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Article rating : 0.00, 0 votes. Author : Marian Lewis
Are you really sewing 5/8" seams or is it slightly more or
less?
If you are following the markings on your sewing machine
throat plate, I hate to tell you, but they aren't 5/8", etc.
The toes of your regular presser foot are not a good guide
for 1/4" seams either. Check them out and you will see that
they are generally more than 1/4".
There is one exception to this that I know of and that is
the "little foot" that was made especially for quilters to
do 1/4" wide straight stitching only.
Machines don't usually come with this foot. It is a
special order narrow toed foot.
The markings on sewing machines are in centimeters. Why is
your machine marked in centimeters? Because they are not
manufactured in the United States. They are made overseas
and they use the metric system.
Our sewing patterns and instructions are in inches.
To have sewing success, we must stitch accurately.
We need help to identify where the stitches should be.
We cannot "eyeball" it and we shouldn't use the centimeter
markings if you are stitching in inches.
I know that a lot of you believe you are stitching correctly
But, I would like you to double check to make sure.
Here is a simple way to do that.
Drop your needle down and measure out to the markings on
your sewing machine with an accurate tape measure. Close
is not the answer. Exact is.
I highly recommend that you mark your machines so that you
have a clear guide to stitch accurately.
I don't particularly like the metal bar type stitching guides as I feel they are too bulky. And, they are'nt really where I need them. I much prefer a flat piece of tape.
I always have a tape stitching guide on my machine. You can use
any kind of tape you like for this.
Some tapes already have ruled markings on them. Or, you can
mark your own. I cut a piece of tape about 2-1/2" long. The
width of the tape I use is about 3/4" wide.
I place the top end of the tape straight out from the needle
with the long edge of the tape 1/2" away from the needle.
The tape extends down about 2" in front of the presser foot
but still 1/2" from the needle.
Yes, I have to lift up the end of the tape to get into my
bobbin, but that's OK. I would rather stitch accurately and
save myself a lot of headaches later when things won't line
up.
Then,
I mark the tape at 5/8" for my seams. I make a mark
at 1" also since I use that often.
Sometimes, I use a different color pen for each marking to
distinguish one from the other.
The tape guide should be 2" in front of the presser foot so
that you can start guiding your fabric along your stitching
mark long before a stitch is made by the needle.
By the time the fabric gets to the needle, it is too late.
You need to be guiding the fabric accurately long before it
reaches the needle.
Watch the tape guide, not the needle!
With a tape stitching guide, you will see a great
improvement in the accuracy of your stitching.
Other Helpful Tips
Usually, I use the "little foot" for 1/4" seams.
When I need to sew 3/8" seams, I place tape or mark 3/8"
directly on my machine to stitch necklines and curved areas.
Of course, I have previously trimmed the pattern to have
only a 3/8"' seam there.
You will have much more control on curves if you use short
stitches and a 3/8" seam allowance at your neckline edges.
Remember to prepare your patterns by trimming off 1/4" and
leaving 3/8" before you cut out your garment. Make a note
to yourself until you get into the habit of stitching
necklines at 3/8" instead of 5/8".
I use the edge of the tape placed at 1/2" from the needle
for staystitching.
If I'm making a 3" or 4" hem in something, I will mark the
bed of my machine to help me keep it straight.
Do whatever it takes to help you.
Don't be afraid to use tape stitching guides on your
machine to help you stitch accurately.
It just makes sense!
Marian Lewis is a sewing instructor and the creator of an amazing new fitting method for hard-to-fit sewing folks.
In her ebook, "Common Sense Fitting Method For Hard-To-Fit Sewing Folks Who Want Great Fitting Skirts And Pants", find out step-by-step WHAT you really need, WHERE you really need it and HOW to apply that to a commercial sewing pattern.
For more information, go to: => http://www.1ststeptosewingsuccess.com/fitting.html
Marian is also the author of other eBooks related to sewing including, "Sew A Tee Pee And Accessories For Your Tribe Of Kids" where she teaches basic sewing techniques while you have fun doing it!
To learn more, go to: => http://www.1ststeptosewingsuccess.com/sewing.html
To discover sewing and fitting secrets to achieve sewing success, follow the link: => http://www.1ststeptosewingsuccess.com
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