The Sewing Place

The Emporia => A bit of a 'do' => Topic started by: Gernella on August 17, 2017, 13:09:06 PM

Title: By hand or Coverstitch
Post by: Gernella on August 17, 2017, 13:09:06 PM
I've bought some expensive lightweight viscose jersey from Joels for a dress for a wedding.  Dress is a nice simple mock wrap. I've tacked the sleeves in ready to try on as I have narrow shoulders and next is the hem.  So do I do a coverstitch hem or do I do a hand stitched hem.  Coverstitched would be easier but would hand stitched be better? 
Title: Re: By hand or Coverstitch
Post by: UttaRetch on August 17, 2017, 14:00:51 PM
I would do what gives the better outcome.  As someone who has hand stitched many a voluminous skirt hem, I think doing a dress is lightweight stuff.  0_0
Title: Re: By hand or Coverstitch
Post by: Bodgeitandscarper on August 17, 2017, 16:55:18 PM
Coverstitch for jersey - in my opinion anyway  :)
Title: Re: By hand or Coverstitch
Post by: Efemera on August 17, 2017, 16:59:25 PM
I'd go with coverstitch... but do a sample first to see if you like it.
Title: Re: By hand or Coverstitch
Post by: Holly Berry on August 17, 2017, 17:48:53 PM
If it were me, it would depend on the dress, and whether you want the stitching on show. Is there any other top stitching?

I think though on balance I would coverstitch as preference and would stabilise, as I find coverstitch on viscose can slip stitches.

Title: Re: By hand or Coverstitch
Post by: HenriettaMaria on August 17, 2017, 18:45:23 PM
Coverstitch is a bit utilitarian for a wedding outfit, I think.  On the other hand, how about an overlocker rolled hem?  It's used on RTW evening dresses and can give a nice flouncy finish.  Try both on remnants, though, and see.

If that doesn't appeal, hand hemming would see the way to go.
Title: Re: By hand or Coverstitch
Post by: Helen M on August 17, 2017, 19:32:58 PM
I used a coverstitch on a dress I made to wear to a wedding last year.

First off who is going to be scrutonising your hem (mine was a knee length dress, Style Arc Kellie)? I've also seen very expensive knit fabric dresses that had a coverstitched hem. I checked them out before I did mine.  ;)

Next if it's patterned try a few different colours or shades of thread to see which looks better. Use a narrow stitch as well.
Title: Re: By hand or Coverstitch
Post by: Ohsewsimple on August 17, 2017, 19:41:37 PM
Another vote for coverstitch!
Title: Re: By hand or Coverstitch
Post by: BrendaP on August 18, 2017, 10:53:35 AM
As others have said, it depends on the fabric and the design but generally I agree it's coverstitch for jersey.  How are cuffs, neckline/collar etc finished?
Title: Re: By hand or Coverstitch
Post by: Gernella on August 18, 2017, 11:37:15 AM
Well coverstitch it is then, I'm all for an easy life.  The sleeves will be coverstitched  and there is a piece that goes all round the neck and across the body, that is done the same.  It is quite a busy pattern so I suspect that it will not be seen.

I've hit a slight hump.  I intended just wearing the dress, no jacket, then had second thoughts if weather not good.  Intent on not spending any more money I looked to the wardrobe.  First jacket lovely but a gorgeous dark cerise pink, might be too dark for dress which is summery.  Next jacket, perfect, but, sleeves are three quarter, so if used might have to alter sleeves to three quarter, next jacket perfect colour but never liked collar.  Next jacket, which I remembered last night, a pale blue colour, not tried that with the dress yet.  So far I think the sleeves are going  to be three quarter.

Lets face it, people are more interested in the bride's dress than the guest's outfits.

My mother was the queen of buying stuff for weddings and it never seeing the light of day again.  I just did not want to go that route.
Title: Re: By hand or Coverstitch
Post by: Catllar on August 27, 2017, 20:31:06 PM
Look forward to seeing what you finally decide!
Title: Re: By hand or Coverstitch
Post by: maliw on August 27, 2017, 20:50:58 PM
Sorry I have to differ but I can't stand machined hems of any kind, it's hand stitch for me. It is my pet hate to the point of when my son was getting married I was looking at dresses and rejected some lovely ones because of the hems, DH couldn't understand me. I didn't have time to make anything. Having said that I have coverstitched hems on t shirts I can cope with those.