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Q&A
By Marla Stefanelli
I'd like to extend the life of stretch jeans and shorts by adding an appliqué and/or trim to stains and hems. Are there special appliqués and thread I should be using to allow for the fabric stretch?
Gloria G.,
e-mail
When applying a patch or appliqué to stretch garments, the appliqué should stretch in the same direction as the garment so the patches don't restrict the fabric in that area and cause popped stitches. Purchased appliqué patches don't stretch. Make your own patches from knit fabric or woven fabrics with a Lycra blend.
If desired, make the patch sturdier by applying fusible knit interfacing to the wrong side. Be sure the interfacing and knit fabric stretch in the same direction as the garment.
Use all-purpose sewing thread, a universal needle and a stretch stitch or a short medium-wide zigzag to sew the patches in place.
Trims should also have some stretch, especially if they're going around the body. Zigzag the trim in place, being careful not to stretch the trim as you sew. The trim and zigzag stitch will then stretch with the fabric.
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