I HATE PUL!!!! Someone help me!

[calmom]

Ok, I tried my first PUL aio tonight and it was a mess! I have sewn about a dozen really cute fitteds and some fleece aio's that turned out great so I got all excited, thinking that I could do anything now.

I traced a cloud 9 softie for my pattern, did all the prep work and started sewing the 2 mil pul to a layer of hemp fleece with a soaker attached. I first noticed that my stitches looked way too tiny, like the fabric was having a hard time moving through so I turned the tension down. Then I start stretching the hemp fleece elastic area to keep the 2 pieces even but the pul is barely moving through the machine and the hemp fleece seems to be getting all used up with a bunch of pul left over, does that make sense? The pul also will not stay in line with my hemp layer, it keeps shifting and bunching and nothing I do will keep it even. It was finally obviously so lopsided that I took it out and ripped the 2 layers apart and threw the pul away. If it makes any difference, I was sewing right sides together with a straight stitch with the pul on top.

I have a great new machine that sew everything else perfectly so I don't think my machine is the problem. Does anyone have any ideas or experience for me? I'm ready to scream!

christie

[LuvMy2Kidz]

Get a non-toxic washable glue stick and glue the layers to the PUL, that will keep the PUL from slipping around when sewing or serging.

[rubelin]

Always sew the pul on the bottom layer, it slides over the feed dogs better than it slides under the foot. The best needle I've found is the Schmetz stretch needles. Keep your stitches at least a 10 (or 2.5 or 3) longer is a bit better cause it makes less holes. I pin mine quite a bit, especially the poly solids that are slippery on the right side. you just want to try and pin inside or close to the seam allowance.

Wash and dry your finished garment on HOT after sewing to seal all the pin holes in the pul.

It takes some getting used to, but once you get the hang of it, it's pretty easy

[calmom]

Thanks for the tips! I was really wanting to rip my hair out last night. I will try the glue stick and sewing with the pul on bottom. Is the schmetz stretch the same as schmetz ballpoint?


christie

[Izzybee]

Did you get a chance to try making another one using the PUL? If so, did it work? Reason I'm asking is cause I'm new to making AIO's and I'm kind of in the same boat as you. To make things worse, mine leak!!

[rubelin]

Originally posted by calmom
Thanks for the tips! I was really wanting to rip my hair out last night. I will try the glue stick and sewing with the pul on bottom. Is the schmetz stretch the same as schmetz ballpoint?

Let us know how it works out

And, nope, the stretch needle is a different thing, it has a sharper point. The ballpoint needle is good for knits because it pushes the fibers out of the way instead of cutting them, but it doesn't work as well getting through the laminate.

[calmom]

Nope, I haven't tried it again yet. I'm a little nervous but I'll be trying it again in a few days and hopefully, I'll be posting about my success!

christie

[Izzybee]

Best of luck! I've got my fingers crossed for ya.

[lestouffer]

Was in the same boat yesterday. I tried flipping it over and it helped a whole lot....my moms suggestion.

[calmom]

SOme success last night! I didn't want to waste more fabric on a messed up aio so I tried to make a pocket diaper with PUL and microfleece and it worked! I didn't get the different needles yet and no fabric glue but I put the PUL on the bottom this time and it made so much difference. I'm so excited. Thanks everyone, for the tips!

One last question about PUL- can I serge the edges of an aio made with pul or do I always have to turn and topstitch?

Christie

[Mommy2Brittani]

I found some really tiny clothespins and I use those instead of straight pins. The disadvantage is that you can't run over them, so you have to go slow and remove them as you come to them, but you really shouldn't be running over pins either.

[rubelin]

Congrats! Sewing it on the bottom makes the biggest difference, the rest is mostly fine tuning, so if it's working for ya' now, you could probalby get away without the special needles.

Yes, you can serge it, and since it will be layered rightside out, you don't have to worry about it being on the bottom, the fabric side should slide fine under the pressure foot.

mommy2B - Cool idea about the tiny clothespins!!

Robin~