Can anyone handy with a sewing machine tell me where I'm going wrong?

[GettingSewFrustrated]

I've got a host of nativity costumes to make and thought it would be so easy.....

I've cut out a T shaped tunic and I thought I could just sew along, turn inside out and voila, but the sleeves are very puckered. What am I doing wrong?

Are your stitches too small?

Have you tried a zig-zag stitch. Turning the fabric after stitching changes the tension on the stitch you may need a stretchy stitch.

If the fabric is synthetic, it's probably creeping as you stitch. If you pin and then tack before stitching the end result will be better.

I've tacked and attempted a zig-zag, slightly better but not quite ideal. Pinterest is suggesting snipping round the bend before stitching (not the technical name ) so will give that a go.

Thanks!

What sort of fabric are you using? Basting it first (inserting quite large (roughly 1") stitches in bright thread by hand) can help stabilise fabric. If you are using something with stretch you may need a zig zag stitch.

Lots of pins too.

Yep, loads of pins, a zig-zag and cutting snips worked a treat! I'm delighted. Thanks!

Ah glad you got sorted OP!

No, don't snip before stitching. Stitch, then snip. Make sure you go right up to the stitch line, no closer than 1mm though, but be careful not to cut into the stitches.

Yep stitch then snip so that it sits right.

Oh even better. Thank you all so much!

Make sure your tension is right, stitches pucker very badly on too tight tension.

Check that you are using a suitable needle