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.
Some people like to mark the fabric exactly where it needs to be sewn in order to follow a straight line. You can do this using tailor's chalk, which comes in different colors so that it can be seen on practically any fabric. It stays visible throughout the project until you rub or wipe it off. However, sometimes sewers mark the fabric's wrong side to be safe, in case any remains. You can then follow the markings under your needle as you stitch.
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.
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.
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 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.
Some people like to mark the fabric exactly where it needs to be sewn in order to follow a straight line. You can do this using tailor's chalk, which comes in different colors so that it can be seen on practically any fabric. It stays visible throughout the project until you rub or wipe it off. However, sometimes sewers mark the fabric's wrong side to be safe, in case any remains. You can then follow the markings under your needle as you stitch.
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.
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.
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 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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