Welcome to Day One of the Coats and Clark Eloflex Thread Super Blog Tour. If you’re new here – welcome to my Sewful Life!
If you’re already a follower, you’ve heard me raving, gushing and totally crushed on Coats and Clark’s new Eloflex Stretch Thread. And, there will be more today, because it deserves it and because I have an Eloflex Sample Pack GIVEAWAY for you. Woohoo! Happy Dance! Was that loud enough? I’ll try again . . . . .
G I V E A W A Y ! ! ! ! !
Because I blog for Make it Coats, I had the privilege of testing Eloflex last year and became a fan immediately. I’ve already sampled it on stretch wovens, double gauze, knits, swimwear and lingerie fabrics. It’s the most revolutionary sewing magic I’ve seen in a very long time!!
My Latest Eloflex® Make
Today I wanted to show you a top I recently made from one of my fave TNT (Tried n True) patterns – Katherine Tilton’s Vogue 8817. I did a little pattern hacking along the way, so we’ll talk about that. And, of course, I’ll tell you why Eloflex was the ONLY way to sew for this top!
Working with a gorgeous knit stripe and a solid black I purchased locally at Pacific Fabrics (yes, they carry Eloflex!), I sketched out design possibilities for View C in my Cashmerette sketchbook. After sketching, I decided to go sleeveless with black trim. I was on my way to Texas for a family reunion and even a short sleeve sounded way too hot!
The yoke top was cut with the stretch and the stripe horizontal to keep the fit intact. But, because I love “playing” with stripes, I used the stripes vertically on the lower “skirt” part of my top. To make sure they were straight, I cut the fabric in a single layer, one half at a time, rather than folding it double. (Click on the pictures above for more notes!)
After cutting my yoke pieces, I double checked my design decision by laying the upper and lower pieces together to make sure I still liked the look. I did, so it was time to serge, press and topstitch!
Eloflex-ably Excellent
This is where the beauty of Eloflex begins. If you’ve sewn knits with a sewing machine in the past, although it didn’t make a smooth seamline, you probably used a small zigzag stitch to add stretch. But, what about topstitching? A small zigzag just isn’t fabulous for topstitching – you really need a straight stitch, right? And, now you can do that. Use Eloflex for your top and bobbin thread and bask in the glow of the stretch! (Yes, I do have a stuffed Mickey watching me sew. Doesn’t everyone?)
I did my yoke topstitching as soon as my front and back pieces were assembled, so I didn’t have to work around the side seams once they were sewn.
Eloflex retains it’s beautiful, thrilling stretch once it’s sewn in a straight stitch. So you can stitch seams, hems (above) and topstitching with confidence. Oh. My. Goodness. It is such a pleasure to straight stitch a knit on a sewing machine without worrying about the stitching going snap, crackle and pop when you move around!
A Fabulous Trim Made Sew Much Better
My favorite trim for knit clothing armholes and necklines is a self-fabric strip that is sewn, to the edge of the opening, then folded over the seam allowance and topstitched. I first trimmed the seam allowances from those openings, then attached it after the shoulder and side seams were sewn. It creates a very professional finish!
In the past, I had to stretch the fabric while sewing and topstitching to build give into the finished openings. I am absolutely thrilled with how much better my favorite trim is now that I have Eloflex to stitch with!
My Finished Top & The GIVEAWAY!
I love this top and it’s been so comfortable to wear! It performed quite well when I got a little silly with my cousin Sandi at the family reunion. And, it was perfect under a cardigan last week while eating homemade ice cream with good friends.
And, now for the GIVEAWAY!!! This wonderful 10 Spool Eloflex Sample Pack will be given away soon and it’s easy to enter to win. Just leave a comment right now on this post and you’re in! I’ll announce the winner on Friday, September 1st at 9:00 am PT. So, you can enter with a comment until then and you’ve got just over a week to enter and tell your friends!
Plus, Make it Coats is giving away a special grand prize, too. Click here to enter – the winner could easily be YOU!
Thanks again for stopping by! You can learn even more about Eloflex Stretch Thread by clicking here. And, if you can’t find it locally, you can purchase a spool or 12 by clicking here. If you’d like to enjoy more of my Sewful Life, you can follow me by email, WordPress or Bloglovin’. Just look to the side of this page and sign up for your choice. I’ll be back with more Sewfulness soon!
Moment of Further Truth:
Coats and Clark provided the Eloflex thread I’ve been sewing with and the lovely Eloflex Sample Pack for the giveaway. This post includes affiliate links and I may receive a small payment if you make a purchase using that link. Thank you if you do – it helps to keep The Sewful Life stitching along and I sincerely appreciate your support. But, the rest of this is all me and I only rave about things if I truly believe in them!
I have a pile of knits that need this thread! It’s on my list for my next trip to JAs. Great post!! I love your new top. Makes me want to run in and play with stripes right now. 🙂
Thanks so much, Judy!! Eloflex IS amazing. Can’t wait to see what you make!
I have not yet seen eloflex thread locally but will surely be picking some up online soon. Thanks for educating your readers to the wonders of this new thread!
So glad you stopped by, Terry! You’re going to love it!!
I would love to try the Eloflex thread as I do a lot of sewing on knits.
You’re going to be so in love, Marcia! Hope you win. 😊
I wonder if this means I won’t need my cover stitch machine anymore! I can’t wait to give this thread a try.
Haha! I don’t have a cover stitch, but the next thing I’ll try is using Eloflex in the needles on my serger. Enjoy!!
Oh my. Of course I’d love to win this, but this is something I need yesterday. I wonder if I can even get it in Norway yet? Must check asap.
Yes – you need this thread! Hope it’s coming your way soon. 😊
I hope you win! I’d love to send it to Norway! Sounds like it’s not available in your area yet, but maybe some day. 😊
I really enjoy your blog. You are so relatable and genuine and the clothes you make are beautiful. I am so darn excited about the Eloflex. For 40 yrs I’ve been fighting hemming stretch
fabrics. Finally a solution that doesn’t involve a wobble stitch. Keep up the great work!!
Thank you so very much, Marjorie. You’ve made my day! You are going to be so pleased with Eloflex and your new smooth hems. 😊
I have great hopes for this thread! I’ve been sewing knits for decades and look forward to a thread that will stretch nicely WITH the fabric instead of against it!
You are going to be thrilled, Barbara! I went from skeptic to total bliss in about 30 seconds of sewing!!
I’m finishing up a shirt for my husband and skirts for my granddaughters so I can get to sewing for myself.
There’s a stack of knits calling my name and this new Eloflex will certainly make them a joy to sew up!
You do need Eloflex, Carol! It would be a great reward for all that giving. 😊
I love the pattern. It looks so comfy. Would love to win the thread and give it a try.
Thanks so much, Gail!! Hope you win. 😉
I love your style and this top is Tops! I am ready to sew up a storm with all that Eloflex I’m going to win!!! well hopeful anyway! thanks for the giveaway!
You’re so sweet, Teri – thank you! I do hope you win. 😊 You’re going to love the thread!!
This is such a brilliant idea! Finally can top stitch without popping.
Yes!! It’s amazing!
Such an interesting concept-are there other uses besides knits…I’ll have to ponder that one. Love seeing all your uses of patterns & color!
Thanks, Heather! I think it’s going to be great on curved areas that need stretch in woven garments, too. Underarms, pant curves and it may help with turning curves on collars and scallops. So much more sewing to do!
I enjoy you blog so much, have picked up so many good tips from reading it. I mostly sew with knits so I’m very excited to try this thread!
Thank you, Sondra!! You’re going to love Eloflex. It’s just a joy with Knits!
I’m so excited about trying the new thread! I love the fact that I can use it with a straight top stitch. It will look so professional. Your top pattern and fabric are great choices. Thanks so much for wonderful article.
Thank you, Linda! You’re going to love the thread – it’s perfect for you. Hope you win!
Would love to win some Eloflex thread!
Hope you win, Eileen!!
That is so cool! I’d love to try it too 🙂
It’s great stuff, Linda! Hope you win!!
Sounds Wonderful!
It is!!! Hope you win, Sue! 😊
I would love to win. I just bought some swim fabric to make a coverup shirt. With Eloflex I can sew my shirt seams with a straight stitch, correct?
That sounds like a great project. Yes, all you need to do is a straight stitch. So amazing!! Hope you win, Ginger!
I just got 4 yards of some Timeless Treasures knit fabric. I think this thread would be perfect to use with it.
Wow, I didn’t know TT had Knits Cool! You definitely need Eloflex, Teri!!
That is so interesting and such a great product. I have footered around so much with twin needles, but you’re right – sometimes you just want a straight stitch. Exciting! Thanks for the post!
Thank you! You’re really going to love Eloflex!! Such great stuff. 👍
I heard another thread pop this morning when I put my shirt on. I do need this thread:) Thanks for the opportunity to win.
I think you did the right thing by playing with the stripes. It looks fantastic!
Thanks, Patti! Yep, bye-bye popping. 😊 Hope you win!
I would love to win the thread! I have several rayon knits that I would love to finally get sewn and this thread would be perfect for the job! Love your top, too!
Thanks, Theresa! Yes, it’s going to be great for those rayon Knits. Best of luck on winning!!
That top is so cute. Thank you for the blog.
Thank you, Kelly! Happy Knit Sewing!!
I’m anxious to try the Eloflex threads, I have some knit dresses that I just purchased planning to shorten in to tunic tops – this thread is the answer to making this a breeze
Oh, that’s great, Jennifer – Eloflex will be perfect for you! Best of luck on the giveaway!!
Wow – I’ve not heard of this thread before. I’d sure like to give it a try!
It’s brand new and so cool, Helen! Cross your fingers for the giveaway!!
V8817 is one of my TNTs too. I love your sleeveless version and might have to steal your idea!
Steal away, Joan!! We sewful girls have to share, right?! Good luck on the giveaway!
Your posts are inspiring me to sew. A friend shared your blog with me andI have been enjoying following you.
Thank you so much, Irene!! Good luck on the giveaway!
Great use of stripes. I’d love to try the thread.
Thank you PetitePear! Hope you win!!
Just found your site – am so glad I did (it will now be a regular visit for me). Love how you designed your top. Am looking forward to trying out the Eloflex myself.
Oh, that’s great, Sheila – thank you!! Best of luck on the giveaway!
Really cool thread! Have a wonderful day!! angielovesgary2 atgmail dotcom
Thanks for dropping by, Angela!
This new thread looks really interesting — it will truly fill a niche. I really like your new knit top. The Eloflex thread will really be an advantage for sewing with knits. Very cool!!
It’s really amazing, Molly. Hope you get to try it soon!
I’m hoping my local Joann’s is getting ready to stock Eloflex…..there is a large empty area on the C&C rack. Keeping my fingers crossed – can’t wait to try it!
I bet it will fill that blank spot soon!!
Lovely top! I just bought my first spool at our local Jo-Ann’s. I am anxious to try it out.
Thank you, Rose Marie! Have fun with your Eloflex!!
I was just looking at that thread at my JoAnns yesterday and wondered how well it worked. Thanks for the info!
You are welcome, Mary/ I’m always happy to share good things! Good luck on the giveaway!!
Wow, this sounds wonderful! What a great giveaway!
Thanks to the generosity of Coats and Clark! It’s my first giveaway on the blog and I’m thrilled that it’s such a great one. Best of luck!
Eloflex sounds wonderful. I wonder if I can find it up here in Vancouver? Thanks for sharing
Wouldn’t that be great, Paula! I’ll check and let you know if it’s going to be available up north. Hope you win the sample pack!!
Paula — I’m in Calgary Alberta and I found it in my local Fabricland store just the other day. Hopefully you will get it there soon, if it’s not there already!
Yes, I just heard that it should be in all the Fabriclands by this Fall!
Hi Paula – According to my friends at Coats and Clark, you should be able to find Eloflex at Fabricland by this Fall. Hope it shows up soon!
Hi 🙂
Love your neckline tips!
Thanks so much!!
Finally! Knits have been out for so long, and nothing equivalent threadwise to sew it with. Will have to look for it next time I am out.
You’re going to love it, Janet!! Glad I could spread the news and best of luck on the giveaway!
I’ve purchased some of the thread but haven’t yet used it. Now I’m hoping they will soon make pre-wound bobbins available in Eloflex!
Wow! Wouldn’t that be great!?!? I’ll pass that on to my friends at Coats. 🙂 Have a good time with your Eloflex!
I just found this new thread at my local fabric store the other day & have been telling fellow sewists about it. I’m so glad I stumbled across this blog tour, so I can see all the different applications for this wonderful new product!
Oh, that’s great, Anna! You’re going to be so inspired by the tour. Best of luck on the drawing!!
ANNA!!!!!! YOU’RE THE WINNER OF THE 10 SPOOL ELOFLEX SAMPLE PACK! Send me your address at sewfullife at gmail dot com and I’ll get it in the mail for you after the holiday weekend. CONGRATULATIONS!!
I just found this new thread in my local fabric store a few days ago. I’m so glad that I stumbled across this blog tour so I can see all the different applications for this wonderful new product!
I haven’t tried Eloflex yet but I’m excited about it. Just found your blog on the McCalls Pattern Co. Facebook page – I don’t know why I haven’t seen you around. Love your top! Tilton patterns are the best!
Yes, yes, I love everything Tilton, too!! Thanks for dropping by and good luck on the drawing, Kathy!
Wow – hadn’t heard about this thread – sounds amazing!
Definitely amazing!! Best of luck in the drawing!
Happy I saw your post on FB. Love your shirt design and blog info on sewing.
Thank you, Linda!! There will be more soon. 🙂 Good luck on the giveaway!
I’m glad to have found your blog. Thanks for the info and this thread looks interesting.
Thanks so much for dropping by, Mimi! I hope I’ll see you again and best of luck on the giveaway. 🙂
This thread sounds absolutely amazing; exactly what I’m looking for! Thank you for the opportunity!
You’re so welcome, Amber. This has been so much fun. Hope you win!!
Your creativity inspires me! Thank you for sharing your talent and ideas!
Thank you Sadie Mama!! Bet you have all kinds of little projects in your head. Good luck on the giveaway!
Your top is fab! The thread looks like a dream to use 🙂
Thanks so much, Dawn! Yes, Eloflex is definitely dreamy!! Best of luck on the giveaway.
I had not taken a moment to imagine sewing a knit without all the stretch worries. Love the top! Thanks for the tutorial. Practical and thorough and awesome!
Gonna get me some of this thread!!!!!
You’re really going to love the thread, Claire – it’s revolutionary. So many frustrations out the window now! Hope you win the giveaway. 🙂
Tried to find the new thread this week but no luck. I will be in Seattle later this month, what a great excuse to visit Pacific Fabrics.
I love the way you think, possemama! You’ll have a great time at Pacific Fabrics and they do have the thread! Best of luck on the giveaway, too. 🙂
I honestly have been hunting this thread down for days and I cannot find it for sale anywhere! I went to JoAnn’s on your recommendation and their search box said the item cannot be found. They carry every other Coats & Clark imaginable but no Eloflex! Where can I find it??? I’m in Canada but happy to order online if that’s my only option. Thanks for your help!
Aargh!! How frustrating for you, Kathleen! My friends at Coats tell me that Fabricland will be carrying Eloflex in Canada, but it may not be there yet. That’s a little hope, though! No, JoAnn does not have it on their web site, unfortunately. I can’t say for sure, but try emailing Pacific Fabrics in Seattle through their web site. They have it in their stores and if you address the email to Nicole and tell her that Annette sent you, she might be able to help. I hope one of those solutions works out! Let me know how it goes.
Thank you Annette! I didn’t see it on her web site I did email Nicole mentioning you and asking if she does carry it and would she be willing to ship some to me! Thank you for your help! I did notice when I googled it that fabricland was mentioned but when I went to their web site it wasn’t anywhere to be found so it’s possible they don’t have it stocked yet. I’m on their mailing list so hopefully they’ll contact me once it’s stocked. I also have a fabricland here in town so I can stop in there too to ask about it when I’m over that way.
You’re welcome!! I let Nicole know you’d be emailing. I hope she can help. I’ve had a couple people in Canada say they found it at their nearest Fabricland, so hopefully it’s in yours. It’s supposed to be in all of them by Fall. And, I just remembered that Create For Less has it online. I don’t know if they ship to Canada, though.
Hey there! 🙂 I jus tried this eloflex thread because I thought, “how perfect! This will be perfect for the athletic shorts I am designing!” Well, the thread doesn’t seem to catch. It’ll sew about an inch, then the thread doesn’t sew like a typical, all purpose thread.
What other correct stitch length and tension supposed to be for this thread?
Annette I found it! I did make it over the fabricland yesterday and found it AND it was on sale! I couldn’t believe my good fortune. I bought a slew of them 🙂 I also found more on another web site. I love this thread! It’s so smooth and the quality is really there. Thank you for all your help 🙂