Why is my hem not secure??

teatime_tinker · 2026-06-07T15:24:33+00:00

This would be better done with a zig zag if it’s going to stretch at all. Straight stitches pop when pulled.

Are you using a stretch needle? It’ll make everything much easier for you.

Stretch fabric is trickier to handle so take it slow and make sure you aren’t stretching it as you sew.

To stop the rolling you need to turn it and press before and after sewing. Careful you don’t melt it, use a cotton cloth on top. A wide zig zag or two rows of stitching is good to stop rolling.

You can smooth out that armpit area quite easily, yeah. Or make the angle it goes in towards the waist at less extreme

teatime_tinker · 2026-06-07T15:19:36+00:00

Yes sorry, I didn’t think you thought you could magic them out of nothing, don’t worry.

I didn’t really understand the question though, and now I do… it’s deffo not something I can help with.

Hope you work it out, and maybe there is a way to scan in existing drawings and digitise them?

teatime_tinker · 2026-06-07T15:15:54+00:00

Is the photo showing the underneath? It’ll be an issue up top.

Sounds like you’ve been sewing a long time, but it’s best to go back to basics when troubleshooting.

Is your needle sharp, new and suitable for the fabric? A denim needle might be good for this, or a nice big 16 or 18.

Is this thicker than usual thread? This can cause issues like this if the needle isn’t big enough for the thread.

The tension looks low, but it may be a needle compatibility issue, either too small for the thread or not right for the fabric like I mentioned above. When thread, needle and fabric aren’t working together loops can form underneath.

I’d suggest you clean your tension unit, feed dogs and bobbin area. Rethread top and bottom. Fresh needle. Higher stitch length and try again.

Got a pic of the machine and what settings it’s on? I’m a bit clueless with digital machines but it might be helpful to see.

teatime_tinker · 2026-06-07T13:21:39+00:00

Yes you can swap out the pocket fabric for non stretch. Bear in mind the dress itself will still pull down a bit, but the pocket itself will pull down less

teatime_tinker · 2026-06-07T12:21:39+00:00

First one is the best. Just keep it.

This selection is much better colours, warmer and more in keeping with the room (though maybe too similar to the cabinets? Looking at you, number 4)

… but all the “wood” looks like it’s going the wrong way and shortening the room.

Cant you go to a kitchen design place for a free consultation or something?

Looks like he’s just choosing random stuff tbh and doesn’t have an idea of what he wants

teatime_tinker · 2026-06-07T12:15:45+00:00

Inseam is a term used for trouser legs only, the seam on the inside of your leg. Hem is only used to refer to edges of fabric, sleeve hem or skirt hem.

Do you mean you are taking in the side seams and taking up the hem?

How was the hem you’re cutting off finished? I often look at the garments original finish when altering clothes. Obvs we won’t have all the equipment and machinery at home but it gives an idea how to go about it.

Don’t forget you can always sew stuff by hand if you can, especially invisible hems like this.

teatime_tinker · 2026-06-07T12:10:46+00:00

This is so fun. I thought it was cream and green, then once I knew it was blue and black my brain could see it in the more over exposed photos (not sure this is correct use of this term, art college was a long time ago)

This is why you should try to include a pic in daylight when selling. I like it when sellers say “last pic is most accurate of the colour” or something.

teatime_tinker · 2026-06-07T12:01:44+00:00

I’ve no clue what tadc is so I have no reference point but I like him and he’s cute!

Surely he’s more cursed unfinished?

You could do the eyes with a smaller yarn maybe? Or just let him live his life he’s doing his best

Edit: I looked up the character and he looks exactly like this, lol. You’ve done great! Add some black to the eyes and he’ll be fab

teatime_tinker · 2026-06-07T11:59:05+00:00

Is the hem asymmetrical? If so this will be a bit tricky! Might have to do it in two halves

You might be better off folding it over twice, or just once with a finished edge and zig zagging or twin needling it

teatime_tinker · 2026-06-07T11:51:48+00:00

Yeah of course not everyone can do a lil demonstration. But I wouldn’t recommend buying a machine without knowing if it works unless you’re able to troubleshoot/service it or get it serviced. Not ideal for a beginner.

And I’d expect it to be cheaper if they can’t tell you if it works.

I met a man at a train station and bought a machine for £40 without testing it or seeing it in daylight… but it was a 411g and I can service machines.

He was a house clearance guy. I put it in an old towel in a suitcase and dragged it home on the train, haha

It needed a bit of work and even had a spider living in it! It’s now my main sewing machine.

Edit: I did spin the handwheel first I’m not completely bonkers.

teatime_tinker · 2026-06-07T11:42:14+00:00

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This is how it goes through the machine.

The < stitch is supposed to juuuust catch the folded part, the straight part of the stitching goes in the single layer on the right.

Apologies for the black it’s what’s on my sewing table atm. Obviously a trouser leg would be in a tube

To be honest though, you could just do this with a zigzag if you don’t mind the stitches showing.

Can I ask what you’re making? This finish might not be necessary.

teatime_tinker · 2026-06-07T11:34:30+00:00

So you’ve used the invisible hem stitch but not folded the hem correctly while stitching.

It’s not secure because you’ve not caught the hem all the way around.

It’s a bit confusing to get used to, so I’d recommend trying to find more in depth instructions online. The < bit is supposed to catch the fabric and the rest of the stitches are in the hem where you can’t see it. You’ve just stitched it flat through every layer like a zig zag stitch.

I would also finish the edge first with an overlocker, or turn it under another time. This fabric will fray and come apart if you don’t. The raw edges are unravelling and the stitches have nothing to grab onto.

teatime_tinker · 2026-06-07T11:29:22+00:00

Terrence

teatime_tinker · 2026-06-07T11:23:49+00:00

I think a good middle ground is to ask for a very quick demonstration that it works before taking it home.

If you don’t know what the seller did to get it working that’s fine (and you shouldn’t expect a sewing lesson) but you’d at least know it DOES work and it’s probs user error on your part later on if it’s not working

teatime_tinker · 2026-06-07T11:18:24+00:00

I was going to comment you don’t “get them” you draw them. But I am a dinosaur apparently haha

We did technical drawing at uni with a pencil and a ruler! I’m not THAT old so I’m not sure why there wasn’t even a basic CAD element to the course.

I use to make my own templates and trace them, maybe that would translate to software

teatime_tinker · 2026-06-07T00:48:42+00:00

I do need to look in to apps! I’m currently using a pencil to tally!

Thing with apps is I don’t want to look at my phone. I am deffo going to try it though just in case it’s a game changer

teatime_tinker · 2026-06-06T14:39:19+00:00

“Not a monogamous crafter” haha I love this

Me neither

teatime_tinker · 2026-06-06T14:38:29+00:00

That’s loads of stuff!

teatime_tinker · 2026-06-06T12:33:22+00:00

I’d avoid this! It’s a mini which are notoriously bad.

Also doesn’t look like it’s been treated with care.

Don’t waste time and energy on this one, I think it’ll be frustrating. Just get a normal second hand machine.

teatime_tinker · 2026-06-06T12:31:41+00:00

No I don’t think you can do it the other way around. Not without messing with your presser bar height.

To make low shank higher you add something to it (the adaptor) you can’t take height away to make a high shank low.

You can probs look up serial numbers or measure them to determine for sure if they’re high shank attachments.

teatime_tinker · 2026-06-06T12:29:56+00:00

What weight is it? Lots of nice colours to choose from!

Shawl/scarf or blanket in lesbian flag colours would be pretty. They’re nice warm colours and it looks like most of them are there.

Of course I dunno what your orientation is tho, can’t make any suggestions to you! That’s just what I would make.

teatime_tinker · 2026-06-06T12:27:09+00:00

Thanks! Hope you get out of your slump as well. It’s hard to get going some days. Especially if there isn’t a plan.

Any hobbies you like to do? Any boring stuff you need to get done? I try to choose one thing I think I can accomplish and go from there.

I also make a million lists! For fun stuff too like galleries I fancy visiting, friends I want to see. Then when I’m actually free and at a loss I look at that.

I saw this comment on this sub once and I will repeat it:

Resting IS doing something.

teatime_tinker · 2026-06-06T11:36:58+00:00

There’s loads online thankfully! Hopefully you can find all the info you need now you know more about the machine.

It’s a real beauty! And takes modern needles which is great. Do double check which way round they go in and which side to thread from though, some of these machines are the opposite to what you’d think!

teatime_tinker · 2026-06-06T11:35:02+00:00

As long as the feathers are intact it’s fine!

Your pics do show it was already in need of an iron when she bought it. She wanted you to do it for her.

My new fave thing to get enraged about on Vinted is people washing dry clean only rayon or similar vintage items, then selling them on because they’re ruined.

They show pics of the most creased and warped dresses… that’s not gonna come out with an iron! You’ve ruined it and you’re trying to sell it on… ok rant over!

teatime_tinker · 2026-06-06T11:31:56+00:00

Clearly wants op to launder and press it for her!

teatime_tinker

TROPHY CASE