I am a beginner and my machine doesnt do stretch stitch so I ruined a $20 piece of fabric with a heavier knit does anyone have a solution? I am going to upgrade my machine but not for another couple months but I have another shirt already cut out.

does your machine zig zag? Just set it for a small zig zag and there you go.

Yes, if you have a zig-zag set it to do a narrow zig-zag stitch with a regular stitch length and you will have stretch in your seam without having a wonky looking seam.

The old Stretch and Sew also taught that when you sew knits GENTLY stretch the knit as it moves under the needle by holding the fabric in front of and behind the needle. this puts extra thread into the fabric that allows for a little stretch. This would work for a very small zig zag as well. In case the fabric looks stretched out when you use this technique, all you have to do is wash it and the fabric and thread will relax into the original shape. I've used this technique a lot and it works great.

What are you trying to do? I only use a stretch stitch for gathers, basting, or to tack down elastic.

I am making a shirt, but my friend told me if I make it on my machine it will stretch out the fabric. I do have zig zag though

Thanks I will try that.

I was taught the same thing. In fact, our teacher said to NEVER use the stretch stitch. She remarked that if we didn't believe her, to take black fabric, stitch the stretch stitch and then try to take it out -- it's a nightmare.

Great tips, thank you :D:D:D

thanks awesome tips.