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Post by dottyhen on Aug 18, 2018 12:07:22 GMT
I have made some notebook covers and used a zigzag stitch on the edges. As a result the edges have ended up a bit distorted/ stretched. I don’t really want to line them as this is an extra step and I want to be able to make them as quickly as possible so I can sell them at a reasonable price. Is there any way I can avoid this puckering? I don’t think I got the tension particularly good on the stitching either, would this make a difference?
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Post by MTRuth on Aug 18, 2018 19:54:36 GMT
If the tension is uneven, it could be the cause. I might try a wash away stabilizer and see if that helps. How dense are you stitching? Perhaps try a longer stitch length?
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Post by lyn on Aug 18, 2018 20:22:22 GMT
The closer (denser) the zig-zag the more the edge of the felt will 'wave'. It's a lovely effect if that's what you want!
One way to get smooth zig-zag, as Ruth has suggested, is by using a stabiliser and not making the stitch too close (dense).
The only other example I can think of is felt that's been embellished with a lot of machine stitching - it becomes firm and doesn't stretch so smooth edge zig-zag works then.
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Post by dottyhen on Aug 18, 2018 21:52:25 GMT
Thanks Lyn and Ruth. My stitch length was quite small as I wanted to create a satin stitch effect. I will try a longer stitch on the next one, when today’s piece of flat felt is dry, to see if that makes any difference. I might also try stitching several times to see if that gives the denser look I am after. Trouble is I don’t want to do anything to mess up the finished item! I think stabiliser will be my last resort.
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Post by tracey on Aug 19, 2018 6:21:33 GMT
I made some little 2.5" square brooches and I wanted a densely stitched edge because I was attaching another piece of felt on the back with the bar on. I went over each side five times with a short zig-zag stitch and that looks ok. Don't know if that helps at all Jane!
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Post by lyn on Aug 19, 2018 9:31:08 GMT
On small, firm pieces the zig-zag does work without making the felt wave. As well as machine-set zig-zag, you can do free motion zig-zag and go around twice using different coloured threads (Annie does it like this).
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Post by Shepherdess on Aug 19, 2018 17:49:28 GMT
Ladies do you think that if she did a regular strait stitch around the edge a couple of times before the zig zag that it would stabilize the edge enough?
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Post by tracey on Aug 19, 2018 18:34:56 GMT
Yes Ann, but five rows of zig zag also seemed to create a firm edge on my brooches.
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Post by Pandagirl on Aug 20, 2018 15:59:53 GMT
Ladies do you think that if she did a regular strait stitch around the edge a couple of times before the zig zag that it would stabilize the edge enough? I have a built in stitch like that in my machine. I think that would be fine.
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