Question:
... sew on trims such as "strung" sequins? I've got a bunch of gorgeous teal-colored sequins-on-a-string (thanks to a fellow here'n ), but I'm bumfuzzled about to how to sew them.
A standard straight stitch would poke holes in the sequins, but I might could zig-zag over them. Or would that look bad?
I've seen beads-on-a-string trim at Hobby Lobby, and have wondered about those, too.
Answer:
The easiest way I know to sew them by machine is with a zigzag. Pick a thread that matches the background fabric. Make sure the needle swings wide enough to not puncture the sequins. And do a long stitch so you aren't covering up too much of the strand. After you're done you'll find the sequins will often slide over the top of the stitches...and you can help this along by flexing the fabric a few times or with your fingernail if needed.
I'd also be sure to use a polyester thread (or possibly nylon, depending on the end use) and of course a lighter weight will show less.
(This is assuming your sequins are some sort of plastic, not metal, and are cross-locked)
You can of course sew them by hand much less visibly.
Zigzagging crosslocked beads on a string doesn't show much at all. Be careful not to break the beads with your needle...and wear eye protection. If beads do break, be sure to clean out the bobbin area before continuing. (This again assumes cross-locked beads and beads small enough to fit under the swing of the needle)
Answer:
Thanks! I'll give it a shot.
The sequins are plastic, I believe, but I'll double check before sewing them.
...
I just did the goofiest thing. I shouldn't even admit it, but ...
I was using black thread to sew a fancy "swag-looking" stitch, when the thread going to the needle broke. I rethreaded it, and started back to sewing.
Within seconds, the sewing machine sounded funny, so I looked at the stitching. The back side had gone haywire! Big loops of thread, hanging down. Yikes!
I figured the bobbin compartment was probably lint-y, so I cleaned it out. Started sewing again. Same thing. Big loops of thread on the back. Arrgh!
I opened the bobbin compartment again, and looked inside. I took the bobbin tray thingy out completely, and checked it to see if there was anything wrong. It looked fine. Started sewing. Same thing.
I replaced the bobbin with another one, and started test-sewing on a piece of scrap fabric, thinking the bobbin itself must be faulty. Same thing!
But ... when I replaced the bobbin, I replaced it with a white-threaded one instead of black thread like I'd been using. In other words, I had black thread on top, and white on the bottom. The loops on the back side of the fabric were black ... meaning that the problem was coming from the needle's thread instead of the bobbin.
Then I saw the problem.
When the thread broke, it "bounced" the thread completely out of the tension-thingy, basically causing my needle to pull the thread straight off the spool. I didn't even notice it when I rethreaded it.
I felt like such a goof that I busted out laughing at myself!
I'd spent 30 minutes of head-banging when it was a simple 3-second fix! Leave it to me.
Answer:
Moonrise,
If you were the only person who'd ever done that it would be funny...
Glad you were able to laugh at yourself.
Answer:
What are you stitching them on? A crafty thing? How about fabric glue?
It's been a long time since I worked so I don't know what glues are available now. I think they make a glue for sequins.
Otherwise I always hand stitched them on.
Answer:
Originally Posted by doobeedog What are you stitching them on? A crafty thing? How about fabric glue?
It's been a long time since I worked so I don't know what glues are available now. I think they make a glue for sequins.
Otherwise I always hand stitched them on. I'm not sewing them onto anything yet, but I'm thinking they'd be pretty on a purse. I'll have to check into fabric glues. I've never used any so far.
Answer:
Originally Posted by moonrise I'm not sewing them onto anything yet, but I'm thinking they'd be pretty on a purse. I'll have to check into fabric glues. I've never used any so far. I keep my fabric glue in a rubbermaid tub with other craft supplies... The glue, even with the lid on tight, smells up the whole tub. I'm always glad to snap the lid back on it immediately...
I had a similar looking big loopy problem (fabric bottom side) this weekend and the first thing gw1 said was to re-thread the top thread... apparently she is an expert re: this. And you explained why!
My problem was the bobbin, though. With my machine it always is the bobbin's problem. I guess it has a very narrow (read that: inadequate) "catch" for the bobbin tension. I would do well to remember that mantra... "it is always the bobbin's problem... it is always the bobbin's problem" -- you can re-thread the top!
Obviously I was using the wrong type of needle. I broke 3 needles during my "project". Glad I was wearing "protective eye gear"!!!
Answer:
Originally Posted by goodworks4music Obviously I was using the wrong type of needle. I broke 3 needles during my "project". Glad I was wearing "protective eye gear"!!! It's more likely that the timing is off on your machine. But that probably takes a visit to a repair person who is familiar with those older machines... (or actually, knowing you, you can probably figure out how to fix it yourself)
Answer:
It sounds like the timing to me too.
When someone would bring their machine in for service we would have to send it out. It seemed to be a common problem.
I've always wanted to learn how to fix that problem.
Years ago the service was $89.
Answer:
Originally Posted by doobeedog ...I've always wanted to learn how to fix that problem... I'd ship it to you so you could learn, but I'm afraid the shipping fee might be more than the machine value.