help. not a quilting question per se.
10-30-2014, 06:30 AM
#21
Super Member
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: South Dakota
Posts: 8,152
That would be my suggestion - get a $25 older zigzag machine (from the 50-60's) and have that available as needed. Make sure to get a center homing machine (needle is in center of hole when straight stitching).
While I love the 15-91, it's not a suitable machine if you want to sew much with stretch fabric. It was a big deal at the time (50-70's) to get a machine that would sew the "new" stretch fabrics. Remember double knits and leisure suits?
10-30-2014, 07:06 AM
#22
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Jacksonville, FL
Posts: 374
Thank you for an interesting question.
First, I have seen some miraculous feats done on a straight stitch machine. Machine embroidery, for example, so impossible things are possible. Just more talent and patience than I have. But keep that miraculous feat idea in your head as you consider this project.
My thoughts center around, "cut to the chase and get it done." Here that would be (1) secure both sides of the spot you are going to cut the fabric (sweater) BEFORE you actually cut it, (2) make sure the cut edge(s) is/are stabilized because there is going to be friction on the seams and they will fray and pull out otherwise and (3) do the sewing by hand or borrow or buy a zigzag machine.
The leggings are adorable and very useful and timely. I, personally, would have even more gray hair after taking a crack at sewing them.
Let us know how it goes, please? Good luck and steady nerves.
Pat
First, I have seen some miraculous feats done on a straight stitch machine. Machine embroidery, for example, so impossible things are possible. Just more talent and patience than I have. But keep that miraculous feat idea in your head as you consider this project.
My thoughts center around, "cut to the chase and get it done." Here that would be (1) secure both sides of the spot you are going to cut the fabric (sweater) BEFORE you actually cut it, (2) make sure the cut edge(s) is/are stabilized because there is going to be friction on the seams and they will fray and pull out otherwise and (3) do the sewing by hand or borrow or buy a zigzag machine.
The leggings are adorable and very useful and timely. I, personally, would have even more gray hair after taking a crack at sewing them.
Let us know how it goes, please? Good luck and steady nerves.
Pat
10-30-2014, 08:53 AM
#23
Super Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Round Rock,Texas
Posts: 6,135
the zigzag can be very narrow to give it the stretch. Another way is to use a double needle. I use this whenever the hem comes down in a t-shirt. the topside will look like a double row of stitches and underneath will look like zigzag because of the one bobbin thread - but it stretches!
10-30-2014, 10:37 AM
#24
Junior Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: mid MI
Posts: 288
Ok. So I have been sewing away on my 15-91. I have made a baby quilt for my niece arriving in December. Now I would like to start on some of these upcycled leggings for her. But the instructions call for a zig zag stitch. What tricks can I use for the same effect with the straight stitch? I am sure skirts were made with this type of elastic back when. I've just never used elastic before..... thoughts?
http://www.makeit-loveit.com/2012/10...-leggings.html
http://www.makeit-loveit.com/2012/10...-leggings.html
10-31-2014, 09:02 PM
#25
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 38
Thanks for all the ideas guys 
Of course today my entire cord/ controller system decided it was done for (original to the machine).... I noticed it looked cracked and sure enough the wires were done for
Sooo..... now I need a little help finding that set up for cheap. I need the power cord, the controller foot. I found what I think I need on sew classic. Just need a little hand holding as the electric parts make me nervous to mistakenly get the wrong piece and end up making the whole thing go caput. :/
Of course today my entire cord/ controller system decided it was done for (original to the machine).... I noticed it looked cracked and sure enough the wires were done for
Sooo..... now I need a little help finding that set up for cheap. I need the power cord, the controller foot. I found what I think I need on sew classic. Just need a little hand holding as the electric parts make me nervous to mistakenly get the wrong piece and end up making the whole thing go caput. :/
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