This was a fun little Lycra top to make. Yes, you heard me. Fun and Lycra can be used in the same sentence. :) Don't let stories from other seamstresses intimidate you. Here are the rules.
Use Polyester thread. It stretches and you need the thread to stretch.
Wind your bobbin thread slowly. This makes for a looser wind. Very important.
Use a "new" ball point needle. I used a size 80/11 for this project.
Adjust your top tension down. Mine was pretty low for this light weight thin Lycra.
Sew a test strip to check your tension and quality of seam. If the stitches break when pulled or your fabric puckers, your tension is too tight.
Sew slowly and allow the fabric to naturally feed through under the presser foot. Do not pull or stretch fabric as you sew.
You may use straight stitch or zigzag. Either works fine.
Remember.. on any tension adjustments, avoid touching your bobbin tension unless you really know your machine well and you know what you are doing. I never adjust mine.
If you find you're having problems with the fabric slipping or not feeding properly under the presser foot, try the following. Pin a piece of tissue paper on top of the fabric and sew directly on top of the tissue. After you finish sewing, gently tear away the tissue.
The below picture is a truer example of the colors in this fabric. Big difference... I think the flash had something to do with it. I am taking my pictures with my Blackberry and I'm not able to get very good pics, but wanted you to see that sewing with Lycra is possible, it's easy, and you should not be afraid to work with it. This pattern is a New Look #6464.
