overlocking or hemming silk velvet

Hi I am new to this group and wonder if anyone has tips for heming or overlocking silk velvet. I have a Janome Mylock 134d, does anyone know if there are particular tension setting for silk. Thanks Sue

Reply to
sue
Loading thread data ...

Yup - but it's different for every machine and thread combination! Take a look in the manual for the advised settings for a medium weight woven fabric, and test that, then adjust thread tension, stitch length and width, and differential feed until you get the best results. You also need to take into account that the pressure of the foot and feed dogs will mark the pile of the velvet, so leave enough hem to turn the damaged portion up out of the way.

Then hand stitch the hem! I find that using either silk thread or a fine rayon machine embroidery thread works well: fine thread, fine needle, and don't make the stitches too long! Too big a gap between stitches means there is too much fabric hanging from each stitch, and you are more likely to get dimples from the stitches showing on the outside. Also, don't pull the stitches tight! More loose stitches works better than fewer tighter ones in this instance.

Reply to
Kate Dicey

Dear Sue,

And here's another technique for garments where one doesn't want any hem showing. Use one-inch wide horsehair. This is a product used in millinery to make flowers, but it's great for hems as well. It comes in many colors, and is carried by upper end fabric stores or by millinery supply stores.

Topstitch it to the bottom of the skirt on the right side, stretching it gently as it is applied. Then, flip it up to the wrong side. It's cut on the bias, so it stays in place without sewing it. This technique is used mostly for gowns and wedding dresses.

Teri

Reply to
gjones2938

On silk *velvet*??? OP's question was about hemming silk velvet. While I agree that horsehair, in the couture hemming technique you describe, is wonderful for satin, taffeta, etc.,I would think the stiffness of horsehair would be anathema to a skirt made of velvet.

Reply to
BEI Design

Dear BEI Design,

Of course, it depends upon the design of the dress, but we have used it successfully on silk velvet gowns with straight skirt hems, A-line hems, and even some with trains.

Teri

Reply to
gjones2938

The nice thing about putting it in trains is that it makes them lie out flat on the floor, rather than folding up and dragging like a tail! :)

Reply to
Kate Dicey

InspirePoint website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.