What am I Doing Wrong?

[boysmom2]

So, I'm finally trying out my sewing machine. I've started just making some cloth wipes out of some old pajama pants. I'm just stitching 2 layers together - nothing fancy. So here's the problem: when I stitch normally it works fine. When I try to stitch backwards (at the beginning or end of a seam) the fabric gets all bunchy and the thread is tangled on the underside of the fabric.

Any thoughts? TIA!

[orangefoot]

Don't stitch backwards!

No, really, I often don't stitch backwards at all. Are you zig zagging? Some machines don't like reverse zig zag.

You can avoid stitching in reverse by starting your stitching going towards the edge of the fabric, leaving your needle in the fabric then lifting your presser foot and turning the fabric 180 degrees to start sewing in the direction you want (away from the edge)

For wipes I wouldn't bother securing the ends, just zig zag away and don't worry about it. They won't unravel much and if they do it won't affect how you use it.

[fek&fuzz]

Oil the machine. That usually makes the machine very happy. Find your manual that will show you wear to put the oil, get a little bottle of 3-in-1 or some sewing machine oil at your fabric store. And blow out any dust you see.

[boysmom2]

Thank you! It probably does need to be oiled - I've had it for years, but just recently took it out of the box. It's been in my dusty attic for a long time.

And just not stitching backwards! Why didn't I think of that?

Thanks ladies! I'm planning to move onto soaker inserts for the small diapers I have, then maybe make some larger diapers. If all that goes well maybe a sling (I'm probably nuts!). I really appreciate your help!

[Carolinamidwife]

Sometimes when I get too close to the edge of my fabric and try to back stitch it gets all bunched up.

[ABand3]

Mine does that when it wants a new sharp needle, or wants to be rethreaded (even if it looks right).

[velcromom]

Yes, a sharp needle for every project! My machine does that when the top tension is wrong, or if the bobbin thread is not correctly threaded through the bobbin tension path.

[boysmom2]

Thanks everybody! It is a new needle and I think it's threaded and everything properly, but I don't really know what I'm doing yet. I'm sure it wouldn't hurt to re-check! Thanks for all your ideas!