A stretch stitch on a Brother sewing machine is an innovative feature that makes sewing items made from stretchy fabrics a much easier process. With stretch stitches, you can create very professional-looking garments without the struggles of sewing knitted or elastic materials. Let’s dive in and explore what a stretch stitch is and how you can use them on your Brother sewing machine.
A stretch stitch works by forming a stitch that is specifically designed to be able to stretch with the fabric while remaining strong. Traditional sewing machines cannot easily sew elastic fabrics, yet it isn’t uncommon to need to create items made from these fabrics. Using a stretch stitch on a Brother sewing machine provides you with the flexibility of being able to sew garments made of all types of fabric, expanding the possibilities available to you as a seamstress.
There are three components of a stretch stitch, a zig-zag stitch, a straight stitch and an elastic stitch. The zig-zag stitch aids in the formation of the stretchy fabric, the straight stitch is used to secure the stitch to the fabric and the elastic stitch is what gives the fabric the ability to stretch and still maintain its strength and aesthetics. The combination of these three components of a stretch stitch is what makes a Brother sewing machine so powerful when it comes to sewing stretchy fabrics.
In order to create a stretch stitch, you’ll need to make sure your Brother sewing machine is set up correctly. First, select your fabric type and set the presser foot pressure correctly. If your presser foot pressure is incorrect, it could cause the fabric to be stretched too much or not enough. Once your machine is set up properly, select the appropriate stretch stitch setting and begin sewing. Make sure that you maintain a slow sewing speed as this will help you to achieve an even stretch stitch.
One of the advantages of using a stretch stitch is that it eliminates the hassle of having to serge knit or elastic fabrics. Serging requires special tools which can be costly, but with a stretch stitch, you can easily sew those fabrics without any extra equipment. Additionally, a stretch stitch provides a more professional-looking stitch than just hand sewing. Simply put, stretch stitches are a great way to make garments made from stretchy fabrics much easier to sew and create a professional look.
Types of Stitch Used
A Brother sewing machine utilizes several types of stitch when creating a stretch stitch. Depending on the type of elastic material you are using, you can adjust the combination of stitches used to best fit the material. Generally speaking, the most commonly used types of stitches used in combination with a stretch stitch are the zig-zag stitch and a straight stitch. A zig-zag stitch helps to create the stretchy fabric while a straight stitch helps to keep the fabric in place while the elastic stitch provides the strength and elasticity to the fabric.
For most knitted fabrics, the number of stitches used in a stretch stitch will vary. Generally speaking, a combination of between 3 and 5 stitches should be used when creating a stretch stitch. This number can vary depending on the type of fabric as well as the type of stretch stitch being created.
It’s important to note that a stretch stitch is only as good as the number of stitches used to create it. If too few stitches are used, the fabric will not stretch adequately, yet if too many stitches are used, the fabric will be too tight and the stitch could break. Additionally, it’s important to ensure that all stitches used are closer together rather than spaced farther apart. This will give the fabric strength and hold it in place while it’s being stretched.
Thread Choices
Another important aspect of creating a successful stretch stitch is the thread that is used. When sewing stretchy fabrics, it’s important to use elastic thread that is able to stretch with the fabric and still remain strong. There are several types of elastic thread available, all of which come with their own unique characteristics, so it’s important to select the thread that best fits the fabric you’re using. Additionally, elastic thread is typically more expensive than regular thread, so it’s important to be mindful of the cost when using elastic thread.
When using elastic thread, it’s important to use the correct tension. If the tension is too tight the thread will be too difficult to stretch and the fabric won’t be able to move freely. Additionally, if the tension is too loose, the thread will be too loose and the fabric won’t hold its shape. Therefore, it’s important to set the correct tension when using elastic thread in order to achieve the desired results.
Use of Twin Needle Stitches
Another way to achieve a stretch stitch is to use a twin needle stitch on a Brother sewing machine. A twin needle stitch allows you to sew two threads at the same time, which helps to increase the strength and flexibility of the fabric. It’s important to note, however, that you should only use a twin needle stitch with fabrics that are able to withstand the tension from the two needles.
When using a twin needle stitch, it’s important to make sure that the thread tension is balanced. If the thread tension is too tight, the stitches can become embedded in the fabric and be difficult to remove. Additionally, if the thread tension is too loose, the fabric won’t be able to stretch adequately and the stitches will not hold their shape. Therefore, it’s important to set the thread tension correctly in order to achieve the desired results.
Types of Materials to Use
When creating garments made from stretchy fabrics, it’s important to take into consideration the types of fabrics used. Most fabrics designed for stretchy garments are knit fabrics, since they are able to stretch and move with the body. However, it’s important to remember that not all knit fabrics are the same. Therefore, it’s important to select the type of fabric that best fits the garment you are creating.
Additionally, there are several types of fabrics that have a natural elasticity and don’t necessarily need to be stretched in order to fit the body. These types of fabrics include spandex, Lycra and other stretchy fabrics. Therefore, when using these types of fabrics, it’s important to make sure that the material is of sufficient quality and able to stretch without losing its shape. Furthermore, when using these types of fabrics, it’s important to make sure that the stitches used are closer together rather than spaced farther apart.
Maintenance of Machines
In order to ensure that a Brother sewing machine is able to produce perfect stretch stitches, it’s important to maintain the machine properly. Regular maintenance will help to ensure that all parts of the machine are in working order, which in turn will make the sewing process much easier. Additionally, if the machine is properly maintained, it will be less likely to break down and require costly repairs.
It’s important to remember, however, that maintaining a Brother sewing machine properly requires regular cleaning and oiling of all parts. Additionally, it’s important to make sure the presser foot pressure is correct and the stitch settings are set correctly. Finally, it’s important to make sure that the bobbin case is clear and the tension spring is working correctly. All of these steps can help to ensure that the machine is working properly and able to produce perfect stitches for all types of fabric.
Essential Tools
In order to create perfect stretch stitches on a Brother sewing machine, there are certain tools that are essential. The first essential tool is a seam gauge, which is used to set the seam allowance on the fabric. Additionally, it’s important to have a ruler or measuring tape on hand to make sure the stitch length and width are accurate. Finally, it’s important to have a seam ripper and scissors on hand to help with the cutting and trimming of the fabric.
Another important tool necessary for creating stretch stitches on a Brother sewing machine are stabilizers. Stabilizers help to keep the fabric from stretching and bunching up as you sew. There are several types of stabilizers available, so it’s important to select the type of stabilizer that best suits the type of fabric and project you are working on.
Finally, it’s important to have a seam sealer available when creating stretch stitches. A seam sealer helps to ensure that all of the seams stay together and remain secure. Additionally, a seam sealer can help to provide extra strength to the stitch, which is especially necessary when sewing stretchy fabrics.
Conclusion
Using a stretch stitch on a Brother sewing machine is an easy and efficient way to create garments made from stretchy fabrics. A stretch stitch is a combination of three different types of stitches that work together to create a strong and stretchy fabric. It’s important to remember, however, that there are several other tools and materials necessary in order to create a perfect stretch stitch. All of these components, when used properly, can help to create a stretch stitch that is strong and durable.
