I need sewing help: all my boy projects look frilly!

[Only]

Originally Posted by jenn.mcc Yup that photo was of one on a stretch stitch... but the footer tension... Nooo! I haven't checked that. How the heck do I check that? I'm looking at the stitch and there are no thread loops or puckering, so I figured the tension was fine. Hmmmmmm....

Loosen that baby up!

On mine it's a dial on the top of the machine that extends down to the foot. I put it on the loosest setting to allow my fabric to slip through more freely and it usually helps.

I'm sure there are correct terms for all this, but oh well!

[tibeca]

Originally Posted by Only Loosen that baby up! On mine it's a dial on the top of the machine that extends down to the foot. I put it on the loosest setting to allow my fabric to slip through more freely and it usually helps. I'm sure there are correct terms for all this, but oh well!

Not all machines allow you to adjust presser foot tension. Usually there is a screw, knob or some other adjustment options above the presser foot (on the top of the machine). Some require you to open the side door to see where to adjust. I bet that will fix the ruffling.

[jam's mum]

Originally Posted by jenn.mcc That's a good idea. But we are out of starch and getting out the ironing board at this hour is not going to happen. I will have to try it another time. Ugh I'm so frustrated! I have a stack of these I wanted to do "real quick" before bed, and I've now mangled #4! I never have time to do this stuff during the week so the whole project is probably going to sit now for a week.

I've got a mammoth bottle of liquid starch I could bring with Jams tomorrow....

[wireni]

There is a method, established by Marcy Tilton, using fusible interfacing, which works very well for me.



You serge or zigzag a stripe of fusible interfacing, sticky side up, to the wrong side of the fabric.



Then iron the hem up.



Topstitch two parallel lines.

And like the previous posters I also think the presser foot pressure needs to be relaxed.

[BuggaBuggaBoutique]

I have used the 1/2" iron on stitch witchery to make the edges rigid and then fold and sew

[Rdesonia]

If you don't have stabilizer.... You can use a used dryer sheet! I haven't tried it (cuz I don't use dryer sheets) but I read it works like tear away stabilizer.

[sandhillcranes]

My old machine would do the same thing! It was so frustrating. I ended up buying a walking foot for it and was very happy with that.

[Heather8183]

I think what gives the best looking, crisp hem is using hem tape! Iron it on and then sew, and it looks so professional.

[Palooka]

Originally Posted by wireni There is a method, established by Marcy Tilton, using fusible interfacing, which works very well for me. You serge or zigzag a stripe of fusible interfacing, sticky side up, to the wrong side of the fabric. Then iron the hem up. Topstitch two parallel lines. And like the previous posters I also think the presser foot pressure needs to be relaxed.

Awesome! Thank you!