Another one of my pet hates is unpicking stitching that is sewn in a very small stitch. It is almost impossible to unpick. Whenever I have someone bring me a pair of trousers or skirt that needs the elastic replaced, I look at the stitching before I give a quote. Some have the chain stitch which is so simple and easy to unpick – takes a few seconds (well maybe a minute). But for small [...]
Picture this – A wedding dress is lying on the table ready to be shortened at the hem. It has layers and layers of chiffon, plus satin and tulle. Someone comes up and talks to you and puts a black pen down on the table with the lid off. It only takes a few seconds for the fabric to begin soaking up the ink.................... Can you imagine how you are going to feel? I had [...]
If you need to replace the elastic, I recommend that you place the elastic around the waist to determine the right firmness/looseness on the body. The reason I recommend this exercise is because elastics are all different in width and elasticity which of course affects how it feels on the body. Before cutting the elastic, place it around the waist with the opening at the front. Hold the two ends together when you feel it [...]
Some knit skirts have to have the elastic replaced when it loses its elasticity. Find the join in the knit (usually at the center back or side) and clip one stitch with your quick unpick so that you can see the elastic. Cut the elastic and pull both ends out. Keep hold. Use a safety pin and attach to one end of the old elastic. Make sure it is secure. Push it into the band, [...]
Bodkin to thread elastic I used to have all different sized safety pins in my sewing drawer for threading elastic, and then I found the bodkin to thread elastic. This particular bodkin has a clamp at the end. Plus at the very end there are small teeth which grip the elastic. How many times have you got half way around threading and the elastic has popped off? To use, slide the silver circle [...]