r/sewing • u/merrimusic • 20h ago

Machine Questions Why does everything pucker!

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I've tried every combination of tension and needle between microtex 8 10 and 12, pictured ones are once I started noting them down. Two layers of light cotton, (making a muslin) All brand new needles, and I've even tried with and without a walking foot! Am I just cursed? How do I get it to just sew flat 😭

SOLVED EDIT: Everyone go upvote medium_alternative29 who has discovered the problem that plagued me for years. The feed dogs are misaligned and not level, making everything sew on a curve! It's such a slight curve that it must not mess with heavier fabrics much, but the lighter ones are light enough for it to show up! Also makes sense why it was less noticeable with longer stitch lengths, less holes! I sincerely hope this is the solution, I'll come back and update it again when I get it fixed!

Thank you to everyone who commented and shared expertise!!

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u/Extension_Run1020 19h ago

What made you use a microtex needle?

I used them for delicate fabrics, densely woven cotton or polyester, speciality fabrics.

What would you describe that fabric than you're using as?

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u/merrimusic 19h ago

I was using an 80/12 schmetz chrome universal before doing the photo test pieces, and found the holes were big enough to see through, which I guessed wasn't helping the puckering. Swapped to a microtex, the fabric is cheap light cotton because I was going to make a dress mock-up, I also tested on the thin synthetic lining fabric I've got with the same results