Having fun with Knits I adapted this McCall`s pattern firstly because I cut it out wrong!!!! Yep, it happens! Secondly there are so many fun serger techniques to play with that are not included in the instructions because the pattern is written for sewing machines. I love this heavier weight black stretch knit. I use it all the time. This was totally constructed on the serger and the changes I made are 1. Lower hem is finished with a decorative thread and 3 thread Overlock 2. Lower sleeve band is made using the Knit Binder 3. Fun neck band was made out of desperation but I love it.read on
I had to adjust the shape of the lower edge because of my error so the point is in the center. I used Candlelight Midnight in the Upper Looper and regular thread in the lower looper. Set my machine for 3 thread Overlock with the stitch length very short so that I got more of a satin stitch column look. I sewed around the hem, starting at the points, left a thread chain and thread on a bead and tied a large knot. You must use your Differential Feed on at least 1.3 depending on the stretch of your fabric.
Sleeve I wanted a very narrow band to my lower sleeve edge and I certainly could have done that by just using 4 thread overlock and a one inch strip of fabric but I decided it would be easier to use the KNIT BINDER. 1. Set up Knit Binder (not woven binder) and have an extra long strip of fabric the width is denoted by which Binder you use. 2. Normally when working with the knit binder you have the right side of the fabric facing up!!!! However, my decorative thread (chain Looper) was sewing on the UNDERSIDE. So I had the wrong side of sleeve facing up as I sewed on the band with the Knit binder. 3. The decorative stitch showing on the sleeve band is the underside of Decorative Chain Stitch in this case `Candlelight Midnight`.
My designs sometimes come from desperation! My original plan with this t-shirt was to make a braided neckline using the lace and black fabric. However, it was too tame and I did not like it. I wanted something more organic. I looked at the lace fabric and decided I wanted something more like a ruffle lace fur effect. The trouble was I had fussy cut my sleeves to get the Daisy in the middle and basically I only had small scraps of lace left. Yikes, what now? I cut out as many 1.5 inch squares as I could from the remaining bits of lace fabric. I could have used some of the black jersey and added that in too but I did not think of it at the time. Please note my lace was textured and a bit thick, not fine lingerie type stretch lace. If you have trouble finding this kind of lace email me through my website. I know where there is a load alas not the Daisy one I used here. If anyone else finds that email me and let me know only I love it. 1. Turn over ½ inch hem on neck edge to inside and sew down. 2. Then using my sewing machine I overlapped the 1.5 inch lace squares and sewed them all together on point. Please see picture on the right.
A 3. Using strong thread gather on top of the machine stitching. See picture A 4. Pull on the gathering thread to gather up the lace. See picture B 5. I then `twirled` the band around and around to add more texture to the band. You could leave it just gathered. 6. I then hand sewed it to my neckline. B Warning: My neckline was quite deep. If it had been very high I might have needed this lace feature to stretch slightly to fit over the head. If your neckline is high I would recommend that when you gather up your lace you use the fine elastic thread that is available on spools and is sometimes used to make a smocking effect. I would also use this elastic to sew it to the neckline. C
`Candlelight` is a heavier, soft, metallic thread made by YLI which I sell on my website store. These threads behave really well on the serger and can be used in the Upper and Lower Looper and even the needle. They do not work on the sewing machine!!! To get a 20% discount this month (August 2016) on all my threads type in the Coupon code `Tote` when checking out. To shop for Candlelight thread please copy and paste the address below into your browser. http://shop.debcanhamstudio.com/yli- Candlelight_c11.htm
To sign up for my newsletter with information on coupons, classes and fun events go to:- www.debcanhamstudio.com You will find free videos on both the website and Facebook page Also check out my Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/sergersanity/