Sewing can be very fun, but for a beginner, it requires a lot of patience. It also takes practice to master. For anyone now learning to master the technique of keeping their hands steady when using a machine, here are some tips on how to sew a straight edge.
Even the best of those who sew use a guideline to help them. Certainly, with enough practice and over time, the majority of those who sew will be easily able to estimate certain measurements frequently used, like seam allowance. That being said, the additional help of having a guideline will make sure the measurement is always accurate.
One technique to help stitch in a straight line is to mark the line on the fabric being sewn. This can be done using a tailor's chalk, which is visible during a project and is easily wiped off without damaging the fabric. It is always best to use a color that is easily noticeable, but not so much so that it would be a problem if any remained on the fabric. Some people also choose to mark the wrong side of the fabric just to be safe. This marked line can then be followed right under the needle as the stitch line.
There is also a type of paper that works similarly to chalk by placing it under the fabric and using a tracing wheel to draw out the pattern and transfer the markings directly onto the fabric. Both this and tailor's chalk can be a risk for some fabrics. As such, many professionals choose to trace the sewing lines with thread. Even though this particular technique is definitely more time consuming, it is without a doubt one of the most accurate methods.
In order to trace using thread, you stitch by hand a running stitch using long stitches that will stay in place during handling, but will pull out easily once you are done. This is great for long term projects that require a lot of handling, where chalk could get rubbed off. It is also great for people who need to use very differently colored thread in order to be able to see the lines properly.
Tracing a pattern with thread can be done on one layer of fabric or through two layers. Doing so using two or more fabric layers is basically stitching pattern pieces together loosely. This technique - basting - is one used to finalize fitting issues before giving a garment its final stitching under the machine. This process saves a lot of bother further down the line if a mistake is made and stitches need to be pulled out.
There are ways to sew straight edges without marking the fabric at all. These ways are quick and easy to implement and also long-lasting. A magnetic guide can be placed at the desired spot on an industrial sewing machine, which serves as a straight edge to follow when stitching.
Although a magnetic guide works well, sometimes it creates an obstacle when stitching and isn't so great when it comes to home machines with plastic parts. As such, another very cheap and effective method is to place a length of tape across the machine bed at the desired width for stitching. The fabric edge should line up alongside the tape edge for a straight line.
Even the best of those who sew use a guideline to help them. Certainly, with enough practice and over time, the majority of those who sew will be easily able to estimate certain measurements frequently used, like seam allowance. That being said, the additional help of having a guideline will make sure the measurement is always accurate.
One technique to help stitch in a straight line is to mark the line on the fabric being sewn. This can be done using a tailor's chalk, which is visible during a project and is easily wiped off without damaging the fabric. It is always best to use a color that is easily noticeable, but not so much so that it would be a problem if any remained on the fabric. Some people also choose to mark the wrong side of the fabric just to be safe. This marked line can then be followed right under the needle as the stitch line.
There is also a type of paper that works similarly to chalk by placing it under the fabric and using a tracing wheel to draw out the pattern and transfer the markings directly onto the fabric. Both this and tailor's chalk can be a risk for some fabrics. As such, many professionals choose to trace the sewing lines with thread. Even though this particular technique is definitely more time consuming, it is without a doubt one of the most accurate methods.
In order to trace using thread, you stitch by hand a running stitch using long stitches that will stay in place during handling, but will pull out easily once you are done. This is great for long term projects that require a lot of handling, where chalk could get rubbed off. It is also great for people who need to use very differently colored thread in order to be able to see the lines properly.
Tracing a pattern with thread can be done on one layer of fabric or through two layers. Doing so using two or more fabric layers is basically stitching pattern pieces together loosely. This technique - basting - is one used to finalize fitting issues before giving a garment its final stitching under the machine. This process saves a lot of bother further down the line if a mistake is made and stitches need to be pulled out.
There are ways to sew straight edges without marking the fabric at all. These ways are quick and easy to implement and also long-lasting. A magnetic guide can be placed at the desired spot on an industrial sewing machine, which serves as a straight edge to follow when stitching.
Although a magnetic guide works well, sometimes it creates an obstacle when stitching and isn't so great when it comes to home machines with plastic parts. As such, another very cheap and effective method is to place a length of tape across the machine bed at the desired width for stitching. The fabric edge should line up alongside the tape edge for a straight line.
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Teach your kids how to sew a straight edge by following our instructions online. To get started today visit our useful website at http://sewingkids.org.
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