Sewing Trouble

[Mermaid Saphira]

I seem to be having some trouble with my sewing machine, for one I can't get the thread to stop breaking and I can't get clean stitching on my swatch? Anyone know what I can do? I would get my Grandma to help but she lives to far :*( Been trying all night to fix!!

[Artisankatie]

If you're sewing on stretchy material, try switching to a ballpoint needle, those are made for stretchy fabric. You might find them called either ballpoint or jersey needles. My machine hates me, so I know how frustrating it is to keep threading and having to go over the same spots again and again >.<
Other than that, you might be trying to sew through too many layers at once, or you might have the wrong tension. Those all cause similar problems. What are you trying to sew? And when you say the stitch is going wrong, what exactly is going on?

[Mermaid Saphira]

^ ThanQ for the help..I didn't know about the ball pint needle! I'll be sure to pick one up next weekend! :)

[taom]

Check your tension. If your thread is breaking and the stitch pattern is irregular, then either the top or the bottom thread might be pulling too hard. You should set it to I would also check thread itself.. You might be using a thread that is either old or too thin for what you are sewing. I've had trouble that sounds just like you describe and the thread turned out to be the issue. Also, when sewing stretchy material it is helpful to gently pull towards you on the fabric. This makes it taunt and less likely to be caught by the needle.

[malinghi]

what kind of fabric are you using? I assume if it was neoprene you would have mentioned that, but I just wanted to check.

[Azurin Luna]

Also thread that has been in the sun for long periods get old faster and breaks faster too. That's why I keep all my thread in a sewing box

[Mermaid Saphira]

I am currently sewing a swatch of spandex material, my thread has not been exposed to the sun but luckily today we got the perfect stitch!!! :) now to get the ballpoint

[Sirenade]

Check thread tension on your machine and make sure you have properly threaded the machine and your bobbin. Also, check that your needle is appropriate for your fabric (use a stabilizer if it is thin, stretchy fabric. Also, make sure you aren't pulling your fabic through (just let the teeth/feed dogs do their job). Feel free to look up sewing tips on simplicity.com or another sewing website that sells patterns. :) Good luck and have fun!

[Mermaid Saphira]

^ ThanQ :)

[LittleTreasure]

The other posters have mostly covered what I was going to say :p ...but on top of those things, are you using regular thread or heavy duty thread? Maybe switching to a heavy duty thread will help. Also I suggest you change the thread if it's really old or thin. It won't hold the tail together very well if it's already fragile.

[Mermaid Saphira]

Heavy duty only as recommended in LittleOrca's tutorial :)

[Mermaid Photine]

Run the threas between two fingers? Go you feel knots or bumps? These'll cause a problem, and you'll need a smoother thread. Also, check with your machine's manual (or online) on how to set the proper thread tension, etc. Also, try dusting it with a brush and a can of air. Dust actually can clog the finer bits of your machine.

[Mermaid Saphira]

^I've already got it all figured out but thank you for the help! Ill keep it it mind ;)

[Moonflower]

When sewing spandex, make sure you're also using the right kind of stitch. The one I favor basically looks like this:

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It's a zig-zag stitch in between two straight lines. It stretches with the fabric and won't snap so easily when a lot of pressure is applied. It's also easy to remove if you make a mistake. I know not all machines have this, but it's worth a shot.
If the machine is giving you grief, try re-threading it. Mine likes to mess up every now and then and all it needs is to be re-threaded through the machine.

Also, if the ball-tipped needles won't work (for whatever reason) or you can't find any, try "sharp" needles.

[Mermaid Saphira]

^ I do, thanQ for the tip ;)

[Mer_Adella]

Has anyone here sewn their sequins onto spandex/nylon material? I have a few concerns reguarding sewing and spandex.

Not the tail but adding like sequins and things onto the tail. I dont want to have to worry about the little things with this idea I am going to try. I would like to know just if anyone knows of things I should/shouldn't do when sewings things onto the body of the tail such as sequins, fabric, fins, etc.