Call to duty: Mission Failure

**Yakfoot** · 04-14-2011, 21:02

After getting my mother in law's 60 yr old classic Singer up and running, lubed and polished. I had begun practicing stitching lines and making hems on some old pillowcases. My wife decided that she had several work uniform smocks that needed work. A couple of pockets needed repair where she stuffed pens in them all the time. I got that done OK. But then she had this special stretchy knit uniform shirt that was too long. All I was supposed to do was roll the bottom up about an inch and a half and sew...ahh...I mean make a hem to shorten the shirt. Simple, just one line of stitches and she would be happy. I was being super careful so I pinned everything in place and started making the hem. I got half way around and realized that the fabric had rolled somehow and now the bottom was all torqued around and looked weird. For some reason I decided that I would give it a good pull...Whoa...I had stitches popping everywhere. Well, then I thought it would be a good time to try out my new seam ripper and just start over. I could still have it done by the time she got home and show her my good work. So I pulled it out of its sheath and went to work. I thought how wonderfully it was working...then I started seeing daylight through the shirt. Half of my ripping was shirt.

I had to keep at it, I was committed now, but even being really careful by the time I got through it looked like mouse had chewed a line of holes across the shirt. That was the end of the shirt. No good work here. I am not sure what all went wrong in the whole process but I have learned that you don't use seam ripper like you are gutting a deer.

**KerMegan** · 04-14-2011, 21:09

I'm gonna guess that 'midriff' tops are -right out- at work...
perhaps a trip to the local alteration shop could do the needed hem?
most dry-cleaning shops either have or know someone who could do this for you.
KM(who gives sympathy- seam rippers have cost me time and trouble as well)

**exdiver** · 04-14-2011, 21:09

Look at the bright side, she'll probably not ask for any more help from you. Gear making will no longer be interrupted.

Works about as well as washing her white blouse and red sweater together, on hot.

**MrClean417** · 04-15-2011, 05:49

Next time, measure twice, pin carefully and when you are SURE that it's pinned right, iron it. Make sure not to set the iron so high that you melt the fabric (hopefully I've finally taught a certain someone special in my life that) that will help keep the fabric in line. You need to iron it anyways after sewing to set the fabric so it looks sharp so you might as well do it before and let it help you.

**Ramblinrev** · 04-15-2011, 07:54

Originally Posted by MrClean417

Next time, measure twice, pin carefully and when you are SURE that it's pinned right, iron it. Make sure not to set the iron so high that you melt the fabric (hopefully I've finally taught a certain someone special in my life that) that will help keep the fabric in line. You need to iron it anyways after sewing to set the fabric so it looks sharp so you might as well do it before and let it help you.

Even better... next time remember that knits and classic machines do not like each other. I had predicted the outcome even before I got to the end. Knits are a bear to work with on older machines. If it does not have a zigzag stitch it was probably made before knit fabrics were commercially available. The very best thing to use with knits is a serger. But never fear.
All is not lost. You have some new rags to use in your shop.

Edit: My wife just pointed out you can't use a serger for a hem. Next time tell her to tuck the shirt in.

WV · 04-15-2011, 08:02

The DIYers have a great new motto!

You don't use seam ripper like you are gutting a deer.

Thanks for sharing.

**Jazilla** · 04-15-2011, 08:10

I tell my wife I'm a gear head not a seamstress, I make gear not dresses. This has done well for me to keep away from those sort of projects.

I do have to give you a hugh pat on the back for trying it out though. Best way to learn I find is to get after it.

**PuckerFactor** · 04-15-2011, 13:47

I've had the need a few times to sew stretchy stuff, and the only advice I can give is to guide the fabric through, while stretching it, and use a decently long stitch. Oh, and run it through with the fabric rolled up instead of down. That way you can see when things start to get funky. I should do a video. Maybe next week.

PF

**Yakfoot** · 04-15-2011, 20:48

I don't mind the extra projects, my Mom loved to sew and was a skilled seamstress and I grew up watching the fascinating machine. The more I do the more respect I have for the ladies who have the skill it takes to make clothes. Hammocks are pitifully simple compared to clothing. But knits I don't like. I have never liked wearing them, I don't like sewing them and they don't make good rags. They don't sop for squat, they just smear stuff around.