How do I sew stretchy material without it bunching up?

Question

I tried tape and it was difficult to remove afterward

Answer 1

You can also sew the stretchy fabric on top of a "stabilizer" of some kind, then remove the stabilizer afterward. There are various types, some even dissolve in water... just ask at a fabric store for the possibilities.

Be aware though that if you don't build some stretch --extra thread-- into the stitching on a stretchy fabric, you *can't* stretch it afterward or the thread will break.
That's why a "stretch stitch" is used, or you can do the same thing by using a bit of zigzag stitch (fairly long) instead of a straight stitch --while stretching the fabric slightly as you sew-- that's a commonly used way of sewing seams of sweatshirts, t-shirt material, etc.


Good luck!

Diane B.

Answer 2

Use a ball end needle on your machine. Do not hold it too tight or stretch it because it will bunch when it goes back to its normal position. Keep it as flat as possible AND use a longer stitcher. Smaller ones will make it bunch. Do not reverse the seam to secure it.

Answer 3

Make sure you are using a needle, made just for knits. Give the slightest bit of tension on both sides of the needle as you guide it through the presser foot.

Answer 4

Adjust the tension on your sewing machine to a looser setting and a longer stitch.

Answer 5

You can also check to see if your machine has a stretch stitch among it's stitch selections. The manual that came with the machine should tell you which ones they are.