The Sewing Place

Help with decorative stiches

Tr4cie

Re: Help with decorative stiches
« Reply #15 on: July 19, 2022, 18:15:44 PM »
The first thing is check the straight stitch is ok.  Then the zig zag stitch. 
Is this a new machine or second hand?   As @realale says you will need some stabiliser underneath.  Failing that always sample on double fabric and never a single layer.

The machine is new. The straight stitch and zig zag work perfectly, so it's probably something I'm doing wrong!
I will try with a double layer of fabric!

SeamBean

Re: Help with decorative stiches
« Reply #16 on: July 19, 2022, 18:52:42 PM »
I would suspect that the stretch in the fabric is the problem here. You could try a non-stretch stabiliser or layer it on top of a non-stretch fabric (though you might still get a little stretch from the pressure of the foot that way).

I second making a stitch book out of a double layer of non-stretch fabric. It’s always good to know what stitches really look like before you start using them on a real project.

Ouryve

Re: Help with decorative stiches
« Reply #17 on: July 20, 2022, 00:03:47 AM »
It does look like the machine is stitching the pattern out without enough back and forth.
Janome M50QDC - "Jane" - Small, cute and hard working. Pfaff Quilt Ambition 630 - "Pfanny" - Pfickle. Bernina L450 - "Bernie" - Very hungry. Bernina 830 Record - "Becky"

b15erk

Re: Help with decorative stiches
« Reply #18 on: July 20, 2022, 09:34:55 AM »
Like @SeamBean says, I think the problem here is the stretch in the fabric, and also the fact that it hasn't been stabilised. Also, the stretch fabric will skip stitches if the wrong needle is inserted.

Another here who recommends a sample book.

Jessie
Jessie, who is very happy to be here!!  :),  but who has far too many sewing machines to be healthy, and a fabric stash which is becoming embarrassing.

sewmuchmore

Re: Help with decorative stiches
« Reply #19 on: July 20, 2022, 09:37:45 AM »
@Tr4cie HERE ia a good chart on different needle types. Unless you are using a specialist embroidery thread then i would go with a universal in the correct size for your fabric. And don't forget to change it regularly i.e. every time you sew with a different fabric/new project. Again as with thread, don't waste your money on cheap unbranded  needles, they are more trouble than they are worth.
It's not easy being this perfekt

Janet

WildAtlanticWay

Re: Help with decorative stiches
« Reply #20 on: July 20, 2022, 10:22:01 AM »
Not much to add other than echoing using the correct type and size of new needles and using good quality branded thread such as Gütermann. Don’t waste your money on cheap threads from Aldi or Lidl.

Schmetz also have an App you can download to your phone with needle info on. Can be handy when you’re out shopping and buying fabric to also buy the matching thread and correct needle at the same time.

My Juki hated Moon thread and anything vaguely fluffy but the Brother machines seem far less fussy.

Also, I bought some pretty metallic embroidery threads that I use when jazzing something up. You definitely need to use the correct needle though as too small an eye will shred the thread.

BrendaP

Re: Help with decorative stiches
« Reply #21 on: July 20, 2022, 10:34:02 AM »
EMbroidery needles have a much bigger eye than other needles - intended to make it less likely that delicate threads will shred as they pass through, but in many cases they work just fine for regular sewing and are easier to thread!
Brenda.  My machines are: Corona, a 1953 Singer 201K-3, Caroline, a 1940 Singer 201K-3, Thirza, 1949 Singer 221K, Azilia, 1957 Singer 201K-MK2 and Vera, a Husqvarna 350 SewEasy about 20 years old. Also Bernina 1150 overlocker and Elna 444 Coverstitcher.
http://paternoster.orpheusweb.co.

So Chic

Re: Help with decorative stiches
« Reply #22 on: July 20, 2022, 18:50:30 PM »
Have you tried using the balance facility on your machine as this should solve the problem.
So Chic
Bernina Artista 630, Bernina 800DL, Janome Cover Pro 1000CP and an elderly Singer Touch & Sew 720G as a back up

Sara-S

Re: Help with decorative stiches
« Reply #23 on: August 09, 2022, 09:57:33 AM »
After correcting anything you need to correct, get a large piece of fabric (non-stretch) and test out every one of the decorative stitches.  This will give you a chance to experiment as well as a guide to how they really stitch out.
You can't scare me. I taught high school for 32 years.