Edit:
This was a complete failure, at the moment. So until I can put more effort and mental focus into it, I’m shelving this for now.
My thoughts:
- The test fabric I first attempted had no characteristic similar to the fabric I chose. It is stretchy, but a 3 inch piece only stretched about 1/2 an inch or more. Where as the fabric I attempted to use for the actual shirt, a 3 inch piece stretched twice that length.
- Although I did not try every stitch type that may work for high stretch fabric, I’d wager the three line stitch should be marginally similar to the other stitches. That makes me think that if the tighter areas, such as the underarm, would still snap the thread, then the same thing would happen with the looser areas using any other stitch.
End Edit
Welp, the shirt I’m going to make for my wife is looking like it’s going to be an interesting task. Quite interesting indeed, .
Also, if anyone has any tips for their particular machine, might as well add that, could be interesting and useful.
Machine: Singer Traditions 2250
Useful Notes:
- Should use a ball point needle.
- overcasting foot (which I will not be using, at least while testing).
- Fusibles, interfacings, etc should be a knit interfacting. (Which, I may get the overcasting foot after all as I’ll most likely have to order this,
).
Stitches:
So far, it looks like B is going to be my choice (from videos, and the machine’s manual).
Miscellanious:
I’m guessing this knob could be used to adjust the pressure foot tension. (Isn’t described in the manual, but older models had the adjustment in this location, and in the parts documentation it is called the “pressure bar regulating screw”).
I will definitely have to play around with this knob for a while. The setting that seams to make the best looking stitches makes it where the face plate won’t fit now. Huh!
Also, under the lighting bracket, there is a hex screw that can be used to adjust the pressure foot. I will not be messing with this, as the previous knob is affixed to the same mechanical arm…Maybe, as adjusting it would allow the face plate to be set properly. I’ll have to run some experiments before I do that though.
Videos: These are videos I’ve found fairly helpful for getting into the mindset.
How to sew a blind hem on fabric
No Serger, No Problem! Find Out How to Sew Knits on Your Sewing Machine (Good description of the needles used).
Sewing Machine Presser Foot Pressure - Tension (Good explanation for pressure foot tension).
Learn How to Sew: Sewing with Knits & Stretch Fabrics (Episode 10) (The first video I watched).
(All I have at the moment, and have no knit fabrics other than what I have for the shirt. , might need to make a trip to the thrift store).