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 professionals use a little assistance such as a guideline when sewing. To be certain, after you've been sewing for some time, you will become better at being able to make accurate estimates of certain measurements like seam allowances. In any case, the additional help that a physical guideline provides only makes the measurement more 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 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.
Magnets can be a bit bulky and get in the way sometimes, so any even cheaper alternative is to use tape. This works well for domestic machines with plastic casing, as a magnet won't hold. Just place a piece of regular or colored tape vertically where you need the guide and then line up the fabric to the tape edge to stitch your straight line.
Even professionals use a little assistance such as a guideline when sewing. To be certain, after you've been sewing for some time, you will become better at being able to make accurate estimates of certain measurements like seam allowances. In any case, the additional help that a physical guideline provides only makes the measurement more 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 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.
Magnets can be a bit bulky and get in the way sometimes, so any even cheaper alternative is to use tape. This works well for domestic machines with plastic casing, as a magnet won't hold. Just place a piece of regular or colored tape vertically where you need the guide and then line up the fabric to the tape edge to stitch your 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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