Sewing is a lot of fun once mastered, but for someone now learning the skill, it can seriously test one's patience. Sewing is also something that requires a lot of practice to be successful at. Being steady at a machine is a task, so here's some insight on how to sew a straight edge easily.
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.
Along with tailor's chalk, there is a tracing paper used by those who sew, which essentially does the same thing. The paper is placed under the fabric and then the pattern is traced over the fabric with a tracing wheel to transfer the necessary markings. Because marking some fabrics could be risky, professional sewers often choose to use thread to trace any pattern lines. This takes longer, but it is undoubtedly one of the best methods in terms of accuracy.
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.
Making running stitches through the fabric can be done on a single layer to trace the pattern or through two layers of fabric. Doing it through two or more layers of fabric holds them together loosely as if already sewn. This is called 'basting'. Basting is a good way to check for any mistakes during a fitting before running the final stitches on a garment or piece of work, which can be a bother to pull out if there is a mistake.
There are methods to achieve a straight edge stitch without having to mark the fabric in any way. These methods are extremely fast and easy to put in place. One way is to place a magnet where necessary on the machine, using the straight edge as the guideline 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.
Along with tailor's chalk, there is a tracing paper used by those who sew, which essentially does the same thing. The paper is placed under the fabric and then the pattern is traced over the fabric with a tracing wheel to transfer the necessary markings. Because marking some fabrics could be risky, professional sewers often choose to use thread to trace any pattern lines. This takes longer, but it is undoubtedly one of the best methods in terms of accuracy.
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.
Making running stitches through the fabric can be done on a single layer to trace the pattern or through two layers of fabric. Doing it through two or more layers of fabric holds them together loosely as if already sewn. This is called 'basting'. Basting is a good way to check for any mistakes during a fitting before running the final stitches on a garment or piece of work, which can be a bother to pull out if there is a mistake.
There are methods to achieve a straight edge stitch without having to mark the fabric in any way. These methods are extremely fast and easy to put in place. One way is to place a magnet where necessary on the machine, using the straight edge as the guideline 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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