Sewing with Streeeetchy Material

Well, I’m addicted to the overlocker machine, or serger as some people call it. It makes sewing with stretchy material a doddle. I can whip up a tee shirt in a few hours now.

I’ve made a 2 short sleeved t- shirts, 2 long sleeved t- shirts and almost a dress. Oh and a Barbie skirt with Nell!

The threading of the overlocker takes a while but once it’s threaded, it’s not often that you need to re- do it. It sits on top of my sewing table so I don’t need to put it away each time I use it. I now have both machines side by side on the table and can go between the two, when necessary.

I have also learnt to use a twin needle in my sewing machine which is used to finish neck edges and hems. It runs a double edge of top stitching making it look neat and professional. Underneath it does a zig zag stitch so suitable for stretch fabrics.

All the the garments I have made on the ovelocker so far, have been made with cotton jersey. I have yet to try other types of stretch fabrics but I will have a go. I want to make a sweatshirt/hoodie next.

The sewing patterns I have used are the Lark Tee by Grainline Studios and the Joni Dress and Baseball Tee from the Tilly and the Buttons Stretch Book. The most fiddly bit on the T- Shirts is the neck band. I watched a couple of You Tube videos and have now got the hang of it, but my top-stitching could be improved so I am going to practise before I do anymore.