BERNINA Corporate Blog -
T-shirts are such versatile garments. They lend themselves to so many styles, various types of knit fabrics, fits and functions.
I love making them as they are quick and easy and I think they are the most popular me-made garment in my wardrode.
I’ve got long sleeves, short sleeves, crop and full length, sturdier thick knit, drapey thin knit, fitted, oversized and a variety of prints and colours. Depending on the style and colour/print I can dress them up or down with a variety of garments.
I love to pair t-shirts with dresses, not only do they help me feel more comfortable with the straps but they usually elevate the outfit. In cooler weather I wear long sleeves with my favourite dresses so that I can wear them year round.
Sometimes my old favourite t-shirts need a bit of an update and this cute scallop technique is perfect!
What will be needed:
- Sewing machine (B735)
- A loved t-shirt (or you can make one using the free Stellan Tee Pattern)
- Thread to match fabric
If you want to use this stitch on a t-shirt you’re making: finish making the t-shirt and stitch them hem as you normally would before adding the Shell Tuck stitch.
Stitch Settings
Select the Vari-Overlock Stitch #3 (if your machine doesn’t have this stitch, you could try the Blind Hem Stitch)
Set the width of the stitch as wide as possible and the length of the stitch to between 2 & 3.
The longer the stitch length, the wider the scallop.
Increase the Upper Tension to the highest setting possible.
Use the stitch
Test the stitch on a folded piece scrap fabric (the same or similar as your t-shirt) and amend the settings as needed.
You can use the standard Reverse Pattern Foot #1
Choose a needle that best suits the fabric of your t-shirt.
Line up the folded edge of the garment with the inside of the foot.
When you stitch, the needle must stitch just on or next to the edge of the fold.
Try this technique on the neckline, sleeves and hem.
Favourite
Bernina’s newer models with digital touch screens have a great function that allows you to “favourite” your custom stitches for future use.
Once you are happy with the stitch settings, click on the heart icon.
Select “Add to Folder”
Choose a Folder
Tick to save
When you want to find the stitch again:
Click on the Heart icon and select “Open Folder”
Select the Folder you saved the stitch in
Select the stitch to load it
Tips
- If you make a mistake, the stitch can be easily removed with an unpicker. To help the fabric return to it’s original shape, steam it with an iron.
- You could try the Shell-Tuck stitch on light-weight woven fabric. Just take it slow when stitching and try it on scrap fabric first to help you determine the best settings.
- The stitch doesn’t have to be limited to t-shirts.
I would love to see how you use the Shell Tuck stitch, please feel free to share with me!
-Hannah-Rose
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