Bernina Artista 730E User Guide - Page 55

Sewing Knit Fabrics Important Notes: Start With a New Needle • blunt needles can damage knits Use a Stretch Needle (130/705 H-S) if Necessary • the needle point slides easily between the fibers Use a Fine Sewing Thread • coarse threads can damage knits and cause holes when the garment is washed When Basting, Use a Darning Thread • very lightweight (80 weight) darning thread is easier to remove once the seam is complete Sew a Test if Necessary • the elasticity of today's knit fabrics varies greatly ™ adjust basic settings to suit the fabric, the seam should be as elastic as the fabric ™ for greater elasticity use a shorter stitch length and/or stitch width (only one of these adjustments may be necessary) Presser Foot Pressure • soft, loose knits can wave when sewn: ™ reduce the pressure until the seam lies flat • the sewing computer must still feed the fabric properly Possible Problems With Sewing Knits Seam Becomes Wavy ™ oversew a thread along the edge ™ after sewing adjust edges by pulling the thread to regain the original length of the fabric and press seam flat Edges Roll ™ do not sew right on the edge but about 5mm in from the edge ™ cut off allowance after finished sewing Seams Which Pull or Stretch ™ reinforce seams with a ribbon (e.g. shoulder ribbon) before sewing ™ different ribbons are available which can stretch more or less. These can be sewn to give more security to the seam Practical Stitches - Applications 53