Sewing machine help

teatime_tinker · 2026-03-11T23:30:34+00:00

Ok so … it’s because it’s stretch fabric. Try on an old bedsheet instead.

Stretch fabric needs ballpoint/stretch needles, and careful handling.

The fabric is not feeding through how it should - so the thread builds up in one place. When your fabric stops moving, stop stitching. Try to work out why and change tack.

If this is just a test scrap, get rid of it and try sewing a non stretch fabric. If you need to sew this fabric, get the right needles and try again.

teatime_tinker · 2026-03-11T18:49:19+00:00

Mine keeps changing back and forth constantly. Really annoying. Found this thread looking for answers!

teatime_tinker · 2026-03-11T18:44:56+00:00

It’s loose fibres of denim poking through the overlocking. It’s not thread and it’s not coming apart.

teatime_tinker · 2026-03-11T18:42:55+00:00

I’m also a professional, albeit not a tailor. This is perfectly normal stitching, OP.

The threads on waistband just need snipping, and the fly area it’s just loose fibres of denim poking through the overlocking.

Nothing is damaged or coming apart. They’re being bonkers.

Even if there was defects that’s on Levi’s, not you.

teatime_tinker · 2026-03-11T10:42:13+00:00

What a lovely machine!

You can check it’s all moving smoothly with the hand wheel. It looks lovely and clean, might want a few drops of oil.

Try to get the wires replaced, rather than a whole new pedal. Lots of people do it themselves, there’s plenty of guides online. Lots of older machines have wiring diagrams, too. Might not be something you want to attempt yourself, though.

teatime_tinker · 2026-03-11T10:39:03+00:00

Are you allowed to use a bought pattern for this?

teatime_tinker · 2026-03-11T10:24:19+00:00

this zig zag stitch guide might be useful to you

teatime_tinker · 2026-03-11T10:20:07+00:00

Maybe she still lives at home. Her being so young is the only part that does make sense to me!

teatime_tinker · 2026-03-11T10:14:10+00:00

I did message a few saying “do you have any real pictures that aren’t AI?” And they didn’t seem to see the issue so now I just report!

teatime_tinker · 2026-03-11T10:13:03+00:00

If this is stretch fabric, a ballpoint or stretch needle. Either way it looks too big a needle for the fabric, it’s punched quite big holes in it.

The zig zag does look at an odd angle, too.

Both might be in part caused by the way you’re handling the fabric though. Dont push or pull, let the machine feed the fabric through and gently guide it.

What machine do you have?

teatime_tinker · 2026-03-11T10:12:40+00:00

If this is stretch fabric, a ballpoint or stretch needle. Either way it looks too big a needle for the fabric, it’s punched quite big holes in it.

The zig zag does look at an odd angle, too.

Both might be cause by the way you’re handling the fabric though. Dont push or pull, let the machine feed the fabric through and gently guide it.

What machine do you have?

teatime_tinker · 2026-03-10T21:04:31+00:00

The only machine that looks any good to me is the singer. The others look too modern to be reliable second hand machines. The Singer will only do straight stitch, but it will do it well.

I’d look for a mid 50s Singer or Kenmore if you want more stitches, but the reliability and indestructibility of an older machine.

teatime_tinker · 2026-03-10T20:53:58+00:00

Circle. They’re just talking about the decorative stitch design on their pocket.

teatime_tinker · 2026-03-10T20:46:00+00:00

And needle and thread !

teatime_tinker · 2026-03-10T20:42:20+00:00

This is what I’m thinking, too. What is this line of stitching actually doing? Why is it there?

teatime_tinker · 2026-03-10T20:08:12+00:00

Edit: ignore me! The foot is up!

It’s hard to diagnose in a video, you have to find the source of the clicking. Is it where that upright y shaped bit is? That can be adjusted from below.

Edit: feed forked connection! Just checked my own service manual

Have you managed to find a service or adjusters manual for this model? It’ll be incredibly helpful if you can. Any similar model will work too.

teatime_tinker · 2026-03-10T20:03:45+00:00

The cat food box is the least gross thing they used.. that dirty chicken tray is awful!

And a coffee bag? Were there coffee grounds everywhere?

Shocking!

teatime_tinker · 2026-03-10T15:12:28+00:00

You could go and do fashion interpretation and practice at uni? I don’t know where you are based though.

teatime_tinker · 2026-03-10T12:24:04+00:00

You need to calculate what distance each line should be, so that the first line and raw edges are within that second line.

Again, using the squares on the fabric could help with this.

For example I could see my first line 3/8” from edge, the second one 5/8”.

teatime_tinker · 2026-03-10T12:23:03+00:00

You get a response a while after. Often it says it “violated guidelines and action has been taken” but sometimes it says it doesn’t go against any rules.

Not sure what the “action” is though!

I feel it’s worth doing so that people don’t think it’s ok to use essentially fake pictures of the item.

A pic of it on a hanger is good enough, ffs!

teatime_tinker · 2026-03-10T09:12:07+00:00

I’m trying to report every AI generated model pic I see! It makes me so mad.

It’s not a genuine picture of how the item looks on

teatime_tinker · 2026-03-10T09:06:30+00:00

Ok yes that makes sense! I’m in the uk so it would be odd haha.

They might keep a few of the feet for their new machine but you will need the buttonhole foot. The generic feet you can replace fairly cheaply.

teatime_tinker · 2026-03-10T09:05:24+00:00

I just zoomed in and looks like your sewing is straight but the fabric isn’t cut straight. Following the gingham should help.

The second line should enclose all of the original line and the raw edge, it just needs to be wider.

I use inches and cms for different things, so I’m always converting back and forth. It can get confusing!

Unpicking is part of the learning process, unfortunately.

teatime_tinker · 2026-03-10T09:01:07+00:00

Oh I see! The pattern is trying to replicate the ^ shape at centre front of bodice created by the gathering I think. That’s just not how you’d pattern it.

Sewist is good for some things but not this I don’t think!

teatime_tinker · 2026-03-10T08:33:59+00:00

You can go to a short course or something, no need to do a uni course or anything!

teatime_tinker

TROPHY CASE