Sewing curves and I get arm pit puckers, need advise. - YorkieTalk.com Forums

dawn27 · 06-12-2013, 06:38 AM

It seems lately that after I sew and flip my vests that there is always one or two little puckers in the material at the deepest part of the curve. I always go slow never rush it and nothing. Some times I will even go 2-3 stitches at a time turn oh so slightly and continue that same stich pattern until I get past the curve but nothing seems to help. I've had to redo a few items because of it and it driving me nuts. I'm notice that it is usually with the thinner materials. Some will iron out nicely other are just a loss cause.

Could it be the length of the stitch that I have my machine set to?

Ok sewing diva's how do I fix this ?

Pleas Help !

rubymoon2072 · 06-12-2013, 06:42 AM

i change the tension when going around the corners....so if i have the tension on 4 i change it to say 6 for the corner then i trim lil triangles on the wrong side in between on the corner edge after the stitched area. i hope this makes sense....took the puckers out for me.

Ldyrev1 · 06-12-2013, 06:51 AM

Sewing curves, yes there is a trick to that. What we need to remember when sewing curves is that the machine can only sew in a straight line. What that means is that when sewing curves (inside or outside) we need to gently ease the fabric so that it's in a straight line when going into the curve and under the presser foot. It takes a little practice but it's doable and you will have beautiful curves.

One other thing...before you turn your fabric right side out, we want to make some clips (tiny triangles) with our scissors into the curve (inside or outside) so that the curves have some wiggle room when turned right side out. I wish I could post a picture but I don't have an open dress at the moment. The "clips" would be like tiny triangles but don't cut into the threads or we end up with a hole in the curve. If we don't make the little triangles, we end up with bunching at the curve. That may be your only problem but remembering that the fabric has to turn because the sewing machine sews in a straight line really helps too.

I'm anxious to see your work. Good luck, you too can have beautiful curves.

Julia Howard · 06-12-2013, 06:55 AM

After you sew the seamline on the wrong side of the vest, trim the seam as much as possible without cutting into stitching. Then take scissors and put
little diagnol cuts into the excess seam width (without cutting into the seam though). Cut one diagnol in one direction and the next one in the opposite direction.

Cut diagnols into the seams here.
/ one here in opposite direction / " " " " / and so forth.
---------------------------------------- seam

The releases the fabric seam some so that when you turn it right side out it will not pucker and you can iron it down smooth. Hope this helps.

MyDearSam · 06-12-2013, 07:02 AM

Do you stay stitch your curved pieces before sewing them? It's an extra step, but it prevents the fabric from stretching on the bias as you work with it. Stay stitching helps preserve the size and shape of the cut piece.

I tried to skip this on a dress I made for Sarah, and learned the hard way that it's worth the extra minute or two, LOL. It takes a whole lot less time to run a stitch than it does to rip out an entire seam - or cut a whole new piece when you rip the fabric!

Oh, and you can see what the others are talking about here: How to Clip Curves on a Seam Allowance

dawn27 · 06-12-2013, 08:29 AM

Thanks for the video and for taking the time to type all of the step by step instructions ladies, so very helpful !

I learned that in sewing class but never really had to do it. I was going to try it on my last vest but decided not to. I guess I should have gone with my instinct and done that in the first place. I'll also have to try loosening the tension to see if that would make a difference.

Yorkiemom1 · 06-13-2013, 02:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ldyrev1

Sewing curves, yes there is a trick to that. What we need to remember when sewing curves is that the machine can only sew in a straight line. What that means is that when sewing curves (inside or outside) we need to gently ease the fabric so that it's in a straight line when going into the curve and under the presser foot. It takes a little practice but it's doable and you will have beautiful curves.

One other thing...before you turn your fabric right side out, we want to make some clips (tiny triangles) with our scissors into the curve (inside or outside) so that the curves have some wiggle room when turned right side out. I wish I could post a picture but I don't have an open dress at the moment. The "clips" would be like tiny triangles but don't cut into the threads or we end up with a hole in the curve. If we don't make the little triangles, we end up with bunching at the curve. That may be your only problem but remembering that the fabric has to turn because the sewing machine sews in a straight line really helps too.

I'm anxious to see your work. Good luck, you too can have beautiful curves.

This is the ONE thing I remember when I took sewing in Jr.High school, 1963!! I remember having to cut those little tiny "clips" to prevent those puckers! Oh and I remember not to sew too close to the zipper thingie or it will lock up and you cant zip/unzip it!!!

dawn27 · 06-13-2013, 04:26 PM

Well problem solved. I just spent several hours this afternoon making new templates for 2 different dress in four different sizes. Once with a slightly different angle of the curve, not so deep of a turn. I figure it would be the best thing to takes some of my frustration away !

I have no patients for sitting and clipping, but I am a perfectionist !

Thanks so much for you help!!

dawn27 · 06-13-2013, 04:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yorkiemom1

This is the ONE thing I remember when I took sewing in Jr.High school, 1963!! I remember having to cut those little tiny "clips" to prevent those puckers! Oh and I remember not to sew too close to the zipper thingie or it will lock up and you cant zip/unzip it!!!

I wasn't even born yet in 1963

I took for years of Home Ec, was at the top of my class when it came to sewing. Always finished early and was asked to help the other students. Cooking well now that's a whole nether story....

I sucked !!

Yorkiemom1 · 06-13-2013, 06:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dawn27

I wasn't even born yet in 1963
I took for years of Home Ec, was at the top of my class when it came to sewing. Always finished early and was asked to help the other students. Cooking well now that's a whole nether story....

I sucked !!

Well.......kiddo..........thank you very much.......looking at the bright side, I get to RETIRE in a couple of months, throw my alarm clock away, and do whatever I want to do, whenever I want to do it, sleep late, stay up late, lay around all day long and do nothing but play with my dogs and ENJOY my breeding program....... all BEFORE they bump retirement age up to 70 something for all you youngsters! Seniority definately has its priviledges and benefits! I loved Home Ec....HATED sewing class, but remembered how to avoid puckering in inset sleeves!!!!!....too dad gum slow for me! Loved cooking class and interior decorating!

dawn27 · 06-13-2013, 07:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yorkiemom1

Well.......kiddo..........thank you very much.......looking at the bright side, I get to RETIRE in a couple of months, throw my alarm clock away, and do whatever I want to do, whenever I want to do it, sleep late, stay up late, lay around all day long and do nothing but play with my dogs and ENJOY my breeding program....... all BEFORE they bump retirement age up to 70 something for all you youngsters! Seniority definately has its priviledges and benefits! I loved Home Ec....HATED sewing class, but remembered how to avoid puckering in inset sleeves!!!!!....too dad gum slow for me! Loved cooking class and interior decorating!

Well Enjoy it you've earned it !!

My lil friend · 06-13-2013, 07:43 PM

When sewing tight curves,I sew a few stitches,leave the needle in the fabric and lift the presserfoot then put it back down. Sometimes adjusting the fabric or pulling a pin. This allows the fabric to relax under the presserfoot.

capt_noonie · 06-13-2013, 08:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MyDearSam

Do you stay stitch your curved pieces before sewing them? It's an extra step, but it prevents the fabric from stretching on the bias as you work with it. Stay stitching helps preserve the size and shape of the cut piece.

I tried to skip this on a dress I made for Sarah, and learned the hard way that it's worth the extra minute or two, LOL. It takes a whole lot less time to run a stitch than it does to rip out an entire seam - or cut a whole new piece when you rip the fabric!

Oh, and you can see what the others are talking about here: How to Clip Curves on a Seam Allowance

This exactly. Often times when you are sewing a curve, the piece on the bottom curves the opposite way of the piece on the top, OR one piece (say the sleeve) has more length than the self (armhole). You need to put a stay stitch on the piece that is longer, and you can ever so slightly gather up the longer piece to fit into the smaller piece. This is how you do a puff sleeve, or a sleeve on a blazer with a big cap with no gathering whatsoever. I love that look.

dawn27 · 06-14-2013, 09:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by My lil friend

When sewing tight curves,I sew a few stitches,leave the needle in the fabric and lift the presserfoot then put it back down. Sometimes adjusting the fabric or pulling a pin. This allows the fabric to relax under the presser foot.

Yes, tried this and it seems to work best.

dawn27 · 06-14-2013, 09:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MyDearSam http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/ima...s/viewpost.gif
Do you stay stitch your curved pieces before
sewing them? It's an extra step, but it prevents the fabric from stretching on the bias as you work with it. Stay stitching helps preserve the size and shape of the cut piece.

Where do you get this stay stitch or is it a sewing procedure ?

06-12-2013, 06:38 AM	#1
dawn27 2+2=4 X the Love ♥ Donating Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Bean Town Ohio Posts: 9,456 Blog Entries: 1	Sewing curves and I get arm pit puckers, need advise. It seems lately that after I sew and flip my vests that there is always one or two little puckers in the material at the deepest part of the curve. I always go slow never rush it and nothing. Some times I will even go 2-3 stitches at a time turn oh so slightly and continue that same stich pattern until I get past the curve but nothing seems to help. I've had to redo a few items because of it and it driving me nuts. I'm notice that it is usually with the thinner materials. Some will iron out nicely other are just a loss cause. Could it be the length of the stitch that I have my machine set to? Ok sewing diva's how do I fix this ? Pleas Help ! __________________ Mommy to: Quincy, & Ruby Bella / Miah & Brandi Gone but Never Forgotten Visit: Bella Dawns for all of your Custom Pet Wear needs.

06-12-2013, 06:42 AM	#2
rubymoon2072 Cedric♥Lola♥Keylo Donating Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Gilford, NH, USA Posts: 9,209	i change the tension when going around the corners....so if i have the tension on 4 i change it to say 6 for the corner then i trim lil triangles on the wrong side in between on the corner edge after the stitched area. i hope this makes sense....took the puckers out for me. __________________ Cedric N Lola N Keylo RIP Punkee Princess

06-12-2013, 06:51 AM	#3
Ldyrev1 Princess Sophie's Choice Donating Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Clinton, IL, DeWitt County Posts: 2,758	Sewing curves, yes there is a trick to that. What we need to remember when sewing curves is that the machine can only sew in a straight line. What that means is that when sewing curves (inside or outside) we need to gently ease the fabric so that it's in a straight line when going into the curve and under the presser foot. It takes a little practice but it's doable and you will have beautiful curves. One other thing...before you turn your fabric right side out, we want to make some clips (tiny triangles) with our scissors into the curve (inside or outside) so that the curves have some wiggle room when turned right side out. I wish I could post a picture but I don't have an open dress at the moment. The "clips" would be like tiny triangles but don't cut into the threads or we end up with a hole in the curve. If we don't make the little triangles, we end up with bunching at the curve. That may be your only problem but remembering that the fabric has to turn because the sewing machine sews in a straight line really helps too. I'm anxious to see your work. Good luck, you too can have beautiful curves. __________________ Diane owned and loved by Hansel and Princess Sophie

06-12-2013, 06:55 AM	#4
Julia Howard Donating Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Dothan, AL. Posts: 357	Puckers After you sew the seamline on the wrong side of the vest, trim the seam as much as possible without cutting into stitching. Then take scissors and put little diagnol cuts into the excess seam width (without cutting into the seam though). Cut one diagnol in one direction and the next one in the opposite direction. Cut diagnols into the seams here. / one here in opposite direction / " " " " / and so forth. ---------------------------------------- seam The releases the fabric seam some so that when you turn it right side out it will not pucker and you can iron it down smooth. Hope this helps. __________________ Julia Howard

06-12-2013, 07:02 AM	#5
MyDearSam YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Tennessee Posts: 646	Do you stay stitch your curved pieces before sewing them? It's an extra step, but it prevents the fabric from stretching on the bias as you work with it. Stay stitching helps preserve the size and shape of the cut piece. I tried to skip this on a dress I made for Sarah, and learned the hard way that it's worth the extra minute or two, LOL. It takes a whole lot less time to run a stitch than it does to rip out an entire seam - or cut a whole new piece when you rip the fabric! Oh, and you can see what the others are talking about here: How to Clip Curves on a Seam Allowance __________________ All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us. - JRR Tolkien Last edited by MyDearSam; 06-12-2013 at 07:04 AM.

06-12-2013, 08:29 AM	#6
dawn27 2+2=4 X the Love ♥ Donating Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Bean Town Ohio Posts: 9,456 Blog Entries: 1	Thanks for the video and for taking the time to type all of the step by step instructions ladies, so very helpful ! I learned that in sewing class but never really had to do it. I was going to try it on my last vest but decided not to. I guess I should have gone with my instinct and done that in the first place. I'll also have to try loosening the tension to see if that would make a difference. __________________ Mommy to: Quincy, & Ruby Bella / Miah & Brandi Gone but Never Forgotten Visit: Bella Dawns for all of your Custom Pet Wear needs.

06-13-2013, 04:26 PM	#8
dawn27 2+2=4 X the Love ♥ Donating Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Bean Town Ohio Posts: 9,456 Blog Entries: 1	Well problem solved. I just spent several hours this afternoon making new templates for 2 different dress in four different sizes. Once with a slightly different angle of the curve, not so deep of a turn. I figure it would be the best thing to takes some of my frustration away ! I have no patients for sitting and clipping, but I am a perfectionist ! Thanks so much for you help!! __________________ Mommy to: Quincy, & Ruby Bella / Miah & Brandi Gone but Never Forgotten Visit: Bella Dawns for all of your Custom Pet Wear needs.

06-13-2013, 07:43 PM	#12
My lil friend Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: FtWorth,TX,USA Posts: 3,269	When sewing tight curves,I sew a few stitches,leave the needle in the fabric and lift the presserfoot then put it back down. Sometimes adjusting the fabric or pulling a pin. This allows the fabric to relax under the presserfoot.