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This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and quilting message board “Sew What’s New,” which was retired in August 2007. It is being provided by “Sew What’s Up,” which serves as the new home for many members of “Sew What’s New.”
From: Raevenflyte
Date: 07-13-2005, 02:43 AM (1 of 8)
Oh, help. I'm making burp cloths from flannel; have already finished several for my stepdaughter-in-law (SDIL?) and have a few other moms who I think could use these. They're very satisfying and useful, too. Here's the link for the website that I got the idea from.

My problem: I've found that my corners aren't really as sharp as I'd like. I'm not talking about mitering corners--the burp cloth calls for sewing two pieces together, RST, leaving an opening for turning; turning the piece right side out using a point-turner, slipstitching the opening, then topstitching all around.

I've tried snipping the corner almost to the stitching, which helps somewhat. I've tried, when stitching the corner, taking a couple stitches sort of parallel to the corner then continuing along the other side (did that even make sense?). I've tried doing both. I seem to get mostly rounded-ish corners (sometimes with a hole in them from the point-turner, ha-ha).

Any suggestions? I'd really appreciate it!

Thanks!

R.
User: Raevenflyte
Member since: 03-16-2005
Total posts: 32
From: MaryW
Date: 07-13-2005, 06:45 AM (2 of 8)
You are on the right track. The couple of stitches across the corner really works for me along with careful trimming of excess fabric in the seam allowances.
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005
Total posts: 2542
From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 07-13-2005, 05:53 PM (3 of 8)
Nancy Zieman has a technique that works great.. You have to start and stop for it.. At the corner fold the seam already stitched on the seam line and begin your stitching.. At the end of that seam, fold other end same way.. Trim close to stitching, and turn, you will get a perfect corner every time.. I have had really good luck with that method.. Test it on a scrap.. :bg:
Sew With Love
Libby
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002
Total posts: 2022
From: DorothyL
Date: 07-13-2005, 07:40 PM (4 of 8)
I agree with Mary -- you are on the right track. It might help to press your seams open before you turn the thing. Then you will get a sharper fold and perhaps a sharper corner.
What kind of fabric are you using? Maybe a bit of cotton for stabilizer right at the corner would help.
Dorothy
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002
Total posts: 3883
From: fronno
Date: 07-14-2005, 05:49 AM (5 of 8)
You are on the right track. The couple of stitches across the corner really works for me along with careful trimming of excess fabric in the seam allowances.
This tip of Mary and the tip of pressing the seam open are working for me very well (I have five sisters and supply them with burps) When I turn them inside out and they still don't like good, (due to the choice of tissu and or being lazy with sewing) I use a bias band.
With kind regards,
François
User: fronno
Member since: 04-26-2004
Total posts: 79
From: mamahoogie
Date: 07-14-2005, 07:18 PM (6 of 8)
I use Nancy Zeiman's method too and I've never had better luck turning corners. I use it for collars too.
Violet
I've decided to live forever - so far, so good.
User: mamahoogie
Member since: 12-25-2002
Total posts: 461
From: Raevenflyte
Date: 06-27-2007, 11:02 PM (7 of 8)
Just going through and looking at my posts since whenever and saw this one. Thanks for the replies, they helped then and now!
User: Raevenflyte
Member since: 03-16-2005
Total posts: 32
From: paroper
Date: 06-28-2007, 01:15 PM (8 of 8)
I trim across the corners too but I also trim another angle back at a slope toward the corner to take a little more than a 45 degree off each side and get rid of a little more bulk. Of couse, I also trim my seams.
pam

Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch)
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004
Total posts: 3775
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