How To Sew Stretch Fabrics With A Normal Sewing Machine | Hacks for Sewing with Stretchy Fabric

[@susangannon5621]

Hi there, i don't often comment on youtube but had to say that both of you are just brilliant, beautiful and so talented! I haven't sewn clothes for nearly 15 years, just made many many quilts...but now I have a hankering and your videos have given me a great sense of excitement about getting back to it! And based on your review I have ordered Tilly and the Buttons Stretch! Just wanted to say thanks and to wish you both every success in all that you do.

[@StitchSisters]

Susan Gannon that’s brilliant Susan ! Enjoy your trip into dressmaking and let us know how you get on

[@shopwornbear1171]

I know this is an old video, but I wanted to add this: to sew that thinner jersey, you can also use something called a "tricot foot". It's basically a delicate version of a walking foot, and is designed specifically for use with fabrics that stretch. Unlike a walking foot, it has a single soft rubber tooth below to evenly feed thin jersey and pretty much any stretch fabric from above. It is shaped like a zig zag foot, and it has a lever like a walking foot, and it does an incredible job. I've only ever seen them in 5mm widths, but that's basically all you need to create a stretch stitch. Trust me, it does a nicer job than a walking foot, and it's much easier to see what you're sewing. I'm soon going to be making myself a pair of jammies out of the slinky jersey you are talking about. I'll be certain to put these tips into play. Thank you so very much for this. It'll help me immensely.

[@ritamae99]

I would love some tips for sewing with sheer fabrics. I love wearing sheer fabrics but always have the hardest time sewing with them. Thanks! Love you guys!

[@annwest8232]

Perfect clear points that only an expert like you both know. I would like to come to your workroom and take classes. Thanks, Ann

[@karenmcdonough3614]

Very helpful. I’d like tips on matching fabric patterns especially stripes on jersey fabrics. After watching this video I think adjusting my PF pressure might have helped with an issue I had last week while altering a striped jersey dress.

[@StitchSisters]

Karen McDonough thank you for watching 😘

[@trishlook7065]

I really enjoyed your video but what would really have helped me would have been a visual demonstration of your tips.

[@susie3790]

Brilliant idea to hold the strings. I’ve used the tissue aper for seams and it works. Just use white.

[@michellelinhoff3736]

Love your tips! I've been sewing for years...but have been shy to sew with knits. You gals inspired me to go for it! I've written your tips onto an index card to keep tucked away so I don't forget. So happy I checked out your channel (thanks to 'I Sew A Lot' who highly recommended you both!). Please keep them coming ;)

[@hameratahir]

Thanks for speaking in my language! 😊

[@GagaKnits]

Thank you for these tips. I will definitely try the starch. I am going to write your tips down and keep them handy. X

[@astridbeckmann2520]

Very helpful typs, even IF one should know them all...

[@suhseal]

Fantastic set of tips! Thank you!

[@merlenef666]

I love your video ladies i definitely needed these tips.im new to sewing and I have been avoiding jersey material like crazy lol 👍

[@MsSherrydarling]

Great tips for the slinky knits!!Tips and tricks for chiffon and lightweight crepes would be great! Slippery wovens and such.

[@StitchSisters]

Sherry G Great idea

[@babeage]

Thanks for the great tips. Looking forward to your future videos. I truly hope you'll do your next tricky fabric video on chiffon (from cutting out to sewing). Thanks.

[@juliadroy1179]

Another great vlog, I have a jersey top ready to go.

[@peadee8770]

I also don't usually comment but have to say you've covered most of the general basics for sewing with knits. As far as cutting out tricky knits you can also use tissue paper under the fabric the adding the fabric on top and even a washaway spray adhesive to hold it down without staining your fabric or a 'mess'. I practice all these techniques and have over 50+++ years. There are newer products which I have tried and you've mentioned but not so new really. One thing about pins for knits---there are now stick pins that are ball point also. I purchased my first pkg about 2 yrs ago. I love you are sharing your tips and hope lots of people tune in to your channel but please girls, take turns taking, with you both talking at one time it makes for a hard time listening. Just saying---slow down--take turns.

[@susangarner3906]

Great things to know .Thank You

[@maryplatt5494]

Thanks for these tips! I have a whole bin of jersey and have procrastinated to use it! I am scared of ruining it!!! Thank you so much! I also love denim but am afraid of the thick seams and top stitching a pair of jeans... any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!!

[@StitchSisters]

Mary Platt thank you for the suggestion, we will add it to the list! Thank you for watching

[@louiselill1528]

Some fantastic tips. I would love the tips for silk please

[@missruthguest]

Thank you for this. Very useful

[@jolivelaughloveandcreate16]

So many great tips 👍🏼

[@rebeccamtrevino4427]

Really good tips and very timely. Always enjoy your videos, you both have such lovely personalities. One tip from an old lady who's been sewing forever & a day, start sewing on a small scrap of your fabric and then sew on to your garment fabric. Keeps your machine from making those thread nests at the beginning of seams. I use the same scrap many times & when it's full of thread tales it's called a "spider" we use it in quilting a lot.

[@StitchSisters]

Rebecca M Trevino great tip - Thanks Rebecca 😘

[@sewingintrifocals-alisonde7778]

Great idea, thanks for sharing it!

[@shermaine007]

Velvet!!!

[@StitchSisters]

shermaine007 👍🏼

[@michelemohamed3584]

Thank you Rachel & Nicky! I love your videos! How about a video on sewing lace/ eyelet?? I would love to make a lace summer top but am unsure of sewing the seams, darts, etc. so it is not seen through. Watching, from Chicago

[@Hipgran09]

Thanks for the video, it’s very informative.another fabric which is difficult to sew is velvet! 😫

[@jennyl2273]

Would love some tips of sewing with sheer fabric. I have attempted a couple of Kaftans now that have ended up in the rubbish.

[@thaisoneon]

I second the lace suggestion, and please address other holey fabrics too. My daughter wanted a beach cover up and the fabric had big holes connected by a few flimsy threads. Aargh!

[@StitchSisters]

thaisoneon we will add it to the list - thanks for watching 😘

[@jaclynmoylan1905]

Great tips

[@thecleveralmond]

That was way helpful 🎉

[@janebrettell1737]

Brilliant info ladies, thank you both. I’m building quite a library of your vid’s 😍. I used your invisible zip method of insertion for the second time a few days ago BRILLIANT. I also took your advice and bought the invisible zip foot you showed, so much better than the one which came with my Brother machine. 👍🏻👍🏻💕💕

[@StitchSisters]

Jane Brettell that’s brilliant - sounds like we are costing you money but we hope it’s worth it ! 😂😘

[@janebrettell1737]

Stitch Sisters absolutely 😀

[@IMOO1896]

I made a scrunchie yesterday using stretch velour by the burrito method. I won’t do that again, the curling on the edge was a total pain.

[@Kelly-xd7rp]

What kind of stitches are recommended for stretch fabrics? Stitch length?

[@generalchaoscrafts2158]

Thanks for the helpful tips. I sew a lot of jerseys and the presser foot pressure adjustment will probably reduce my swearing significantly. Could you do one on chiffon or lace please?

[@StitchSisters]

Genevieve Murray-Smith it’s a great tip ! We will add lace & chiffon to the list 😘

[@barbaracartwright2737]

Thanks for that! Chiffon please!

[@isaribeiro9311]

My suggestion for the next tricky fabrics would be shifty run away fabrics such as silk crepe de chine, some viscose challis or loose weave fabrics like gauze

[@alexmack416]

can you backstitch with a walking foot?

[@realpinkmonkey]

hi! i commented on another video and yall kindly sent me the link to this video (THANK YOU by the way!). just to remind you, my mom ordered some fabric for my daughters bday dress. i told my mom i have only made dresses out of quilters cotton, but the fabric she bought is a stretchy spandex knit :(. also, i just found out this morning that the bodice portion of the dress is made of 100% premium cotton (another fabric she bought). im making a skater type dress for my daughters bday party. are these two fabrics going to sew well together? sorry for all the questions, but i am EXTREMELY nervous and have a lot of pressure on me. i dont want to disappoint my mom or Especially my daughter as she is expecting her beautiful 'twirly sprinkles and ice cream' dress for her candy/icecream themed party in TWO WEEKS ='0. thanks again for your help and i will be ANXIOUSLY waiting for your responds , haha. by the way, do yall have any sewing tutorials? thanks again for any tips on sewing these two types of fabrics together!!!!

[@jonig61]

How do you serve spandex?

[@patriceholden4047]

Satin and silk

[@sarahosmari7870]

Leather fabric sisters. I have a brother machine FS 130QC and I wish to sew leather just little scraps of leather at the end of my makeup bags. Is there another way or do I have to use a heavy duty sewing machine. ? Thank you for sharing great tips on light weight jersy 😊

[@berenicesue]

Thankyou! So helpful!

[@StitchSisters]

berenicesue your very welcome

[@kaylinm1458]

I have done basically everything recommended and even recommended by others and my machine still won't zig zag stitch. It will sew a straight line instead, I'm growing so frustrated and am losing every want to sew any advice?1

[@robyn3349]

Thanks!

[@StitchSisters]

Rob yN thanks for watching !

[@almhinds]

is your Ogden Cami made from jersey?

[@almhinds]

chiffon and velvet please!

[@sherifetter6885]

Lace top 10 would be nice.. or silk

[@StitchSisters]

sheri fetter 👍🏼

[@juleejames9977]

Wonder tape is the best!!! Nikki - love your blouse - what pattern is it?

[@StitchSisters]

Julee James it’s the Kalle Shirt by Closet Case Patterns

[@juleejames9977]

Stitch Sisters Thanks - it looks great on you ✔️

[@paulamattsson1672]

Chiffon I've got this fab Chiffon fabric for years and haven't got a curage to cut it but now I have actually found a pattern i wanna use but don't dare to use it Starch it, maby

[@marymanning9883]

Velvet and shear fabric with sequines.

[@loriannpayne4483]

Rayon/Viscose please!

[@murielbailiwick2978]

And silk and organza......

[@louiselill1528]

Well that's me done so I can't use my darning needle with the hugh eye got to go to specsavers mmm

[@juliesew_me_something699]

PVC 😢

[@gabriellagrimaldo6335]

Chiffon.

[@StitchSisters]

Gabriella Grimaldo 👍🏼

[@sallydingle321]

Fabulous tips again Rachel and Nicki 👌😁. I love sewing with jersey fabrics and you have reminded me on a few of those tips. Definitely looking into buying some of those fine needles 👍. Maybe you could do some tips on sewing very fine wovens and maybe fabrics with a pile. Thanks so much again for your great videos 😊😘

[@StitchSisters]

Sally Dingle thanks Sally, we will add it to the list!

[@physioontheriver7325]

Great vlog once again. For another fabric how about georgette and chiffon?

[@ruthlanwarne8978]

Oo how about chiffon? I’ve sewn with it but avoid it where possible! 🤗

[@aangela7328]

Great tips, thank you very much for sharing. I'm struggling with lining, it's slippery, fraying and shifting. But I love it in dresses and coats.

[@StitchSisters]

A Angela we will add it to the list ! 😘

[@Lisamakes]

Walking foot!!!! I always use one for knits, and it makes all the difference. I knew the tails thing, but forgot about it! Thanks for that.

[@Aurora-uh9nk]

So that’s why my machine EATS or swallows the fabric and I do not know why but this happens more when I use the fuel feed ! Thanks so much for the ‘holding the tails ‘ tips 😋

[@ruthlanwarne8978]

Great vlog ladies. I love watching you both as it’s like a party😆💕

[@anandsurujpaul5690]

Could heavy duty singer industral machine sew stretchy fabric ?

[@dddrummond8890]

do you have any tips for using cotton thread on these slinky materials? I am allergic to polyester and most synthetics so I am only using cotton at this point. I know that means I will be doing lots of patchwork down the road but haven't much choice in the matter.

[@christinewatters2879]

Thank you. This was good. How about chiffon?

[@TheMi1044]

Just stumbled upon your channel and I’m SO grateful for you two! Im a beginner sewer (mostly dresses for my two toddler daughters) and this video was perfect help! Much love from Texas in the US! ❤️

[@dixitapatel4283]

I loved your speech, but it was a little annoying as you were over talking with each other. Also it would be nice if you had in corporated visual audio. I think you would have nailed the video.

[@dixitapatel4283]

Sorry I ment to say video demonstration. Otherwise your tips are all 👍

[@julien7935]

Hi both of you, I've really liked watching your video, as a total beginner regarding stretchy fabrics, and want to start sewing t-shirts/t-shirt dresses, so you tips are brilliant. Unfortunately, I struggled when you're both talking over each other. You're both, also, quite perhaps 'excitable' which I find difficult to listen to. For me, your video's would be perfect if you could just slow down, calm down and only speak one at a time ;) Please read this as 'constructive' :)

[@StitchSisters]

Hi Julie We know that we can be a bit excitable, your absolutely right! This video was shot a couple of years ago and we have tried to improve since then. Hopefully you will find our more recent videos are easier to understand.

[@julien7935]

@@StitchSisters Many thanks. I won't let it stop me watching your videos - they're too good ;)

[@ann-mariesews5172]

Thank you for the great tips. I tend to use the overlocker as it saves the battles but will try some of these next time. Please do a video on chiffon I hate it!

[@joli43]

Entomology pins... meaning pins for bugs?

[@StitchSisters]

mie yes these are the same type of pins used for butterflies etc but sold by a Haberdashery. They are just really fine and not shiny so stay in tricky fabric better

[@janicek6399]

LOL, my thought also...

[@SarahArnoldTheAccidentalArtist]

Such helpful tips-- wish I had watched this before I sewed several things :) But now I know. Thank you Rachel and Nicki! XOXO Sarah

[@fidgetystitch9448]

Helpful as always! Thank you 🙂 How about sewing with sheer fabrics, especially cutting them. I've had a nightmare Georgette that just doesn't want to cooperate. I've picked up some handy tips like spray starch, ironing on interfacing (where needed) before cutting and using a rotary cutter, but I'm sure there is more!

[@lmott5624]

I absolutely hate sewing with sweater (jumper) knits. Will your tips for sewing with jerseys work for these? By the way, thank you for telling us to hold the tails of the thread. I had stopped sewing with slinky jerseys because I was tired of them being rammed into the machine.

[@brendapatel703]

Hi ladies. Absolutely love your videos. They have become my go to for most things. Rachel can you please advise. I have perfected my Ogden cami with a FBA but would love to make it in a jersey. Can you please tell me how to adapt the pattern without losing the shape? Many thanks. Keep up the good work as you are a breath of fresh air!

[@dddrummond8890]

I am so glad I found your videos. I have been sewing for over 30 years and I am just now learning this stuff!!! I have been doing it the hard way FOREVER! Thank you. I have subscribed and will be binging your videos forthwith.

[@sandraobrien8705]

Thank you. I'm so scared of sewing jersey but most clothes I buy are made of it, so I really need to overcome this fear. It is holding me back! More tricky fabrics? - velvet?

[@marciam3094]

Love your videos as well! I always have a terrible time with narrow curved hems..as on chiffon or other slick, thin fabrics. Is there a tip or special attachment that will help keep them straight,flat and smooth? I would be grateful for any help with this!💕

[@sewquest2349]

Dear Stitch Sisters, thoroughly enjoy your videos. I always end up laughing along with you. Also, they always have good tips to make my sewing better. Thanks ladies.

[@deborahmckeown9148]

Great thanks so much. Struggling with the lining I'm making for a pencil skirt. Fabric is slippy and doesn't like my reverse stitch.

[@sueb4919]

Excellent tips! I’m not sure if it’s a tricky fabric, but I really want to sew sheers like georgette but am too scared about making a botch-up. 😦

[@misscarr3286]

I don't tend to sew with jersey but I am excited to start sewing a lot of different things because of you guys. Thanks girls!

[@SherylHolmes-h7m]

Great video! Wonderful tips and I can't stop smiling!!!!!

[@emmascanlon1]

God I wish I could come to your sewing classes but alas, I live in Ireland. Oh well!

[@ritapaine7752]

Thankyou so much !! I have been wondering there has to be a better way to sew jersey!!!

[@boxgirl51]

Great Video! Thanks so much. Very good information.

[@susanweedon619]

Would like tips on working with chiffon. Loved the videos

[@lorik5675]

I just have a simple sewing machine, what stichfix should I use?

[@ericadavies4590]

Advice on types of viscose, care and sewing. Thank you.

[@solangeherault7038]

Good tips. Thank you so much for sharing

[@nickytaylor1784]

Slippy, flowy, sheer fabrics please!

[@ohjoannabanana]

Excellent tips ladies. Thanks 😀👍

[@maureencullen1008]

Absolutely brilliant. Real helpful

[@lyndadirksenvanschalkwyk9175]

Love your guys energy and humour 🌸

[@sewagnes6706]

Great tips ladies. I’ve just encountered most of these issues trying to sewing Tilly’s Joni dress with a fine fabric. I. Pleased to say I word through a few of these issues myself. HD I seen you’re video first it would’ve saved a lot of stress and swearing 😹 didn’t realise about the fine pins so will definitely get them. Having seen a few other folks comments perhaps sewing with velour or velvet would be a good one to do. Thanks as a,ways for sharing. Really helpful 😻

[@StitchSisters]

sewagnes thanks Agnes, we love your comments 😘

[@nadinewoods6971]

There are some fabrics I wouldn't even attempt to sew without starch. When I first started sewing underwear I was ready to throw in the towel until I starched my fabric thoroughly first. Thin jersey and nylon tricot were both so much easier to sew after a good starch. As to what fabric would I like for you to address in a future video, I would love to see some tips on sewing crinkled fabrics. I've had a beautiful crinkled rayon fabric for years that I've been afraid to even attempt. It's not a very common fabric so no one else may be interested, but I have seen some really beautiful garments made out of it. My piece was a remnant so I wasn''t able to purchase extra for practice, thus all the hesitancy to sew. I really enjoy watching your videos. Thank you for all the time you invest to help all of us become better seamstresses.

[@StitchSisters]

Nadine Woods thank you Nadine, we will add crinkle fabric to the list. 😘

[@anubis33]

Always great advice and useful to reminder yourself from time to time the checklist for whatever you’re making. It’s just like reading the recipe before making a cake and being prepared. Hum… cake, time for some tea.

[@StitchSisters]

Duncan Allan thanks Duncan...and cake always sounds good 🍰😍

[@crystallionaire]

Super useful video!

[@lcarlson1538]

Another great video from you lovely ladies!! Have you covered velvety fabrics or faux fur? Fabrics with a nap like corduroy. Thanks for all your informative videos!!

[@StitchSisters]

Laurie Carlson we haven’t but we will add it to the list! Thanks for watching x

[@fatoomgierdien110]

Thank you so Much 💓

[@laurajones4088]

Perfect timing for these great tips, ladies! I have a UFO I've been wanting to finish but have been dreading those curling edges.. Tips for sewing fabric with nap or pile like velvet, velour, needle cord, etc. Also sewing with lace, and fine, very light weight fabric.

[@StitchSisters]

Laura Jones 👍🏼that’s fab! Thanks for watching 😘