puckering fabric

[Redina]

I have been using my machine for just over a year and have this problem: after I sew out a design, the fabric does not lay flat. Not immediately, but eventually ( even just an hour later) it starts to draw up around the design. Steaming it out helps temporarily. I have put my logo on not-new shirts and with a few washings, it also draws up slightly. Can I adjust anything to stop this. I want to look more professional and have nice, flat designs.

[Steve]

Does it curl up and look like a potato chip after the shirt has been washed?
If so, it is probably the hooping. Don't stretch the fabric but smooth it out so it isn't too loose in the hoop. Find an old t-shirt (or order one next time you place an order with your supplier) and practice with it.

[signman]

Part of the problem is the material-stretch it out too tight and it has to go back to shape and pulls the sewout with it.
Part is the design-too dense a fill and it puckers-check the density of fills, lettering, etc. and back it off a bit.
Part can be the backing material-if that isn't 'strong enough' to resist the pucker, or if it puckers itself, that creates a problem.
If you have a spare shirt, try hooping it several different ways-even a light adhesive spray on the backing before you put the shirt on it-may keep the shirt in place and not stretch while you hoop it.

[Redina]

Thanks to you both. I perhaps made the problem sound worse than it is; no potato chip curls, just a slight pucker. I will try the looser hoop solution, and the density fix. But it is entirely possible I am being over zealous in my hooping.