Whoever made up the phrase, ‘I can’t sew a straight line,’ makes it sound straightforward. Quite the opposite, stitching a straight line is among the hardest issues to grasp. I’ve been stitching for too a few years to rely. Once I’m having a foul day, I can’t sew straight both!
That’s why I’m so glad many instruments (and some tips) can be found to make it a lot simpler to stitch straight. Let’s face it: stitching straight seam strains, topstitching, edge stitching, and typically quilting could make your undertaking look extra skilled.
There may be No ‘One-Measurement-Suits-All’ Answer
None of the following pointers and tips (or instruments) are a one-size-fits-all answer. A few of these hacks will work when you’re stitching clothes, and others are higher in case you are making a quilt. I’m together with a pair for specialty stitching, like for making piping or stitching a slender strap. I’ve even discovered that I really like to make use of one stitching machine or one other for stitching in numerous conditions.
Browse this listing and take a look at the stitching machine toes and instruments you have already got. In the event you’re nonetheless unhappy, possibly you want a brand new stitching notion!
Use the rules in your stitching machine
Our first helpers for stitching straight strains are tips. Home stitching machines made in the previous couple of a long time all have tips on the needle plate. These are useful but in addition very small and typically onerous to see.
Connect a stitching machine grid just like the Sew Straight Device
If the rules in your stitching machine aren’t serving to a lot, contemplate including a grid or gridded mat with higher tips to the mattress of your stitching machine. I’ve tried each the Sew Straight Device and the Grid Glider.
The Sew Straight Device is proven above. It should be adhered to your stitching machine’s mattress with masking tape. That is perhaps most popular when you have a drop-in bobbin since you’ll must elevate the mat to test or change the bobbin.
The Grid Glider is self-stick
I favor the Grid Glider. I discover that the strains on the Grid Glider are simpler to learn. It makes my stitching floor very clean and straightforward to make use of. The Grid Glider doesn’t want masking tape as a result of it has adhesive on the again. It’s straightforward to take away and may be cleaned with water if it loses its tack. I apply it to my Bernina – the bobbin just isn’t drop-in.
Apply masking tape
In the event you want a fast guideline that may be adjusted to any seam allowance, strive masking tape. It’s the last word low-budget repair; you most likely have already got some.
This repair works for stitching straight seams and edge stitching (topstitching on edge).
Tip: Solely use masking tape in your stitching machine mattress. Don’t use different kinds of tape that can depart a residue. That mistake led me to make use of acetone to take away the residue, which triggered me to smear the printed tips on my extension desk, which was a giant catastrophe. Due to that, I bought a Sew Regular extension desk as a substitute (which I really like). However ruining a part of your stitching machine isn’t any enjoyable!
Sticky Notes as a Seam Information
Sticky notes from the workplace provide part of any retailer (or the greenback retailer!) are additionally a preferred seam information. Peel off a stack of sticky notes about 1/4” tall and place it anyplace you want for an adjustable seam information!
Use a presser foot with a 1/4” information
A number of various kinds of stitching machine toes have a information hooked up. Above are two quarter-inch piecing toes with a information related to the foot. Each of those are supposed for stitching straight 1/4’’ seams. They’ll additionally assist with stitching that must be 1/4’’ from the sting – like attaching quilt binding or extensive edge stitching.
Use an edge stitching presser foot with a middle information
An edge stitching foot additionally has a information completely hooked up, however this information is down the center of the foot. This foot is useful for edge stitching a hard and fast distance near the sting of the undertaking or prime stitching a hard and fast distance from a seam. To alter the gap, you’ll transfer the needle to the left or proper.
It’s additionally nice for stitch-in-the-ditch quilting – depart the needle within the center. In actual fact, my Janome has a foot similar to this that they name the ‘stitch-in-the-ditch’ foot. By no means restrict a stitching machine foot to the job in its identify – you’ll most likely discover different issues it will probably do!
Attempt a zipper foot
Bear in mind: don’t restrict a stitching machine foot to the job in its identify. A zipper foot helps sew straight subsequent to a zipper as a result of it solely pushes the material down on one aspect of the needle. That additionally is useful when making piping and attaching piping, pom-poms, and different cumbersome trims.
Connect an attachable seam information or fabric information
Most stitching machines include this humorous L-shaped device. Are you aware what it’s for?
It attaches to the stitching machine’s foot and helps you information material when stitching seams or quilting. It’s particularly good for extensive seams or straight line (strolling foot) quilting as a result of you possibly can regulate it to completely different widths. In case your stitching machine’s foot doesn’t take an L-shaped seam information, however you’ve gotten one anyway, you possibly can normally make it work by taping it to the highest of your strolling foot.
Change the needle place
This tip works with any stitching machine foot and some other device so long as your stitching machine enables you to transfer the needle to the left or proper.
For instance, in case you are stitching one thing tiny that doesn’t cowl all of the feed canine in your stitching machine, transfer the needle over all the way in which to at least one aspect. Then, hopefully, your tiny merchandise is pushed by not less than one set of feed canine.
That is additionally useful for stitching a scant quarter-inch seam allowance. Simply transfer the needle a smidge to the fitting after which comply with the 1/4’’ guideline in your stitching machine or mat, or use a foot with a 1/4’’ information.
Quilt straight strains with a quilting ruler
Straight strains on a quilt are so fairly – and onerous to realize, even with a whole lot of marking.
When free-motion quilting, I really like my straight-edge quilting ruler. It’s made from particular acrylic and is thicker than an everyday ruler in order that it received’t slip beneath the particular rulerwork foot.
These are my greatest suggestions for stitching a straight line. Now, all you want is follow!
Attempt Basis Paper Piecing
Basis paper piecing is a quilt piecing methodology that differs fully from conventional quilt piecing strategies. It might appear difficult to grasp at first, however when you perceive the method, you’ll get to stitch alongside strains printed or traced on paper! Learn the way with this free paper piecing sample.
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