How do I machine sew jersey knit?

Question

I am a (very) beginner sewer. I've cut the fabric for Simplicity pattern 4220. Now I'm ready to sew it and it won't go through my machine. I keep ending up with a whole mess of thread raveled around the bobbin.

Is there some special trick or secret to sewing jersey?

Answer 1

Ocean, I recently had a similar problem with a polyester knit with a gorgeous drape that my machine just refused to stitch. the good people at Craftster.org gave me a slew of tips, and I found a combination that worked on that fabric. So try some of these:

--Needle labeled "Stretch" (not just "Knits")

--Narrow zigzag stitch rather than a straight stitch

--Greater pressure (not tension!) from the presser foot

--Don't let pins get under the presser foot at all, and certainly don't assume you can stitch over a pin

--Stretch the fabric slightly as you stitch

--Stitch continuously rather than stopping and starting (not easy, either)

--A "walking foot" instead of the regular presser foot, if one is made for your machine

--Sewing through something that tears away--tissue paper, toilet paper, old newspaper, etc. (watch for ink smears)

--Water soluble stabilizer, which comes in a form which can be dissolved in water, sprayed on the areas you will stitch, then washes away completely with normal laundering. Sulky is one brand. Sold in fabric stores near machine embroidery supplies.