10/23/11 * SOS - What do you sew your test stitch on when you don't have the same/similiar fabric of your actually garment? TIA ;D

I use muslin. I cut mine into blocks. Watch for a sale and you can get a lot to keep just for test stitching at a very lost price. The designs that turn out well can then be used for quilts. I give some to my neighbor to sew on like applique or patches for her little girl.

I tried some of the starched muslin rolls for test stitching but did not like it at all. Not high enough thread count and it was very stiff and scratchy. That's why I switched to muslin.

Marcelle

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by mad14kt 24 Oct 2011

Thanks for sharing...I have some muslin somewhere in my stash. I was wondering what I was going to use it for...FIESTA ;D *2U

I use denim from old jeans. Then, I save all of my tests and put them in quilts to give away. If you are going to stitch on something expensive or irreplaceable, then you will probably want to find something of similar weight and fabric type. But jeans works most of the time for me.

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by mad14kt 24 Oct 2011

I L*VE denim, could NEVER hurt a piece of denim, LOL! I took a piece of old denim out yesterday to test and had to put it back...I L*VE denim ;D *2U

I am not very good at test stitching. Only test stitch when I am embroidering for someone else. I usually use calico, which I buy and then cut in squares all ready to stitch.

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by mad14kt 24 Oct 2011

Thanks for sharing ;D *2U

Monica, I bought an off cut piece of a roll of cotton,which is only 10"/25cm wide now. Which was very cheap. Also have t-shirting off cuts. I also have a stock of tea towels,guest towels and face cloths.So this I have on hand if I'm going to do a test stitch. Don't always do a test stitch. Hugs Yvonne

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by mad14kt 24 Oct 2011

Thanks Yvonne sounds like you have the fabric covered. I too didn't do test stitches but until I learn this program more...I will test mostly ;D *2U

I sew them on muslin. I have it in unbleached, white and black. I then use them as quilt blocks. I like the idea of using felt. I had never thought of using felt and depending on the size could be used as coasters. What a great idea.

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by mad14kt 24 Oct 2011

Thanks for sharing...I too was thinking felt also but I don't have any extra in my stash ;D *2U

I bought a role of calico, when the sales were on and use to test stitch when I get time. lol.. This is all stitched into quilt covers, when I have enough. hugs Helen

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by mad14kt 24 Oct 2011

Thanks Helen ;D *2U

It depends on what I'm doing. I do some test stitching on dollar store felt. If the pieces stitch out beautifully, I'll put it in a frame and give as a gift to whomever. If I'm going to be stitching quilt blocks, I'll sacrifice a square of the fabric that I'm going to be using. Good question... and I enjoyed reading the responses.

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by mad14kt 24 Oct 2011

Thanks, NEVER thought of framing as a gift ;D *2U

I have cut up old curtains and other things. Old sheets work great...as long as the fabric is in good shape! I use my husband's old tees for knitted goods too!

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by mad14kt 23 Oct 2011

Thanks for sharing...I will have to keep some stash on hand from now on ;D *2U

by airyfairy 24 Oct 2011

Curtain lining is great as well.

by mad14kt 24 Oct 2011

Curtain lining, NEVER would have thought of that ;D

If my garment is a knit, I do a test on knit. Otherwise I use leftovers from other projects, or squares of cotton that I can put into a quilt or placemats some later time.

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by mad14kt 23 Oct 2011

Thanks for sharing ;D *2U

Additional question here....I used to test stitch my Janome 8000 designs using serger thread. I haven't tried it yet with my Ellageo. Does anyone do that?

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by mad14kt 23 Oct 2011

No haven't done that but it sounds like fun ;D *2U

by justonlyme 24 Oct 2011

I stitched with serger thread exclusively until I got an embroidery thread collection. It works fine except for the lint buildup.

by mad14kt 24 Oct 2011

@justonlyme I heard the lint buildup is something else...I like the way it gives a give character ;D

What ever is available, I sometimes buy cheap cotton or curtain lining. I have a box full of bits stitched out

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by mad14kt 23 Oct 2011

Thanks, I will be saving scraps and such now ;D *2U

Sometimes I cheat big time and stitch out on stablizer only. While it does work I feel guilty about it as I use my test stitch blocks in charity quilts. Trying to find a use for everything.

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by osueo 23 Oct 2011

That's awesome///// None is wasted. Those in need appreciate (or should) all that you have done. What a great idea!!!!!!!

God bless you.

by mad14kt 23 Oct 2011

@Kitty that's what I started to do...Great idea for the charity quilts ;D *2U

What ever I have that is close to the same thickness of the fabric. I also have some flannel that I use for that, too.

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by mad14kt 23 Oct 2011

Thanks Shirlene ;D *2U

Calico/cotton - love and blessings Chris

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by mad14kt 23 Oct 2011

Thanks Chris ;D *2U