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teddyretirementhome Apr 6, 2010

Hi everybody

I'm so glad that this site exists and everyone is so wonderfully helpful.

I've learned about hand sewing a running backstitch and how it affects the alignment of my mohair pieces and can create a twist to the seam, as well as how it makes the mohair 'travel' so that one side can end up shorter than the other.

So! Today I've been trying to machine sew a bear on my trusty Singer Featherweight. The mohair is quite thick and curly/wavy. My problem now is:

Even though I pin the sides together very carefully - not too frequently or too little - and the fabric edges are aligned, the fabric pieces slide, but not together equally.  Waah!

Any suggestions on how to keep the mohair pieces from sliding against each other while I have it going through the sewing machine?  I do guide the fabric through but I don't fight against the feed.

Thanks so much in advance, teddy angels!

Brenda
teddyretirementhome

Woodbury Park Bears Apr 6, 2010

Hi Brenda

Do you trim your seam allowance right back to the backing ? I have used a baste stitch in a contrast colour (so I can see it to pull out after) to hold temporarily if I machine stitch. Most of the time I hand stitch though. Hope this is of some help.

Raewyn

rowarrior Apr 6, 2010

Like Raewyn I trim the seam allowance back to the backing and baste with running stitch.  It works down to about 4-5" for me (any smaller and I just have to hand sew)

desertmountainbear Apr 6, 2010

I trim seam allowances and use an overhand stitch.  Stitches don't move.  I then remove those stitches in head when I am done sewing.
Joanne

teddyretirementhome Apr 7, 2010

Thanks so much for your advice - I have to take these extra steps and be more patient!

The mohair I'm working with is like butter! 

Bramblewoodbears Apr 7, 2010

Good question!  I have found as others have posted, that clipping the fur on the seam allowance really helps to keep the fur from traveling and sliding while you are sewing...also I pin the heck out of the problem areas...usually corners and curves.  Another option for very silky furs, is to baste stitch the pieces together and then remove the base stitch after you have sewn them together.  I think of all these, clipping the fur has helped me the most....it can really reduce bulk of the seam on bears that have very long or thick fur.  Hope that helps!
Tomi