My first doll and no stretch stitch... ideas?

[treehugz]

I've just started making my very first doll. It's the My Baby from a DRD kit, and I'm doing a weighted version. I'm about ready to sew the tricot, but I don't have a stretch stitch on my machine... I have an old machine that only does straight stitch (no stretch or zigzag) and I also have a simple serger. I did get a ballpoint needle to use. I'm a complete novice so what do I do???

Can I simply serger it?
Should I serger it and then straight stitch it?
Should I straight stitch it with a large stitch or a very small stitch?
Do I pull/stretch the fabric while I sew it?

[E.V. Lowi]

Originally Posted by treehugz

I've just started making my very first doll. It's the My Baby from a DRD kit, and I'm doing a weighted version. I'm about ready to sew the tricot, but I don't have a stretch stitch on my machine... I have an old machine that only does straight stitch (no stretch or zigzag) and I also have a simple serger. I did get a ballpoint needle to use. I'm a complete novice so what do I do???

Can I simply serger it?
Should I serger it and then straight stitch it?
Should I straight stitch it with a large stitch or a very small stitch?
Do I pull/stretch the fabric while I sew it?

Many people sew the entire doll by hand. You don't need a stretch stitch. Just shorten up your stitch length a bit. I always sew the seams twice, just in case a seam breaks. I stretch the knit just slightly.

[treehugz]

thanks! i'll try that... may have more questions when i get started on that part. i formed the head last night. yay!

[kittywitty]

I do the short zigzag stitch and a short straight stitch. I almost always sew around the body with an invisible stitch to shape anyway, and find it works better.

[deditus]

I have only straight stitch and it is fine. I do a second row in the seam allowance and stretch slightly.

[treehugz]

Originally Posted by deditus

I have only straight stitch and it is fine. I do a second row in the seam allowance and stretch slightly.

Okay, I did that and it worked like a charm. Thanks.