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.
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.
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.
You can make a running stitch hand through just one fabric layer or through two. Stitching through two layers or multiple layers is basically stitching the garment together loosely. This is a method called basting, which professionals use to sew together garments for fitting purposes before they are run under the machine. It's a good way for you to check and correct any pattern or fit mistakes early, saving the trouble of unpicking tight machine stitches later.
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.
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.
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.
You can make a running stitch hand through just one fabric layer or through two. Stitching through two layers or multiple layers is basically stitching the garment together loosely. This is a method called basting, which professionals use to sew together garments for fitting purposes before they are run under the machine. It's a good way for you to check and correct any pattern or fit mistakes early, saving the trouble of unpicking tight machine stitches later.
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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