Monday, October 24, 2016

Tips On How To Sew A Straight Edge Easily

By Robert Turner


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.

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.

Stitching through the sewing lines with long running stitches traces the pattern out exactly and determines the stitch lines easily. The thread stays put until it is ready to be pulled out after sewing without any difficulty. Furthermore, this method works best for those who need to use a very different color thread in order to see properly, without damaging the fabric or jeopardizing the project.

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.

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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