What kind of thread do I use with stretchy fabrics?

[baubo]

Hello everyone. I don't sew that often and have decided to try making a t-shirt and shorts for myself. Shorts: stretch novelty chino - 97%cotton, 3% lycra. T-shirt: lightweight ribbed knit 100% cotton.

I only have quilting thread, and that looks like it would cut right through stretchy fabrics, especially the ribbed knit.

What would you experienced folk recommend?

Thank you!
Rach, Glendale AZ

[baubo]

I forgot to mention I only have a straight-stitch machine, not a serger.

[westbrook]

standard thread is fine.

[baubo]

Thank you for your response. From what I've gleaned from the book, Sewing with Knits, which finally was checked back in at my library, my previous difficulties may have been due to a too-small stitch length. I'll try a cotton-covered polyester thread this time too.

[Andie]

use a ball point needle for the sewing machine if you can find one Good Luck:)

[Karen32]

Tips for sewing knit fabrics:

Use a thread with some "give" to it like an all-purpose polyester or cotton-wrapped polyester thread. Don’t use 100% cotton thread because it doesn’t stretch much.

Use a ballpoint sewing machine needle. The rounded point will slide between the fibers of a knit fabric instead of cutting though them. If you’re sewing a very stretchy fabric like a lycra blend, you may want to use a stretch needle to prevent skipped stitches.

Use a stretch stitch or a zigzag stitch so your seams will stretch with your fabric. Or use a regular stitch and stretch your fabric as you sew.


Karen
SewingSupport.com (http://www.sewingsupport.com/)

[zerodigit]

just use a simple thread will do..:D