Sewing question....

justin138

I want to hem some handkerchiefs with those lovely little holes that you can get on specially bought ones (not the "normal" hankies with a hem with holes).

These type have holes right on the edge, to enable me to tat or crochet around. I'd also like to be able to do "picot" edging on white lawn to make a pretty nightdress case. Has anyone any idea how these are done?

I have a superduper sewing machine (but doesn't seem to have a pattern for this), an overlocker (hardly used as I'm scared of the darn thing), and an embroidery machine (not one of the all-singing-all-dancing types unfortunately).

Hope someone can help me here,
Jo

Hardup_Hester

I think drawn thread work is the name of the stitch you need, though not sure if it's possible to do it on a machine.
Hester

justin138

Oh poohey, look what I've just come across http://www.heirloomhemstitching.com/whatis.htm It's all done with a commercial machine! I don't like that one little bit, I WANT to do it myself.

tootles_2

You could try a wing needle, just what it says a needle shaped like a wing which leave a hole. My friend uses a very fine metal crochet hook to crochet lace onto damask coths which she remakes into doilies, tray mats etc.....

lynsayjane

could you do the style that they use for broderie anglais? that leaves little holes, then just position them for where you need them? think it's in a sewing book i have but i've never used it so...

justin138

Oooh Lynsayjane - PLEASE do tell me more - that sounds fabulous! How is it done and what sort of machine do I use?

frugalfairy_3

Yes, you can do this with a wing needle (either a single or a double one which looks like a small spear point together with an ordinary needle). Try just zigzagging with one of these needles, the spear-y point will make a larger hole in the fabric, as tootles says.

There's a great book called Fine Machine Sewing by Carol Ahles which Amazon may have which explains all this and more in detail, you may be able to get it cheaper somewhere or even through your library. http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1561585866/202-1890059-9055833?v=glance&n=266239&s=books&v=glance

(don't know whether this worked, sorry, am computer-unsavvy)

HTH
FF

justin138

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU! I've just bought the book you recommended and I'm off to buy a wing needle tomorrow. I've also been on eBay looking for a daft ancient attachment thingy thing for a Singer, which is a b****r to work with but apparently it's possible. I'll let you know if it works IF I "win". (I never think of it as "winning" on eBay anyhow - I'm spending money, NOT winning any!)

Jo

frugalfairy_3

Well if your 'daft attachment thingy' doesn't work I think you will find you can still use an ordinary foot? needle holder? whatever (difficult to be precise here ) as this book uses just a plain ordinary old sewing machine technique.

Good luck! I hope you're successful.
FF