwear. If you are stitching on a knit take care to not stretch the knit fabric, only the elastic. You can find buying guides, sewing machine reviews, and helpful sewing tips on my site. TOP TIP: Knowing how to sew stretchy fabric involves knowing how to cut and handle your fabric. Stretch fabrics tend to make up a huge majority of people’s wardrobes. Stretchy fabrics can be pretty difficult to stitch as compared to other fabrics. All sewing machines have the standard zig-zag stitch. Too late! What is the best stitch for stretchy fabrics? Many people feel that you need to own a serger machine for working with knit fabrics or stretchy fabrics. My goal for this site (Oliveborden.com) is to provide you the most updated information on sewing, designing, embroidery, and garment making. What Is A Stretch Fabric? Different materials require different levels of it. So I have been sewing for the last 50 years. If you happen to use a straight stitch for your projects, the moment that the material is stretched, the thread will break open. The twin needle has an elongated holder at the top with two needles that lie parallel. Hi Elaine! Common stretch stitches include the lightning stitch, zig-zag stitch and triple stretch stitch. Can you give any tips for neck and button holes for a button up Baseball long sleeve baseball shirt? If you work a lot with knit fabrics or stretchy materials, you need to use a flexible stitch or a moveable one. These fabrics are usually on the heavier side. Hence, if you are struggling to choose a stitch, you can always fall back to the standard zig-zag stitch. Most elastic fabrics are knits. For sewing two layers of stretchy fabric or overcasting Oliveborden.com is reader-supported. The best stitches to use for sewing stretch fabrics are: Narrow zigzag: opt for a very narrow setting with the zigzag, with the stitch length equal to the stitch width; Overedge stitch: a speciality stitch that locks over the edge of the fabric so it stitches and finishes a seam in one pass It would help if you knew which stitches would suit best for a piece of stretchy fabric. Don’t let the fabric hang over the edges, as this could stretch it out of place. Any suggestions? However with family losses, 2 multi-home moves and all my sewing equipment (which was and is substantial) in storage for the last 5 years, I fear getting older and dodgy, and admit I may have forgotten more than I knew! The needle catches a thread or two from the first fabric and then the thread crosses and needle goes to catch a thread or two from the second fabric. What is the best stitch for stretchy fabrics? This throat plate has only a small hole for the needle to pass through, making it almost impossible for the fabric to get pushed down into and caught in it. The most suitable stitches for stretchy fabrics are zig-zag stitches, as explained above. Hence, it is not an impossible task. This special needle is effectively used to gently separate the thread from the fabric rather than destroy it. Definitely avoid using cotton thread for stretchy fabrics. So it’s not useful for hemming. This means they extend both crosswise and lengthwise. Simple Step #1: Choose a Ballpoint Needle. The most important thing to remember when cutting your fabric is not to stretch it. The best stitch for sewing stretchy fabrics is either a stretch stitch (looks like a lightning flash as per the image above) or a very narrow and short zigzag as shown in the image below. Once the elastic is applied, simply fold it under and top stitch. What are the different types of stretchy fabrics? It helps to ease the tension between the front and … A perfect stitch depends on the balance between the two sources of tension on the stitch (as well as other factors.) They are comfortable, easy to wear and require minimal care. When you buy through links on this site, I may earn an affiliate commission. The Best Stitches for Stretchy Fabric (Tips Provided). It is a unique kind of needle that helps you to stitch stretchy or knit fabrics. There’s very few situations where you won’t get good results with a zigzag. There are some stretch fabrics – usually heavier ones – that only have a 2-way stretch. Tried using tissue paper on top and bottom; helped some but couldn’t manage any straight lines! Tha, combined with a nylon or polyester thread, should result in a solid stitch that won’t budge or tear. When I made my Sequin Mesa dress, I used a stretch sequin fabric and lining. For a newbie, it seems like you’re really learning a lot! Furthermore, other sleeve tricks include using a polyester thread or a twin needle for the same. – Before you plan on using the standard zig-zag stitch, always ensure that you have the right presser foot. It must be very frustrating having to re-repair your favorite panties. We would recommend either a cotton-covered polyester thread or nylon thread for this project, as both are suitable for nylons and polyester fabrics. Good luck and keep doing what your doing. This can be difficult with a 4-way stretch fabric, but test all sides to see if one has slightly less give. This is why we mostly choose zig-zag fabrics to sew stretchy materials. Instead, for knit fabrics, use ball-point needles and for super elastic or stretchy fabrics (such as lycra), use stretch needles or a stretch twin needle. This stretchy fabric is a blend of Poplin, cotton and spandex – this fabric usually has a slight (10 % ) stretch and is very comfortable . Dropshipping Ads For Beginners: Higher Profit, Lower Stress, Where to Sell Art Online: Contrado – US Limited Edition, 16 Foolproof Methods: How to Stop Glasses from Fogging with Face Mask, How to Design & Drop-Ship Custom Printed T-Shirts. Hi, I need to put a zipper in a pair of spandex pants. For anyone who hates sewing or who just doesn’t have the time to stitch a garment, this product will certainly come in handy. Therefore, it is vital to make sure you check you are using the right kind of stretchy fabric for your project. Material is soft and stretchy. Opt for a ballpoint needle for loosely-woven knits.