Bi-Weekly Thread Thread #4 July 15, 2014

July 15, 2014 | RG

[Roos_Girl]

Welcome everyone to the bi-weekly Thread Thread, a once every other week post of all things sewing. Join us to discuss, ask questions and learn everything you've ever wanted to talk about, ask or discover about sewing. We include anything you can make with fabric, needle and thread.

Share with us some or you designs and ideas on how to become more self-sufficient by making your own clothing, home decor or anything else.

[Roos_Girl]

I have been busy. I finished up the blouse I was making myself. What started out as a free pattern for a tank top ended up with flutter sleeves. I also didn't like how short the pattern was, so I took it apart and added a 3" drop.

I've finished several other girls skirts and boys shorts. On the shorts I modified the pattern to have inside pockets instead of the patch pockets that were included with the pattern. I really like how those turned out. The main fabric is a light brown chambray. Flat front, elastic in back.

Now I'm working on a pattern for a girls ruffle skirt.

It seemed like maybe every other week was a more appropriate timing for our thread so I skipped last week. So that brings me to our question for the two weeks. What way do you use to get a straight edge on your fabric?

[Roos_Girl]

Thread thread ping!

[Monkey Face]

I don’t know about today’s fabrics, but back in the day, I used to make a small cut, about 1/2” long into the selvedge edge of the fabric and rip it to the next selvedge. You can then follow the tear for a straight edge.

Cheaper fabrics might not be straight, so fold the fabric in half cross-wise to see if the edges and corners meet before you tear. Just remember that however the fabric leans is how your article will lean after the first washing.

[Red_Devil 232]

Question about Blue Jeans, can they be altered by an ordinary sewing machine? I can’t find the proper length for my waist size. I am only 5’8” with a waist size of 32 and need a 29 in length. Shortest I can find off the shelf is 30.

[Responsibility2nd]

A thread thread? This is great. Although I really don't have anything to add except this...

[Roos_Girl]

I have a regular Kenmore machine and I have hemmed jeans and made dog beds out of upholstery weight denim and have not had a problem. Make sure to use a denim weight needle and thread.

[Red_Devil 232]

Thanks, I will pass this info on to my wife, she is the sewer. She has several sewing machines(3 I think) and a huge 4 thread Janome embroidery machine.

[bgill]

Yep, rip it.

[Monkey Face]

Make sure you use a heavy-duty needle when sewing through denim, or you’ll break a dozen before you get one hem done!

[bgill]

I’ve only owned cheap basic models and they’ve done fine for hemming jeans. Sometimes though you have to skip over the thick seams but that’s fine by me.

[goodnesswins]

Just wondering if I’m paranoid...but, after I joined this thread a few weeks ago....I got a PINTEREST email about SEWING....I have a PIN account, but I NEVER go there....are they snooping on FR too??? Or am I just pnoid?

[Roos_Girl]

I have no idea. I don’t use Pinterest, so I don’t really know how it works.

[Albion Wilde]

Thanks for another great Thread thread, Roos Girl!

Here's an article from the UK of possible interest to this group:

'I can dress well on the cheap!' Meet the anti-fast fashion designer turning 'ugly' thrift store finds into chic new outfits

[NoExpectations]

"What way do you use to get a straight edge on your fabric?"

I learned to pull a thread from the selvage to selvage - #2b

[Library Lady]

Have you ever found a pattern that is just wrong? I have been trying to make a lounger. I cut the first one exactly by the pattern and had to put elastic around the neck because the it was too large and too far off the shoulder. I cut the next one by the smallest size and had the same problem. I then did a tracing of an old lounger I really like and that fits well. When I compared the tracing to the pattern, the pattern seems off (crooked?) by about and inch and a half. I won’t be using it again. It was inexpensive material but a total waste of time.

[Roos_Girl]

Well, I’ve only ever used two store bought patterns. Most of the things I’ve made in the past were home decor; curtains, pillows, etc. that didn’t need a pattern. The two patterns I have used have worked out well. But, I’ve been working on making my own pattern for a girls ruffle skirt and I realized last night that I messed up one portion of it by cutting to finished size and didn’t take into account that it was attaching to an elastic waist that stretches out longer.

Are you certain that your fabric isn’t getting stretched out while you’re working?

[Roos_Girl]

I like this way best because it doesn’t stretch the fabric out like ripping does. But, it takes me forever to do it this way. And there’s something a little satisfying about ripping the fabric. :)

[Library Lady]

I’m sure. I have been using woven cotton. Anyway, the original pattern and the pattern I made from a manufactured garment are off about and inch and a half at the shoulder and neckline. The rest of the garment fits fine.

[Roos_Girl]

Such a pain. Most fabric is cheap, so it’s not usually a big waste of money. But the waste of time and effort put in is annoying.

[Library Lady]

My pack rat tendencies were inclined to salvage this project, but I’m giving up and tossing the garments and the pattern. Now on to better things. . .