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This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and
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From: Moonflower
Date: 09-29-2005, 05:17 AM (1 of 20)
Okay Ladies (and gents  ) What is your secret to sewing in a straight line?  I'm trying my hardest here and i still get the odd 'wave' ??? Is it just practice practice practice? Or do you have a little tip that can keep the stiching straight?
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User: Moonflower
Member since: 09-21-2005 Total posts: 8 |
From: Sewspecial
Date: 09-29-2005, 06:31 AM (2 of 20)
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Most machines have a small drill hole for a screw near the plate. Its for a fabric guide, Its a small guide that you screw in, and it's adjustable for what ever width your sewing. This is a magnetic one from Nancy's Notions https://www.nancysnotions.com/NNVia/index.jsp Also, I do a lot of straight work...sometimes a piece of colored electrical tape over the plate is enough to guide you. Hope this helps Marie SewSpecialCo |
User: Sewspecial
Member since: 09-24-2004 Total posts: 30 |
From: toadusew
Date: 09-29-2005, 08:27 AM (3 of 20)
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Sewspecial has some great tips! I have another tip because it was something I noticed when I taught beginning sewing. Watch the side/edge of the fabric--the side to the right that is against the seam allowance mark on the machine--and don't watch the needle. I noticed that some of clients had a tendency to watch the needle instead of the fabric and when they did that, they didn't sew in a straight line. One lady in particular had more experience with a serger and was used to watching the needle. When she started watching the fabric on the regular sewing machine, things went more smoothly for her. |
User: toadusew
Member since: 01-08-2005 Total posts: 369 |
From: LadySloPokes
Date: 09-29-2005, 09:53 AM (4 of 20)
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At last, someone else has come forward and admitted they have trouble sewing a straight seam!!! What a relief-I also have problems with that! Even with the fabric and seam guides on my machines throatplate, I still have a hard time with sewing straight! So, I guess the best thing I can say is GOOO SLLLLOOWWWW!! That's the only way I can trust myself to sew in a straight line. We won't talk about my sewing on a curve...ooppsssiiee!!!! 
Cookie
LadySlo...yes am I, but hey, I'm gettin' there! Are you sure it's supposed to look like this?! Proud owner of Singer Quantum Decor 7322 & Singer Quantum Futura CE 200.. "A balanced diet is having chocolate in both hands!" |
User: LadySloPokes
Member since: 08-15-2005 Total posts: 198 
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From: debsews
Date: 09-29-2005, 10:22 AM (5 of 20)
| I agree with watching the seam allowance guide. I used to have this problem and still do when I'm not paying attention. But got the most part I think you need to practice just guiding the material gently and not helping too much. I worked with my granddaughter this summer and she wanted to guide it so much we were all over the place. She finally got the hang of it after making a set of placemats and napkins. Lots of straight sewing. You'll get it! |
User: debsews
Member since: 09-16-2005 Total posts: 254 |
From: patti2
Date: 09-29-2005, 03:51 PM (6 of 20)
| For me, it was a combination of not letting my mind "wander" and buying a colorful seam allowance guide the adheres over the next to impossible one to see on my machine. I also watch the seam allowance guide and not the needle. I almost never use pins anymore and find my seams are much straighter since I don't have to stop every few inches and remove them. And of course, practice, practice and more practice. But practice is sooooo much fun! |
User: patti2
Member since: 05-28-2005 Total posts: 78 |
From: HeyJudee
Date: 09-29-2005, 05:54 PM (7 of 20)
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I watched a Fons and Porter quilting show and their tip was to put a strip of green painter's tape from the seam allowance guide that you want to use. I don't know if you have something like a quilter's extension table or not, but if you do, you can get a long strip to help you guide the fabric. As the other's say, look at the guide and not the needle. Also, by using the green or blue painter's tape, you will be able to take it off without leaving the adhesive all over your machine.
TTFN from
Judy |
User: HeyJudee
Member since: 01-25-2005 Total posts: 1366 
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From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 09-29-2005, 07:01 PM (8 of 20)
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If you have a computerized machine, PLEASE do NOT use a magnetic seam guide.. Magnets will ruin your computer.. This info for you who are new to sewing..
Sew With Love
Libby |
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002 Total posts: 2022 
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From: Moonflower
Date: 09-30-2005, 04:43 AM (9 of 20)
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Wow! Thanks for all the tips! I have always watched the needle...that is where i am probably going wrong, also if i am honest i am probably going waaaaay to fast for my experiance...or rather lack of it But yes Patti, Practicing is sooo much fun! 
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User: Moonflower
Member since: 09-21-2005 Total posts: 8 |
From: oodles
Date: 10-04-2005, 10:06 AM (10 of 20)
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I just realized that I always watch the needle. I wasn't even aware of that till I read this. Now if I can just cut straighter. Thanks oodles |
User: oodles
Member since: 09-21-2005 Total posts: 14 |
From: gm23237
Date: 10-20-2005, 08:02 PM (11 of 20)
| I used and still have the magnetic guide, it is very handy. I found the biggest problem sewing straight lines was me. I was forcing the material too much and I was also pulling back the material at times. Once I learned to let the machine do it's job and all i had to do is just sort of hold the material in place and the machine did the rest the sewing got better. |
User: gm23237
Member since: 11-03-2003 Total posts: 145
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From: paroper
Date: 10-21-2005, 10:12 AM (12 of 20)
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Libby is absolutely RIGHT don't use magnets on the computerized machines unless you KNOW that it is shielded (some are). You can do all kinds of damage. Also bear in mind that it will erase embroidery cards and cd's. Computers have been used in machines for over 15 years so if you have an older machine don't make the mistake of thinking that it is automatically not computerized. Nearly every new machine on the market is computerized. That is how we get such neat stitches. Practice is the best way to learn to make straight lines. When you are sewing the machine's feed dogs will take the fabric through the machine automatically. All you need to do is make sure that the rest of the garment "keeps up". When you are guiding your fabric, you are simply moving the fabric to the left side of the machine so that it doesn't bunch as you sew. THe machine takes care of the rest. Pushing the fabric through can make crooked seams. (You'd be amazed at the number of people who push/pull their fabric through.) Put you left hand flat on the machine bed to keep the fabric straight. Use your right to lightly slip the fabric going into the machine so that it is fed straight. Let your machine do the work. 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 |
From: blessedmommyuv3
Date: 10-21-2005, 10:41 AM (13 of 20)
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For me, the key to sewing a straight line was sewing lots of quilts. I was a self-taught quilter for 3 years before I began garment sewing. Using the side of the presser foot as a guide (many are 1/4"), or buying a special 1/4" foot gets you used to watching the edge of the material to gauge the straightness of your stitch. And, yes, going at a slower pace in the beginning enables you to more accurately guide your fabric. Remember to just guide and not pull your fabric through. My suggestion would be to buy a couple of fat quarters that appeal to you and a plain muslin or another print that appeals to you and make a simple rail fence block pillow---the 4 rail fence blocks would be on front, and the plain fabric would be the back: http://www.quilterscache.com/P_R/RailFenceBlock.html http://quilting.about.com/library/weekly/aa010208.htm Other simple projects would be potholders: http://www.sew-whats-new.com/kitchen/potholders.shtml Or maybe doll quilts, baby quilts, placemats, table cloths, curtains, and even a simple elastic waist skirt. Hope this helps! Jen |
User: blessedmommyuv3
Member since: 05-18-2004 Total posts: 263 
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From: gm23237
Date: 10-21-2005, 07:48 PM (14 of 20)
| I forgot to consider these new wonder machines with the computers. Wow I may get one of those by the year 2050, wait it will be too late for me then LOL |
User: gm23237
Member since: 11-03-2003 Total posts: 145
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From: paroper
Date: 10-21-2005, 07:58 PM (15 of 20)
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That's just it. Bernina has tons of machine, the first starting around $200-250 (not sure) exactly. That is their entry level machine...made by Janome for Bernina. They have only ONE machine in their line of machines that is mechanical.......THAT IS NOT IT!!!! Every machine that embroiders which you can purchase and almost every machine sold now is computerized at least to some extent. I know that Bernina has one that is mechanical, last I heard, so did Nechi. I would think that some other companies have one too because the Amish change them to treddles machines and there are a few people who just need them because you need pretty steady power to run a computerized machine, I don't know that you can do it very well on generators.....otherwise, virtually every machine out there has computerized parts, regardless of price. In 1992 I purchased 2 machines and both were heavily computerized. In 1991 I purchased a machine from Montgomery Ward Co with their name on it and I would nearly guarantee that it was. I know that Sears has been selling them for decades. Any machine that has touch screens, multiple designs are almost assured to be computerized to some extent.
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 |
From: 1*sewer
Date: 10-22-2005, 08:07 PM (16 of 20)
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A suggestion that I got off of this website under their free sewing lessons is to unthread your machine and take a peice of lined paper and try to sew on the lines. I have yet to try this though. I guess this eliminates wasting thread and material. But, I wonder about getting paper into the machine. What do some of you experienced sewers think? Have any of you tried this??? |
User: 1*sewer
Member since: 09-09-2005 Total posts: 27 |
From: sewinglady4u
Date: 10-22-2005, 08:43 PM (17 of 20)
Yes, sewing on paper was the very first thing I got to do with a sewing machine. This was in my 7th grade Home Ec. class. We'd sew straight lines and curvy lines. I don't know how much affect it would have on the machines tho. Both of my sons were taught on paper too when they went thru the class within the past 5 years. So its a good teaching tool, and it was kinda fun running all over the paper!  Pam |
User: sewinglady4u
Member since: 10-07-2005 Total posts: 18 |
From: paroper
Date: 10-23-2005, 12:10 AM (18 of 20)
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That's what we did too and with 30 girls sharing 10 machines in high school sewing class, I'm sure that if the machines would have had a problem with it, we would have known. We started with lined paper, then the teacher had a paper with angles of different kinds to teach us how to pivot. The third lesson was different sizes of curves. Then a spiral. Then the last thing we did was put fabric under the paper and sew a handful of straight lines with the fabric so we could see how much we had improved and to give us the "feel" of sewing with fabric. This really eliminated a lot of problems down the road. By the time we finished, we could all pretty well sew a straight line. The teacher would hold up our garment and eye down the seam line....and she'd say "Look, about 10 inches down for about 4 inches....RIP IT ALL OUT!" Then, we'd start over. It didn't take much of that before we were all pretty good and fast seamstresses...good thing because we didn't get a whole lot of time at the machines because we had to share so much. 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 |
From: fronno
Date: 10-23-2005, 09:08 PM (19 of 20)
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Well here a reply from a man. I get my straight lines just by using my eyes for to guide the side of the fabric along the several distance lines which are marked in the stitchingplate. On older machines a have put a piece of sellotape and guide the side of the fabric along that piece of sellotape.
With kind regards,
François |
User: fronno
Member since: 04-26-2004 Total posts: 79 
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From: DorothyL
Date: 10-24-2005, 08:22 AM (20 of 20)
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I guess I sew like a man, Francois, because that's how I do it. I couldn't sew a straight line without the guide no matter how many times I tried on paper first. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
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