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My recent neckline issues (when I tried to copy a RTW knit top) reminded me of something that I've vaguely heard about, but have kind of been ignoring - stay tape. I've never used stay tape, and I'm kind of fuzzy about what it does, how and when to use it, etc. But maybe it's something I need to add to my sewing repertoire...
So, how about you? Do you use stay tape? If no, why not? If yes, can you say a few words about how and when and why you use it? Thanks! :)
15 comments:
Never used it... I'm not even sure I've ever heard of it.
I've stay stitched.... and put twill tape into the seam... but no to stay tape. I'm curious about it, now, though.
@Cole's - yes you have just that you used twill tape instead of stay tape.
I use it all the time, especially in a knit seams to keep them stable, prevents stretching. I've seen it used in bias seaming as well, as they are known to grow. It will prevent the ripple effect on necklines in knits.
I use it on shoulder seams and crotch seams on knits. I staystitch the neckline on knits and generally use a 3/4 ratio length of binding. Steaming the heck out of the neckline when finished will take away a lot of yuk.
Corinne
nope, never used it. i always stay stitch, but rarely, if ever, use stay tape or any type of stabilizer. i don't even stabilize my shoulder seams in knits (they are always sewn and then the seam pressed open). i did stabilize the back of my SIL's wedding gown, and used the selvedge from the china silk underlining for that. it was a pretty low back in a bias cut gown and needed it.
I use stay tape/light weight selvage strips on the roll line/V-neckline of jackets to prevent gaping; on shoulder seams and the crotch/back seam of pants to prevent stretching. The stay tape I use is torn or cut salvage of lining and light weight cotton fabrics. It would be a good idea to use stay tape on raglan sleeved jackets as the sleeve seams are on the bias.
I've never used stay tape, but I do use twill tape (for bias seams or waistbands) and clear elastic (for knits) to stabilize seams. I just finished a maxi dress where I used twill tape in the shoulders (for a knit!) because it's so heavy I was afraid of stretching. I've even used the selvedge from Bemberg rayon in a pinch, which worked fine.
I have never heard of stay tape before. It does sound useful, though. Looking forward to learning something new.
You would use it when sewing with stretchy fabrics in seams that may stretch out, like shoulders, etc... I rarely sew with stretchy fabrics, though, so don't use it often.
I've heard of it, but never used it. (I don't think it's available at Joann's, and I don't always know where to find notions in places where they have enough things I'd need that I can justify an order.) I've tried to fake it with both twill tape and interfacing strips, with mixed results.
I have heard of it, but have never used it - technically. I have used strips of fusible interfacing in its place, though, only on shoulder seams.
Oh yes, I LOVE stay-tape. I use it in shoulder seams of every garment I made, knits or wovens. On V-necklines, inseam pocket openings, anywhere stabilization is needed.
ALWAYS with knits. I will not be with it, as a matter of fact I'm stockpiled. Black, white, and beige. At times if I don't have twill, I have used grosgrain ribbon. It is amazing that such a little thing can keep your knits stable in the needed areas so well. Keeps my knit tops,cardigans and dresses from stretching out of shape. Stablizing knits is an important technique to me just like interfacing zipper openings before installing the zipper. It makes such a difference when used.
Isn't stay tape and twill tape synonymous?
I've started using strips of fusible interfacing to stabilize the seams of very unstable knits. I have a rotary cutter and scrapes of interfacing, so cut them into strips and use an iron to press them on the stitching line. I used to use stay tape (or twill tape) on knits, but my knits would stretch and/or the twill tape would be to bulky.
Rose in SV
I don't use it because all those sewing notions can really add to the cost of making something, and I am a little on the thrifty side.
Sometimes I stabilise the shoulders of knits, but not always. I never really understood why it was such a big deal...I always figured that if the shoulder was not a drop shoulder, there really wasn't anywhere for it to stretch to. When I have stabilised shoulders, I cut a scrap of woven fabric using pinking shears, sometimes on the bias, or use a scrap of selvedge.
I sometimes stabilise the upper waist edge of pants, using a strip of silk organza scrap (I have been using the same scrap I found in my MILs cupboard for a few years now), so that they don't stretch out and fall down during the day.
I use stay tape - especially on necklines of gowns, bias or curved waist seams, shoulder seams of knits. Basically anywhere that needs stability. That said, there are different weights and types - I've used twill tapes as stay tape for staying the front edges of tailored jackets and for reinforcing the armscye on winter coats. I've also used strips and selvedges of silk organza, too, which is some of the lightest type of stay tape.
If you're going to make something of quality, with durability, then the extra step is worth it.
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