22 comments on “Is your Sewing Machine Eating your Fabric when you Sew?

  1. Ann Mellor on Feb 23, 2013 11:29 pm | Reply

    Wow, I never heard of using paper to begin sewing. Great idea. I have a problem often when attempting to sew forward and backward at the beginning of a seam. I find that I have to begin about 1/4 of an inch in to keep the fabric from bunching up. Also, I was having a problem with a tangled mess of thread underneath the beginning of my seams as well. Rosie, your tip to hold both threads tightly is the only thing that seems to prevent it. I really like this question and answer forum. It’s nice to know that others have some of the same problems.

  2. I was sooooo glad to see this as your new tip. I was going to ask about this awhile back and ended up having to do a few other sewing projects and never got around to emailing you. I have held the strings and sometimes the machine still wants to eat the fabric. I never thought of using paper!! I will definitely try that next time! Thank you, Rosie! I always look forward to your newest sewing tips and blogs. You are wonderful! 🙂

  3. Thanks Rosie, I have used them all for many years, especially since I have a Diamond Embroidery Machine so it has a larger opening than just a straight stitch.

  4. Hi Rosie,

    Do you have a place where we can post pictures of the outfits we make? I love all your tips…..and reading your website. This fall I hope to take your course in sewing, although I seem to be getting much better….now I am going to tackle shoes and boots……this is soooo much fun. My granddaughters love my sewing!!!!
    Thanks Marian

    • Hi Marian, it’s fantastic to hear that you are enjoying sewing doll clothes and that your grandchildren love your sewing. If you email me your photos I will make sure that they are included in my blog or you can upload them to my facebook page Can’t wait to see them.
      Happy sewing
      Rosie

  5. I use 1.5″ squares as starters/enders sewing 2 together. It’s easier than hanging on to just the needle and bobbin threads. Eventually these will all be sewn together in a postage quilt. So far I have 3 strips of 6 x 100 squares and many other pieces sewn together but not yet in the long strips. Actually sewing a piece 18 x 20 or thereabouts and putting a small border around would make a nice antique looking doll quilt.

  6. Grandma Ruth on Mar 8, 2013 3:03 pm | Reply

    I found tear-away stabilizer at a local fabric store. It works wonders! It was .97/yard – 18″ wide. It really made sewing clothes for my granddaughters dolls much more enjoyable!
    I cut it into 1″ wide strips and use it to start a seam, end a seam, and under the zig-zag stitching for edging facings.

  7. Rosie, I just found your site. So many wonderful tips! Thank you for taking the time to do your blog. I have a problem I need help with, if you or your readers have any suggestions. I purchased on eBay a 1970’s Horsman Doll Shoppe kit for a 12″ Toddler. Everything was fine until I tried to put the arms on. The body of the doll came with button-type joints to which the full vinyl arm is supposed to attach. However, the vinyl won’t give enough to go over the button aperture. Any suggestions anyone? I would really like to finish this cute doll. Again, thanks for your site and all the wonderful information. Hoppy Easter!

    • Hi Jeanne, Glad you found my blog. Have you tried heating the vinyl with a hairdryer? This may make the vinyl soft so that it can stretch over the button aperture. Just be careful to not heat it too much. Would love to know how you get on. And Hoppy Easter to you too 🙂

  8. Joyce Kama on Oct 30, 2013 6:33 pm | Reply

    Thank you for this tip! I have been going crazy trying to make a little fancy blouse for my FR fashion doll out of very lightweight silk-like material and my machine keeps eating it. Now I can complete my project.

  9. debbie swanson on May 13, 2020 7:43 pm | Reply

    I accidently bought the wrong size coffee filters, instead of throwing out I use these to start my sewing

  10. I have a straight stitch foot for my machine just for this very reason but a 1/4″ foot should work easily as well.

    • rosieeditor on Oct 18, 2022 4:14 am | Reply

      It can be that, for sure! Also make sure to replace your sewing machine needle every few projects.

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