basic question about sewing stretch fabrics

[BalconyBirdie]

Hoping someone has some advice..   I've been teaching myself to sew this summer and it's going well. I want to tackle my first stretch project but am not sure about the stitching. I have a Singer Simple machine and the manual recommends the "straight stretch stitch," which it describes as two stitches forward, one stitch back, "used to add triple reinforcement to stretch and hardwearing seams."  However, looking around online, most people seem to recommend a zigzag stitch for stretch fabrics (at least for those of us without a serger!). Is one method preferred to the other?

Also, one site recommended a walking foot -- should I buy one of those too before starting?

Thanks in advance!

[LunaLady]

I have sewed with stretch fabrics on a regular machine and yes, I used the zig zag stitch. I haven't heard of using a walking foot for stretch fabrics, but I suppose that's worth a try, too!

I use ballpoint needs for stretch and knit (most knits are stretch) fabrics. Also, if your machine is like mine you can use a double needle which works really well for stretch fabrics, too! Especially for finishing hems 

[motherhendoula]

It depends what you are stitching - what type of stitch to use - a hem...definitely use the zig zag....putting in a sleeve?  straight stitch.  I always just used  a normal straight stitch - but your machines version for knits sounds good. 

I have been sewing for 30 years and have never tried a walking foot - let us know what it can do!

[Katie T]

The problem you can come across with using a regular straight stitch is that the thread is not stretchy and the fabric is so when the seam stretches the thread can break. The stretch straight stitch that you have on your machine will do a great job because with the 2 forward and one back it is giving the extra "give" to stretch. You can use a zigzag where you want to as well. 

I perfer the walking foot as I find it easier to not have a wavy seam this way. If the metal foot is not letting the fabric slide nicely and you have a plastic  one this can sometimes help. If you already have a walking foot you can just mess around with some scraps to see what you perfer. There is a little learning curve but it is a lot of fun!

[missmorganmac]

did you twin needle also need to be ballpoint for stretch?

thanks,

morgan

[missmorganmac]

did your twin needle also need to be ballpoint for stretch?

[LiLStar]

For seams I use a stretch stitch like described in your OP. It works beautifully for me. On my machine, I select the "S" on my "length" knob. I just zigzag hems because straight stitches always look terrible when I hem knits