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Stitching & Crafting Room:  Another new-to-sewing machines question  |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
 Posted - Nov 06 2006 : 07:27:16 AM
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Okay ladies-
how do you get the seams to stay straight?!
I have tried following the guide lines by that are engraved on the metal under the foot and such, but if my fabric pulls just a bit one way or the other I get wavy seams.
I have the foot down, I guide the fabric through with both hands... am I over controling the fabric or something? Part of the problem is that I am working with huge sizes of fabric- about queen sized sheet size.
Any hints and tips would be great.
Thanks
Alee |
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sunshine
True Blue Farmgirl
4877 Posts
Wendy
Utah
USA
4877 Posts |
Posted - Nov 06 2006 : 07:35:04 AM
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make sure feeddogs are up when foot is down.
Also if you put one hand behind the needle hold fabric sort of pulling but not really more a guiding thing and one in front holding then between the two hands you should be able to keep it straight
the other way is both hands in front and one on each sideof the needle close to it to guide it.
also go at a even pace fast and slow tens to wabble too
when somehting is so big make sure the weight is taken care of some how by being on a large table so you don't have the fabric controlling you sort of like a big dog if you don't control it it will deffinatly control you.
Make sure the fabric isn't falling off the table so that it doesn't pull.
One way is to fold fabric and work slow making sure as you unfold it every few feet you refold it behind the machine so nothing falls.
have a lovely day and may God bless you and keep you safe my blog http://sunshinescreations.blogspot.com
my web stores www.sunshines.etsy.com and http://vintagethreads.etsy.com
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Edited by - sunshine on Nov 06 2006 08:17:38 AM |
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berries
True Blue Farmgirl
475 Posts
gloria g
Florida
USA
475 Posts |
Posted - Nov 06 2006 : 08:00:06 AM
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A simple thing to help guide fabric is - take a stack of post-it-notes, stick them to the 1/4 place and that way you can keep the fabric going through the feeddogs and needle straight. It gives it a wall so to speak to ride against!
Hope this helps. Then when you press, press the seam as you sewed it - called setting the seam, then press either to the dark fabric for quilting, or flat for other functions of sewing.
farmgirl hugs, gloria g. Richards, TX
strawberry fields forever and ever! |
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Bluewrenn
True Blue Farmgirl
1122 Posts
Erin
Texas
USA
1122 Posts |
Posted - Nov 06 2006 : 08:04:45 AM
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Working with large pieces of fabric is tough. You have to have the fabric completely on the table so the weight of it doesn't pull it off kilter, which is what is happening.
Sunshine's tip about keeping the extra fabric folded up both in front and in back of the needle is a great one. Also her tips about holding on to the fabric from both the front and the back.
Also if the fabric is slinky or slippery, you might want something on the table and under the sewing machine, like a table pad or a piece of felt that is somehow attached or tacked in place (so it doesn't slide) to help keep the fabric you are sewing from slipping so much.
My Homesteading Journal http://toomyvara.livejournal.com
My craft journal http://bluewrenn.livejournal.com
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bramble
True Blue Farmgirl
2044 Posts
2044 Posts |
Posted - Nov 06 2006 : 08:28:10 AM
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Alee- Another way is to place a piece of masking tape along the seam margin markings on your sewing deck. Something about the fabric and light contrast keeps you alert to the seam staying straight. For sewing large pieces of fabric you were given good advice about folding and not letting it pull.
When I sewed a canvas teepee, my husband held the fabric up in front of the table I sewed on and unfolded it as I went. It was just too heavy to manage by myself. For curtains, I sometimes staple outside of the seam margin to keep lining and fabric smooth and flat to sew. It sure helps keep the bunching to a minimum. (Not recommended for silky fabrics and DON'T sew over the staples!)
I think this might be why alot of us sew on our dining room tables,
plenty of room to lay out the fabric and keep it straight. Also makes a great cutting table!
with a happy heart |
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Stitching & Crafting Room: Another new-to-sewing machines question |
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Another new-to-sewing machines question
