question about sewing Spandex

Ok, so I read that you can sew Spandex with a regular machine, but you have to stretch it as you sew so that the thread won't break when it stretches later. First, is this correct? Second, if it's four-way stretch spandex, do you have to stretch it in both directions (toward/back and right/left)?

 

Many regular machines have a stretch stitch. A zig-zag can also be used. I used a stretch stitch with a zig-zag pattern for my Mara Jade costume and for my Battle of Geonosis Padme costume. It worked quite well.

BTW--you probably mean 2-way stretch.

 

Also be sure you have good sharp pins when you do it, just so that it goes through the spendex cleanly. You don't want dull pins or it can rip the fibers.

 

I was afraid that they pins would put permanent holes in my material. So I used paperclips to hold the edges together and it worked well.

 

? Isn't there both 2-way AND 4-way stretch? Cuz I assumed you stretch it forward/back when it's 2-way stretch, but I didn't know if 4-way stretch had to be stretched in both directions. Does that make sense?

The sewing machine I use is my mom's and it's from -like- 1967. I'm not sure if it has a stretch stitch. lol She still has the insruction book though....

So do you have to stretch it as you sew if you're using a stretch stitch?

 

You don't have to stretch the fabric no, or else you'll end up with wonky seams. Your thinking of when you sew elastic, that you do stretch, but not spandex. You sew it like regular fabric, but be sure to double check your measurements, and realize that if it's a tight fitting outfit (Padme's battle Arena outfit) that it'll actually be a little smaller when you measure, and then stretch to become the "size" needed.

Am I right on that? I've only done two pairs of pants before, and it's been a while!

Paperclips! Us creative types! I used Quilters Needles they are like beader's needles very thin.

 

In case your sewing machine manual doesn't label the types of stitches it has, sometimes it's called a triple-straight stitch. A tight zigzag stitch works well too. But the triple straight is really good for any stretch fabric b/c you don't have to stretch the fabric while sewing.

Long, glass-headed pins work really well for stretch fabrics. Use less rather than more and take your time stitching so you can pull the pins out before they get fed through the feeder. You'll have smoother seams that way.

Hope this helps too.