How do I keep the stretch out of my reconn seams?

[bayleesan]

I  am having this problem specifcially when sewing on bias tape to finish the neck. I am not pulling on the fabric at all, just trying to keep it lined up right, but it still get weird stretchy spots. It looks awful. I did do one dress with regular store bought bias tape and it laid muych nicer, but it did not fit over DD's head. (same pattern) Should I change the size of my neck hole and switch to store bought bias tape, or can I line it with something to keep the stretchies from happening, or is it a lost cause?

[SpottedFrog]

Without seeing the pattern and the problematic seams I can't offer much, pictures please?

[bayleesan]

Sorry I thought it was a pretty basic question because it seems like something that would happen anytime one is recycling t-shirts to make dresses, and using handmade bais tape from the same material (same shirt or other shirt) to edge the peice with. Too bad I am dumb. Here is a picture of one the peices I had this problem with. http://www.flickr.com/photos/36872391@N00/2521836423/ You can see the collar looks uneven a bit there in the center, though it doesn't show well in the picture. To me it looks much more pronuonced in person, sorry I cannot do a better job of explaining/showing you.  I have had simmilar problems with all of the recycled t-shirt peices I have done, it's just more pronounced when using bias tape to finish an edge. This pattern is from http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=165161.0

[SpottedFrog]

Aha! You are not dumb, just not giving quite enough info. I find when asking questions in a format like this it's best to give as much information up front as possible, exactly what pattern, materials, stitch type, etc. and pictures are always useful. I see posts go completely unanswered frequently because the question was just too vague.

Stuff for the actual problem at hand:
I find sewing with knits much harder than non-strechy fabrics, I know this isn't the case for everyone. Knit bias tape making & applying is not something I'd reccomend to a beginner, at all, matter of fact unless you are buying pre-made knit ribbing, it's pretty hard.

Sounds silly but iron your fabric, especially if you are doing bias. Steam pressing it into the shape you want before sewing makes for beautiful finishes.

Not knocking that tute in particular but just a comment on tutes in general: I much prefer commercial patterns for teaching/ beginner learning. Yes, tutes tend to have more friendly language & pictures, but they also frequently skip important steps, use the wrong terminology, are poorly drawn or worded or simply don't give information that will produce the best result. After you have a decent grasp of real patterns you can use tutes much more successfully.

[Kot]

Try to use a double needle, it works great for knits. I always sew the neck with it and it looks good and stays elastic (it makes two lines on the right and zigzag on the wrong side of the fabric). I also cut the tape straight, not on bias, as it's elastic enough to make a nice curves.

[bayleesan]

I have been cutting it straight when possible. I also adjusted stitch speed, and ironing EVERYTHING helps. It still hasn't gone away. I just made two dresses from woven knit instead of stretch knit and I was much happier with the results.