Contrary to popular belief, sewing spandex on a home machine is actually quite easy and effective with the right tools and techniques, and learning to sew spandex is a great skill to have, no matter what you’re going to use it for.
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Is it hard to sew with spandex?
It’s an ideal fabric for the aforementioned projects, but that same stretchiness can make the material tricky to work with. Like any knit fabric, spandex is more manageable if you own a serger, but you can definitely sew spandex on a regular sewing machine — especially if you have these tips on-hand.
Do you need special thread to sew spandex?
As mentioned above, polyester thread is a good general pick for sewing spandex. If using a serger or cover stitch machine, you may also want to consider wooly nylon thread, especially for the loopers.
How do you sew spandex fabric?
Here are some tips to help you sew Spandex with ease:
- Use a new needle. A standard sewing machine needle, size 11 or 14 can work well for Spandex.
- Test stitches. Most machines have several stretch stitches.
- Guide the fabric while slightly stretched.
- Use a straight stitch needle plate.
What is the best stitch to use on spandex?
Stitch Options
My preferred stitch for sewing Spandex seams is the basic zig-zag stitch. Don’t use a straight stitch as it will probably break the first time you wear the leotard or swimwear. Just set it to a narrow width stitch. Try on a scrap of fabric (folded double), a width of 0.5 – 1.0 and a length of 3.0.
What tension should I use for spandex?
Tension: For loftier knits or stable knits, like ponte or scuba knit fabrics, try a lower tension around 2 or 3. Around 4 is usually good for heavyweight knits. The 4-5 Tension range generally yields the best results with light to medium weight knits.
Does spandex fray when cut?
As I mentioned earlier, spandex doesn’t fray, so if you’re going to be wearing boots or gloves that cover arm or leg holes, you can technically leave it unfinished and be fine. If you want a cleaner finish, a zigzag stitch is a good option.
What needle should I use for stretch fabric?
Use the ball point needle when sewing on stretch fabrics or fabrics where skipped stitches easily occur. We recommend needle HG-4BR (Organ). Schmetz needles “JERSEY BALL POINT” 130/705H SUK 90/14 may be used as a substitute.
What setting should I sew stretchy fabric on?
The best stitches to use for sewing stretch fabrics are: Narrow zigzag: opt for a very narrow setting with the zigzag, with the stitch length equal to the stitch width. Overedge stitch: a specialty stitch that locks over the edge of the fabric so it stitches and finishes a seam in one pass.
Do you need special thread for stretchy fabric?
All-purpose polyester thread will work fine as it has some give when stretched. Cotton thread is not recommended. If the item you’re making needs to be stretchy or form-fitting to the body, you may want to use elastic thread. Only use elastic thread in the bobbin of your sewing machine, and wind it by hand.
Does a zig zag stitch stretch?
A zigzag stitch is also used as a stretch stitch when other options are not available. By sewing a seam with a narrow zigzag stitch rather than a wide zigzag stitch, the stitching will stretch with a stretchy or knit fabric.
What can I make with spandex fabric?
Spandex is ideal for swimsuits, dance costumes, and activewear because it moves with the body and has a ton of stretch. Additionally, it is good for face masks since it wicks away sweat which happens during physical activity.
How do you finish the edge of spandex?
4 thread overlock is the best way to sew seams but if you only have a regular machine use a zig zag stitch. Lycra does’t fray so the edges can be left raw but for a more finished look turn up and use a twin needle or coverstitch. The greatest direction of stretch should go around the body.
How do you finish a spandex seam?
Overcasting (or Knit) Stitch – this is a great stitch for stretch because it both makes a clean unbroken seam line and creates a wider stitch that finishes the edge of the fabric. It also lays really flat, allows for a lot of stretch, and is great for stitching spandex and other very stretchy fabrics.
Is a ballpoint needle the same as a stretch needle?
Stretch – Stretch needles have a slightly less rounded point than ballpoint needles and a specially designed eye and scarf that prevents skipped stitches.
Can you sew stretch fabric without an overlocker?
Want to sew with knit fabrics but don’t own an overlocker or serger? No problem! While overlockers or sergers are great for handling stretch fabrics and creating a professional-looking finish (I love mine), you don’t necessarily need one to sew with knits.
Is a Jersey needle the same as a stretch needle?
Stretch and Jersey needles have a medium ballpoint. Rule of Thumb Use Stretch needles on stretchy fabrics especially those with elastic, Lycra®, Spandex. Use Jersey needles on knits. Sometimes, but not always, Stretch & Jersey needles are interchangeable.