Apples and Strawberries + Tute On Page 4

[Euphoriaa]

Edited to add **Tute on Page 4**

I finished this top last night. I am not sure of what you call the gathered/ruchy/tab bit on the bust. Anyone know if it has a name?





Just a question though, anyone have any ideas of how to keep the bottom hem stretchy? I serged the bottom and hemmed it with a straight stitch and now it has no stretch at all/feels stiff. I put it on and hear threads snapping!! 

[zazazoom]

I love it! Those type of tops are my favorite, I think they fit me in a more flattering way than most tops.
I donno what the name for the the thing in the middle is either, but I would probably describe it as a contour bust, and the gather in the front gives it a sweetheart neckline... but someone else probably knows more exactly what it is.

[CreativeChick8]

I absolutely love it! you did a great job! 

[Maajo]

Lovely! 
Would it help if you stretch the fabric as you sew?

[SewnMemaw]

I love this top and the wide straps...what pattern did you use?
I am a full figured woman so I would need a larger size.

As  for the hem..you should have used the "stretch stitch" feature or a zig zag on it.Then it will give...also you can stretch it as you stitch it if you don't have the "stretch feature" on your machine.
I hope this helps.

Great job!!!

Marian in Va

[pseudo_pix]

As  for the hem..you should have used the "stretch stitch" feature or a zig zag on it.Then it will give...also you can stretch it as you stitch it if you don't have the "stretch feature" on your machine.
I hope this helps.

Stretching the fabric while sowing is fine when you want to make ruffle details  but can often lead to an uneven hem. Which I assume you aren't looking for

You can use the stretch stitch or a zig zag on the machine, but the very best way to avoid problems is to use the proper needle!

*puts on school teacher glasses*

For stretch fabrics you should always use a stretch needle. The thing about such a needle, is that the tip is more pointy than a normal needle. Making it possible for the needle to go down between the fibres and not through them. This keeps some of the stretchiness and makes the hem lay nicely onto the fabric.
If you use a normal stretch needle you should use the zig zag hem as SewnMemaw suggested.
http://z.about.com/d/sewing/1/0/w/x/1/stretch.jpg[/img]

You do however have an alternative that often looks more professional: a twin stretch needle. The (twin) stretch needle come in different width from 1,6-8mm (1/24"- 5/16" ish). I personally like and use 3-4mm. Here is a little about what the standarts are:

1.6mm & 2.0mm - Pintucks and delicate sewing.
2.5mm & 3.0mm - Hems or pintucks.
4.0mm - Decorative hems.

http://www.ggcreations.com.au/althea/needles/twin.gif[/img]

I could unfortunately not find a picture of a twin needle hem, but just take out a regular shirt of any kind and look at that!

Hope this will help you! Good luck with sewing more stretch fabric!

[MEshelltakeone]

It is sooo cute!!

question: is the print fabric one piece or two?

i was just about to make myself a similar style top out of stretchy fabric ( my first time ) and i am soooo thankful for the info on needles and such pseudo_pix!!!!! thanks!

[sonnetbird]

Looks nice and summery! For the hem - don't forget for knits you have to stretch a little as you sew

[Euphoriaa]

Hello and thankyou to everyone for your helpful and kind comments!!

I love this top and the wide straps...what pattern did you use?

I didn't use a pattern for this, I have a top similar that I used as a guide.
For the bust I folded a piece of fabric in half and sewed it into a rectangular tube (open on both ends). I don't know if this step is really neccesary but then I sewed two lines of long stiches close together and gathered it by pulling on the bottom threads. Then I made a mini tube (red fabric) and sewed it into a ring and slipped it over the bigger rectangle...and this gives you your gathered bust and from there you make your body part etc. Um, if you don't get what I mean then I'll draw a diagram which might help more.

And thank you soooo much pseudo_pix for all the information on the needles! Thats something I would definatly have to try out as I plan on sewing alot more stretchy fabrics. I am sure alot more people would find this information helpful too.

Another little question..is a stretch stitch like a zig-zag stitch but kinda slanted? I did a quick google for it without much luck.

[MightyMouse]

oh, I love love love the fabric! I wish I could sew clothes like that!