Thread: Help needed - Sewing 101

Hi, everybody! I have a lycra skirt that I want to decorate. But how do you account for the stretch once you put it on? How do you make sure everything stays centered? ..c::

I'll put up a picture of what I'm thinking about shortly. Edna

I have the same appliques on a belt...it helped tacking them down with a dot of fabric glue in the centers before I stitched them on. Don't forget to put a piece of cardboard under the fabric you're gluing so it doesn't bleed through to the other side.

You'll need to fray-check those little fringes on the appliques (tops and bottoms of the strands).

When sewing on lycra I knot after every 2 to 3 stitches. If using a lightweight lycra I use a stabilizer to keep the fabric from losing it's shape.

Originally Posted by showtime

When sewing on lycra I knot after every 2 to 3 stitches. If using a lightweight lycra I use a stabilizer to keep the fabric from losing it's shape.

Do you cut the thread between the knots, or do you leave one long thread with lots of knots?

I cut the thread. I prefer to err on the side of caution, no way do I want to bust stitches and shed beads. For beading on lycra I always use a cotton thread with polyester core, it has a bit more stretch.

For a stretchy thing, I usually mark where I want things to land while the costume piece is stretched, aka while it's on me. I often find that clothing doesn't stretch as evenly as one might think, so straight measurements don't give the best result on positioning things.

It's important to sew with the fabric stretched. Usually this would be done with a sized dressmaker's dummy, but if you don't have one, you can improvise with whatever you've got that's close to your measurements--a laundry basket or a plastic storage box or even putting it partway on and stretching it across your lap. Knotting frequently is always a good idea so you don't lose too much work at once if the thread breaks. You can also minimize thread breakage by using thread that has give to it. Depending on your project, you might be able to use sewing elastic, elastic beading thread, or wooly nylon.

Thanks, everyone! Keep the information coming. Edna