problems sewing straight seams
08-26-2010, 02:10 PM
#1
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: maryland
Posts: 24
Well this is funny in a way, I've made two quilts one by hand stitching and another by machine.
Now here's the problem , I start out with a straight 1/4 of an inch seam line but when I get towards the bottom...........oops off it goes.
So does anyone have any hints as to how to keep it on the straight and narrow?
I've tried drawing the lines , eyeballing and even the masking tape, I don't do it all the time but it sure is becoming most of the time :(
Now here's the problem , I start out with a straight 1/4 of an inch seam line but when I get towards the bottom...........oops off it goes.
So does anyone have any hints as to how to keep it on the straight and narrow?
I've tried drawing the lines , eyeballing and even the masking tape, I don't do it all the time but it sure is becoming most of the time :(
08-26-2010, 02:27 PM
#3
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Union, Missouri
Posts: 1,542
They also make really pointy tweezers for just this purpose. Some people buy a tool (that can get pricy) called a Stiletto, it is used in the same manner that Renee has said she uses the wooden skewer. I would opt for the skewer. lol If my kids got ahold of it I would only be out a few cents instead of 20-30 bucks! Normally however I just feed it along until the last possible second before my fingers get sucked into the needle. So far so good. One of these days it will get me though. I am sure of it. lol
08-26-2010, 02:29 PM
#4
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Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Lake Orion, Mich
Posts: 1,630
I hope I can explain this right... LOL :) I put a pin in the fabric parallel to the seam line far enough away from the stitching so I don't have to take it out until I have sewn to the end. For some reason, this helps me keep that 1/4" all the way to the end. Before that, I used to run off too.
08-26-2010, 02:29 PM
#5
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Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Front row
Posts: 14,646
Sew onto an ender, that will stop the veer. Start with a leader and end with an ender.
Learn all about leaders and enders here:
http://www.quiltville.com/leadersenders.shtml
Learn all about leaders and enders here:
http://www.quiltville.com/leadersenders.shtml
08-26-2010, 02:51 PM
#7
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Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: home again, after 27 yrs!
Posts: 19,388
your fabric must be guided all the way past the needle. i keep my left hand on the fabric as it goes under the needle. the feed dogs will tend to pull it to the left or right if you let it. stilleto works too.
08-26-2010, 02:52 PM
#8
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: North Carolina
Posts: 745
Hey thanks! I always use a leader but didn't realize an ender helped with the end of the seam. I love this board and all you guys with these little tips!
dd
dd
Originally Posted by BellaBoo
Sew onto an ender, that will stop the veer. Start with a leader and end with an ender.
Learn all about leaders and enders here:
http://www.quiltville.com/leadersenders.shtml
Learn all about leaders and enders here:
http://www.quiltville.com/leadersenders.shtml
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