nanna-up-north

I thought it would be so much fun to work on a few Row-by-Rows. Many patterns are so fussy and they suggested I use a bonding fabric..... steam-a-seam 2-lite.

But I'm stitching around the edges and the bonding glue is making my needle sticky, breaking the thread every few inches.

I've tried wiping the needle down with rubbing alcohol but I can't do that every few inches!! Well, I could but I don't want to. That's like every 2-3 minutes of sewing.

Do any of you have any suggestions?? I know now why I applique and not stitch with this stuff.... Argh!!

mike'sgirl

I read somewhere to put a for of sewing machine oil on the needle. That might help. I would probably ditch the seam a seam for something else. I have used that product before with no problems, but try using a different brand. Hope it turns out well for you.

susie-susie-susie

For applique I like Heat n Bond Lite. I have had problems with other bonding fabric like you describe. The major problem I have had is skipped stitches and a gummy needle. No problems with Heat n Bond Lite. I only use Lite though.
Sue

Tartan

Bummer! I would try a little machine oil rubbed on the needle first. (not too much as to mark the fabric) if the pieces are already stuck down then your choices are limited. I would try machine buttonhole stitching so less stitching on the problem fabric or break out the embroider floss and do a hand buttonhole or decorative stitch along the edges. You could also try a straight stitch about 1/8 inside the appliqués and leave the edge raw but the needle may not like that either.

nanna-up-north

The oil is helping a little better. I'm still having to wipe down the needle but not as often. I have 5 Row-by-Rows already pressed up and ready to stitch so this may take me awhile. But, I'd rather not do buttonhole on these. They're not really the kind for buttonhole. So, lesson learned. I'll try the heat n bond lite next time. Maybe it won't be as bad.

Thanks for your quick help. You all are the greatest.

Bree123

I've never tried it, but I wonder if Sewer's Aid on your thread would help.

I used beeswax on junk thread (before I knew about Aurifil) because the junk thread kept breaking going through fabric-WonderUnder-plastic felt. The beeswax kept my thread from breaking. Maybe a thread conditioner would help on the machine, too. Does anyone know?

Onebyone

I don't think Steam a Seam 2 or 2 Lite is for sewing through. The only difference from Steam a Seam 2 and 2 Lite is the Lite doesn't make the fabric as stiff. I use Heat n Bond Lite if I want to sew through it.

ManiacQuilter2

Have you tried Sewer's Aid??
http://www.joann.com/dritz-sewers-aid/14019319.html
I bought it at JAF and it works miracles when I use metallic thread.

nanna-up-north

I've never heard of sewer's aid but it looks like I might need to get some. I was thinking that needle makers need to make a teflon coated needle but maybe this is just as good.

donnajean

I sew through Steam a Seam 2 on all my applique, including the quilt in my Avatar. I've never had a problem with it, but I have not purchased any recently. Maybe she needs to let it cool off after pressing before trying to stitch through it.