You are a born teacher. You communicate so well. Clarity, simplicity, practicality. Thank you.
@Mellysews4 жыл бұрын
Wow, thank you!
@Ms4104105 жыл бұрын
The BEST tip: using my camera to find the right side if my solid fabric. What a timesaver...thank you so much!!
@Mellysews5 жыл бұрын
I just discovered that one myself recently :)
@reecebuttercup5 жыл бұрын
I've been sewing for years but I learned some new things tonight. Ty for offering such a wonderful video.
@Mellysews5 жыл бұрын
We can always learn new tricks!
@lisaleedesigns4 жыл бұрын
thank you for the starch tip, it worked like a charm. Its my first time sewing with knits!
@Mellysews4 жыл бұрын
You are so welcome!
@CA-LOVEFORJESUSCHRIST5 жыл бұрын
I really like how you teach...it's very simple, Thanks.
@Mellysews5 жыл бұрын
Thanks! I taught high school for 12 years, so that helped develop my style.
@lauriegreen-schillawski44815 жыл бұрын
These are really good tips! Thank you. Perfect timing, too, as I'm getting ready to make a couple of garments using these slinky knits which have been sitting in my bin waiting for just this information!
@Mellysews5 жыл бұрын
Glad it's helpful!
@nicolamarini7994 жыл бұрын
Thank you so much. I did a lot of sewing in my younger years, now am trying to get used to sewing with knits. So much to learn, so little time.
@Mellysews4 жыл бұрын
So good to never stop learning though!
@momgrandma54965 жыл бұрын
Marvelous tips, especially about the needles and each machine being different, your dress is beautiful, pink is a good color for you.
@Mellysews5 жыл бұрын
Thanks - I love pink :)
@patriciaperry49543 жыл бұрын
You are one of the best teachers in sewing videos and I’ve watched many. I appreciate your straightforward instructions and just everything about the way you produce your videos. I never get bored or want to fast forward as I do with so many other sewing instructors. Kudos to you!!!
@Mellysews3 жыл бұрын
I'm easily bored with video too, so I try to make sure I cut out all the extra in mine 🙂
@DoloresDeeBodnar5 жыл бұрын
Wonderful information, you solved two problems, I've been having sewing slinky knits . Pressure foot tension and feed dogs eating my fabrics. And spray starch, very helpful
@Mellysews5 жыл бұрын
Hope your next time is stress free!
@teresadawkins38765 жыл бұрын
Thanks so much, I was struggling with a knit fabric last night and gave up about 1am. Now I am ready to go back with confidence that I can use your suggestions and successfully cut out my pattern.
@Mellysews5 жыл бұрын
Glad it's helpful!
@metteriggs21515 жыл бұрын
Thank you, Melly! These tips will really help with my next project which will be on a slinky knit fabric. Perfect timing!
@Mellysews5 жыл бұрын
Have fun sewing!
@judymacmillan47355 жыл бұрын
Thank you, Melly. That was very helpful!
@TheJudeJane5 жыл бұрын
Wonderful tips!!!😍💖Love ALL of these useful sewing tips, and LO💝E the dress you made with a beautiful, candy- pink lightweight knit!! You are fabulous, Melly‼️🤗💓💞💕
@Mellysews5 жыл бұрын
Thank you - I do love pink!
@dianadivadiamond5 жыл бұрын
Thank you so much for those tips. They'll come in very handy when I'm doing my sewing. Much love.❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
@Mellysews5 жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching!
@barbaracartwright27374 жыл бұрын
Thank you for the tips - didn’t know about releasing the pressure foot and the needles - most helpful 👍🧵
@Mellysews4 жыл бұрын
Happy to help!
@laurabarba35155 жыл бұрын
Glad I found you, I needed all those tips &tricks. Now I can be a happy sewer..🤗🤩💐
@Mellysews5 жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching!
@sylviahilxebrant71415 жыл бұрын
Very useful info, esp on the needles -- different machines preferring different needles. Never thought of using spray starch! Going to try this w/twin needles as I love the finish but keep getting the tunnel between rows. Thank you for the great video done so well.
@Mellysews5 жыл бұрын
Hope it helps! Tunneling can also be mitigated by playing with the tension.
@Laurpud5 жыл бұрын
Thank you for this video! I'm mostly self taught, & I've figured out a few of these, but not everything 😊 I put my machine in timeout because it kept sucking the fabric down, but in the middle of a seam. I can't wait to try the jersey needles, to see if that's what she wants!
@Mellysews5 жыл бұрын
Hope they help! Tissue paper under the seam can also help if you're getting fabric sucked in in the middle of a seam.
@jcfromupstate16935 жыл бұрын
Thank you, thank you!! I have avoided working with knits because I've encountered nearly all the problems you mentioned. I will pull out some knit fabrics I purchased a while ago and experiment. I already have Stitch Witchery - so that's a HUGE tip for knits. I always ran into problems with the hems stretching out and "ruffling." I'm going to get a pack of each of the needle types you suggested, as well. Thank you so much!
@Mellysews5 жыл бұрын
Glad it was helpful!
@patriciawilson59603 жыл бұрын
Thank you. I am an experienced sewist, but not with knits. You are an excellent teacher. After watching your video, I tried some of your tips and Success!!
@Mellysews3 жыл бұрын
Wonderful!
@lezp.91983 жыл бұрын
Well, THAT was a great video, you covered everything with examples. Seriously, impressive teaching skills.
@Mellysews3 жыл бұрын
Glad you liked it!
@vincenzolee65768 ай бұрын
Love all your videos!
@Mellysews8 ай бұрын
Glad you like them!
@mshybiscus2 жыл бұрын
This video is perfect! Super clear, concise, and practical! Thank you!
@Mellysews2 жыл бұрын
Glad it was helpful!
@carolclaibornemumey89192 жыл бұрын
Brilliant camera use!!
@Mellysews2 жыл бұрын
Thanks!
@aiducha11 ай бұрын
I wish I could have watched your video before sewing my top last week! 😂 Thank you very much. Cheers and greetings from Be’er Sheva, Israel
@Mellysews10 ай бұрын
Well, hope it helps on the next project.
@ljwilliams7552 жыл бұрын
fabulous tips - I've been trying to get along with a rayon knit for a top, and it's been testing my patience. I should have watched this before I started...
@Mellysews2 жыл бұрын
Hope this helps for the next one! I love wearing rayon knits.
@antonettebroomfield85502 жыл бұрын
Thank you for the tips. Really helpful!!
@Mellysews2 жыл бұрын
Glad it was helpful!
@IMOO18965 жыл бұрын
One other way to tell front from backside of knit fabric is just to tug a cut edge, the fabric will roll slightly to the back (I think). Easy enough to test. Love all the great information you share!
@Mellysews5 жыл бұрын
It depends on if you're parallel or perpendicular to the selvage, and it only works with fabrics created with a jersey stitch. More here: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/a55indSolbCVhqs.html
@blufaerie9 ай бұрын
I love this video! Thanks! I would add that one should be sure you can stitch through the Stitch Witchery or fusible tape because there are some that explicitly say not to.
@Mellysews8 ай бұрын
Great tip!
@notesfromleisa-land Жыл бұрын
Fantastic tips. Thank you.
@Mellysews Жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching!
@Nurse38115 жыл бұрын
You are a fantastic teacher. Thank you so much!
@Mellysews5 жыл бұрын
Thanks! All those years I taught high school helped :)
@annicalundgren1355 жыл бұрын
So very helpful THANX specially the Camera trick 🙏🏻
@Mellysews5 жыл бұрын
I just discovered that one myself recently and have used it a lot!
@raraavis77825 жыл бұрын
Great tips! Haven’t sewn with that kind of fabric in a while and needed a ‚refresher‘!
@Mellysews5 жыл бұрын
Glad to help!
@anngroen4 жыл бұрын
Great tips and a wonderful teacher. Thanks! My machine kept eating the fabric. Melly had some useful tips.
@Mellysews4 жыл бұрын
Glad it was helpful!
@drejoicepr5 жыл бұрын
WOW.... that was great!!! thank you so much for sharing your tips! Have a blessed day!
@Mellysews5 жыл бұрын
Have a great day too!
@dvorak9202893 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the teaching! I'm a new enthusiastic subscriber! Now I know what went wrong with my first knit sewing project and I keep a few tips in mind for the next ones!
@Mellysews3 жыл бұрын
Wonderful!
@lindafudge572 жыл бұрын
Thank you. Great tips
@Mellysews2 жыл бұрын
Glad it was helpful!
@melissanielsen82153 жыл бұрын
Thankyou very much, very helpful
@Mellysews3 жыл бұрын
Glad it helped
@sagepreaumx99035 жыл бұрын
To keep the right and wrong sides straight I mark the right side - one pin on the right side of the bodice or leggings and two pins on the back bodice or legging pieces.
@Mellysews5 жыл бұрын
That can work, once you figure out which is which to begin with.
@bonniekonjevich75745 жыл бұрын
Love your FYIs W/ diff.ways of stabilizing. Stitch Witchery is great to use along with the home staple, spray starch. Have to try Stay Tape! :-)
@Mellysews5 жыл бұрын
Glad they're helpful!
@pamelamoore789 Жыл бұрын
Thank you...very helpful.
@Mellysews Жыл бұрын
Glad it was helpful!
@coolkidz12333 жыл бұрын
Fantastic instructions and great tips thanks so much!!!!
@Mellysews3 жыл бұрын
Glad it was helpful!
@Pureimagination2003 жыл бұрын
Zig zag , 3 tension and longer stitch length works well for knits on my old singer.
@Mellysews3 жыл бұрын
It's a good idea to play with actual fabric/machine combo to get the best settings for your project
@kimh66105 жыл бұрын
Great tips ! Thanks
@Mellysews5 жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching!
@SkinnyFiberHawaii3 жыл бұрын
Thank you for this video. I will be attempting to sew a dress from 2 tshirts and I need all the help I can get.
@Mellysews3 жыл бұрын
Glad you liked it!
@lynncobb89925 жыл бұрын
Great tips useful on other applications as well. Thank you.
@Mellysews5 жыл бұрын
Glad it's helpful!
@imsewblessed15785 жыл бұрын
Such a helpful video. Thank you.
@Mellysews5 жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching!
@lilianely3895 жыл бұрын
Thank you so much ! Exactly what I needed 👍
@Mellysews5 жыл бұрын
Perfect timing!
@mollysmith60555 жыл бұрын
Lots of great tips, thank you. I was hoping you'd discuss using Eloflex thread. I bought some after watching a video that highlighted it but I've been too chicken to try it yet, haha.
@Mellysews5 жыл бұрын
I have never used it or felt the need to.
@mollysmith60555 жыл бұрын
@@Mellysews I may actually get brave and try it with this summer's batch of Blank Tees for my grandkids. I broke the cover stitch function on my serger last summer when I was making a batch of them then and never got it fixed. (Bad girl!)
@roxannking65865 жыл бұрын
Wow your tips are great! Thank you!
@Mellysews5 жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching!
@audreycanuteson57633 жыл бұрын
This was really helpful! Thank you
@Mellysews3 жыл бұрын
Glad it was helpful!
@desaharmert18535 жыл бұрын
Thanks for your great video. Learned a lot.
@Mellysews5 жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching!
@mumsie27394 жыл бұрын
Very helpful! Thank you so much!!
@Mellysews4 жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching!
@Natazavrik5 жыл бұрын
This is SO helpful! Thank you!!
@Mellysews5 жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching!
@corawalsh18342 жыл бұрын
This video is great, so easy to understand for a newbie to sewing like me. I'd like to sew bamboo rayon to polar fleece but not sure how best to hem it, any tips?
@Mellysews2 жыл бұрын
mellysews.com/hem-knits-knit-hems/
@wandawilliams31105 жыл бұрын
Excellent points!
@Mellysews5 жыл бұрын
Glad they're helpful!
@HyperSleepyFox5 жыл бұрын
like always, THANK YOU !!
@Mellysews5 жыл бұрын
Glad it's helpful!
@constancergarcia72585 жыл бұрын
Thank you for the great tips. 😉
@Mellysews5 жыл бұрын
Glad it's helpful!
@BratBustersParenting5 жыл бұрын
All great tips.
@Mellysews5 жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching!
@dianethompson95255 жыл бұрын
Great video!! Thank you!
@Mellysews5 жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching!
@Jweeee11114 жыл бұрын
Amazing tips!! May I ask where you bought that baby pink fabric? Where do you prefer to buy large pieces of fabric? I’m planning on starting a small business using that fabric. Thanks!!
@Mellysews4 жыл бұрын
I got it at a warehouse. I don't have recommendations for fabric for business purposes.
@thaisoneon5 жыл бұрын
Thanks for some great info. About those stabilized shoulders ... I do that, too, but don’t know how to handle that newly bulked-up seam! Do I press everything to the back? Do I trim any of the layers? I wish I knew. Fingers crossed you can explain!!🤞
@Mellysews5 жыл бұрын
You can trim, depending on the stay tape you use (don't trim twill tape edges) or press to one side. You can even stitch the other side of the stay tape down either by hand or with a stretch topstitch. But I generally just leave it and press the seam to one side when I sew over the seam with the neckband sleeve.
@ekaterinakorneeva479210 ай бұрын
Thank you so much, I didn't know most of these tricks and my bamboo jersey projrcts turned out terrible. I wonder though, if anyone found the walking foot helpful?
@Mellysews10 ай бұрын
It can be; it depends on your machine/fabric combo so trying with a sample scrap is always recommended.
@beverly77103 жыл бұрын
I have really enjoyed your video, I really learned some very useful tips. Thank You. However and unfortunately I get a page error when I follow the links.
@Mellysews3 жыл бұрын
Try this mellysews.com/tips-to-sew-rayon-knits/
@purple4lavender5 жыл бұрын
Very helpful thank you. Immediately checked I can buy Stitch Witchery from Amazon in UK! In the video I noticed the seam marking guide, is this something you put there? Do you have a video covering this? I have poor eyesight and this could really help me.
@Mellysews5 жыл бұрын
I'm not sure what seam marking guide you're referring to? Where in the video did I use it?
@purple4lavender5 жыл бұрын
@@Mellysews towards the end at 13.29. looks like you've got a sticker with lines near where the bobbin goes in. Sorry not explaining very well
@Mellysews5 жыл бұрын
Ah, I thought you meant a ruler seam guide. Yes, that is a sticker, you can get them here: amzn.to/2MkzliO
@purple4lavender5 жыл бұрын
@@Mellysews thanks, I'll need to research this as postage to UK is off the scale!
@woollyrover5 жыл бұрын
Very helpful tips! Could you also use the selvedge as a stabilizer in the shoulder seams? I usually don't like the look of the typical clear elastic or other stay tape and that would be nice and invisible, but maybe not stable enough?
@Mellysews5 жыл бұрын
Selvage from a woven fabric maybe, but a knit selvage would still stretch. Non stretch interfacing in a thin strip is pretty hard to see.
@cristinafromaustralia6466 Жыл бұрын
i like the style of your dress do you have a pattern how to make like that ;-) 😊thnaks
@Mellysews Жыл бұрын
Yes, the pattern is linked in the video description.
@debbiewhite32703 жыл бұрын
Thank you. I learn so much from your videos. I tried sewing a slinky knit last night. I used a strip of interfacing to stabilize my shoulders but didn't realize the lower fabric had moved when I sewed. It's not straight and I can't unpick it without damaging the fabric. I'm thinking to just trim away what's bad but don't know how badly it will affect the arms and collar. Any suggestions?
@Mellysews3 жыл бұрын
Trimming a curve like a neckline or armscye will make it bigger, which could greatly affect fit.
@debbiewhite32703 жыл бұрын
Thank u
@sharonaliza89845 жыл бұрын
Do you find that the starch helps enough to stabilize the fabric enough to cut on the fold? I can’t seem to keep the Grainline straight on knits enough to do that.
@Mellysews5 жыл бұрын
Starch helps, if I'm really having trouble with a fabric I might also pin along the fold line before placing my pattern to keep the fabric from rolling.
@mussaratnisa97735 жыл бұрын
Thank you Mam for sharing your tips. Where we parches these taps.
@Mellysews5 жыл бұрын
They're commonly available in many fabric stores in the U.S.
@quazylade905 жыл бұрын
Not sure why it is not letting me share in sewing group. Good tips.
@Mellysews5 жыл бұрын
You should be able to copy the link in your web address bar and then paste that to share.
@darksweetgirl4 жыл бұрын
Just see your video. Having problem here with silky spandex fabric, keep try to sewing for the hem but the upper thread not even catch the lower thread 😥😥, I did use the strect needle, even thread for stretch fabric. I dont have the walking foot, not yet try to use the stabilizer 😢😢😢
@Mellysews4 жыл бұрын
Try the stabilizer
@TheJoker-zt4nk4 жыл бұрын
I'm having the same problem on Polyester, with the upper thread not catching the lower thread. Or when it does, my thread is breaking & my stitches are skipping! I've tried, re-threading the upper, re-inserting the bobbin, changing both kinds of threads, changing to a ball point needle (made it worse). 🤔Don't believe there's any way to adjust the Pressure Foot Tension on my machine. But have reduced the overall tension. Changed to a small, short, zig zag.😫Ugh very frustrating... (btw would you ever put a little bit of tape over part of the hole so as not to have the fabric sucked into the bobbin hole? Yep, have that prob too & saw that suggested.) Will try stabilizer... before giving up & hand stitching or burning. 🤞Tks for the tips.
@TheJudeJane5 жыл бұрын
Great tips, Melly! Would you happen to have a non-sewing tip for keeping cloth moths away? Thank you!
@Mellysews5 жыл бұрын
We don't really get moths in my climate, so I don't.
@TheJoker-zt4nk4 жыл бұрын
Cedar Wood (like a Cedar Closet) helps keeps moths away.
@pinkbunny52874 жыл бұрын
Were can I get the navy blue with flowers fabric😮🌟😮😮😮
@Mellysews4 жыл бұрын
I have no idea which fabric you're referring to, but when the fabric is still available at the time of publication I add a link, so if there's no link it's safe to assume it's fabric I bought years ago and is no longer available.
@rhodamurphy20973 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the tips. I bought a beautiful rayon sweater knit that has a mind of its own. Can't fold double and get a workable edge. Any suggestions?
@Mellysews3 жыл бұрын
For cutting patterns, try single layer cutting. For sewing anything that needs to be folded, lots of starch.
@tibbynibby5 жыл бұрын
that very last one was probably the most helpful. I've never thought of doing that XD how many seams could I have saved?
@Mellysews5 жыл бұрын
I know that one but still sometimes forget to do it, ha!
@Alaskaraised Жыл бұрын
I thought stretch needles are for spandex fabric. I know spandex is stretchy. What is the difference between a jersey or stretch needle?
@Mellysews Жыл бұрын
I discuss the difference in the video in this post mellysews.com/how-to-choose-sewing-machine-needles/
@stephk32213 жыл бұрын
What sewing machine do you use for knits?
@Mellysews3 жыл бұрын
My sewing machine has been discontinued, but I've always just used a regular sewing machine with a zig-zag stitch for knits and it's worked fine.
@scribevibes5 жыл бұрын
How do you keep the feed dogs from tearing holes in you fabric?
@Mellysews5 жыл бұрын
Reduce the presser foot pressure to start, tissue paper underneath if that doesn't fix it.
@JackieBarkley275 жыл бұрын
Do you have any tips on how to fix an armhole that grows throughout the day. So how to repair it and then secondly how to sew it to avoid it. I’m struggling with this. When I put the finished garment on my bra is hidden but a few hours later my bra is really showing. Would love your help.
@Mellysews5 жыл бұрын
I'd probably repair by adding some sort of stay tape to armhole. To avoid I'd do the fabric growth check before using it for a similar dress.
@Pureimagination2003 жыл бұрын
Some stitch Witchery you can’t sew through per the package instructions
@Mellysews3 жыл бұрын
It's always a good idea to read package instructions
@dianegould16965 жыл бұрын
What about a walking foot?
@Mellysews5 жыл бұрын
Some people find them helpful but I've never even put mine on my machine, never felt the need to.
@kanizkhan36145 жыл бұрын
Do you think ballpoint sewing needle will go well with this type of knit fabric?
@Mellysews5 жыл бұрын
Depends on the fabric and the machine, you'd have to experiment.
@lstumpff17645 жыл бұрын
Thank you. Do you recommend stretch thread for knits?
@Mellysews5 жыл бұрын
No. More here: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/kNSGoamTtKnDpJ8.html
@sherifetter68855 жыл бұрын
What kind of iron do you use?...mine just broke..in the market for a new one
@Mellysews5 жыл бұрын
I use this one: amzn.to/2JQ57SN
@lindseyr49663 жыл бұрын
📷 iPhone 📱 camera zooming-in trick ! G E N I U S
@Mellysews3 жыл бұрын
🙂
@susangibson9123 Жыл бұрын
I prefer to call them the “ fabrics from hell “ 😂😩