If you are now learning to sew, then you know it can be a lot of fun, but also very frustrating! Indeed, sewing takes some patience and plenty of practice to get good. If you need help with keeping things steady under the machine, here is some insight on how to sew a straight edge without difficulty.
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.
Tracing paper for sewing is much like tailor's chalk. You place the paper under the fabric and trace the pattern over the fabric using a tool called the tracing wheel. This transfers the lines from the paper directly onto the fabric. Some fabrics don't work as well with chalk and tracing paper, so many professional technicians prefer to trace necessary lines using thread. It is a technique that takes more time to complete, but it is definitely the most precise method.
Tracing with thread requires stitching, by hand, long running stitches along the pattern lines. This way, the thread won't budge until it's time to pull it out after stitching by machine. This is also a good way to work for anyone who may have difficulty seeing the stitch lines, because they can use any color thread to differentiate, without causing any damage to the fabric.
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.
You can sew a straight edge without marking your fabric in any way, too. Using a magnet as a guide is a quick, easy and effective way to work for every project. You simply place the magnet where you want the edge to fall and then line up the edge to the magnet 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.
Tracing paper for sewing is much like tailor's chalk. You place the paper under the fabric and trace the pattern over the fabric using a tool called the tracing wheel. This transfers the lines from the paper directly onto the fabric. Some fabrics don't work as well with chalk and tracing paper, so many professional technicians prefer to trace necessary lines using thread. It is a technique that takes more time to complete, but it is definitely the most precise method.
Tracing with thread requires stitching, by hand, long running stitches along the pattern lines. This way, the thread won't budge until it's time to pull it out after stitching by machine. This is also a good way to work for anyone who may have difficulty seeing the stitch lines, because they can use any color thread to differentiate, without causing any damage to the fabric.
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.
You can sew a straight edge without marking your fabric in any way, too. Using a magnet as a guide is a quick, easy and effective way to work for every project. You simply place the magnet where you want the edge to fall and then line up the edge to the magnet 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.
About the Author:
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.
0 Response to "How To Sew A Straight Edge Without Difficulty"