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Expert: Sharon Vogel - 6/30/2009


Question
I am short waisted and have to alter some knit tops.  I cannot get my machine to stitch the fabric without skipping - and it skips a lot!  I have changed the needle several times, adjusted tension and there is no mention of stretch fabric in the machine's manual.  Can you help?

Answer
Dear Elaine,
Some machines just do not like knit fabrics and it can be a challenge to get them to stitch without skipping.  Have you changed to a ballpoint needle?  The ballpoint slides thru the fabric between the fibers instead of piercing it making it easier to sew.  Also, stretching the knit fabric as you sew can reduce skipping.  I hope this is helpful.

Good luck,
Sharon

Sewing

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Volunteer

Sharon Vogel

Expertise

I can answer general sewing questions as well as tailoring, heirloom, menswear, children's wear, craft sewing, quilting and just about any fabric or notion. I can also help with some sewing machine repair and maintenance.

Experience

I started sewing at the age of 3...thanks to my mom and grandmother, and I am now in my fifties. Home economics classes in junior high and high school helped me to finesse my skills.

Education/Credentials
Palmer and Plesch tailoring class Basically, self-taught...give me the instructions and I will figure it out and then make it better!

Awards and Honors
A few blue ribbons at fairs along the way

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