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From: mozeyrn
Date: 01-05-2006, 11:02 AM (1 of 10)
I finally got the zipper in the pattered skirt I'm making. I hope in time it will get easier. The problem is matching up my side seams. The first side seam came out pretty well - not too far off to notice. I've sewn the second side seam three times (and ripped out all three)  . I was so distracted the third time that I sewed right past the notch for the walking slit!  Is there an easy way to match up a checkered pattern? It's a basic red & black check but just can't seem to get it right. I'm not getting discouraged since it has been many moons since I've sewed anything like this (a fabric with a pattern) so I know the first couple items will be more trial and error. Didn't know there'd by so many errors though.................but I'm keeping my sense of humor.
- Maureen.
Learning something new with every stitch!! Kenmore 16231000 |
User: mozeyrn
Member since: 11-29-2005 Total posts: 349 |
From: Dede
Date: 01-05-2006, 11:25 AM (2 of 10)
| Put it aside for a couple of hours (or more) . Then, you can pin or baste makint it secure where it is supposed to match. Don't go too fast. |
User: Dede
Member since: 03-23-2001 Total posts: 469 |
From: paroper
Date: 01-05-2006, 03:47 PM (3 of 10)
|
Your pattern matching starts when you cut the fabric. I usually carefully cut the first piece and then lay the others, one at a time, to match it. I usually lay the first piece out next to the first and then match from there. It is quite a process. Often I find a color that goes across and one that goes up and down, lay one pattern on top of the other and draw those lines on the other pattern piece to help in the layout. When you go to sew the skirt together, sew up from the bottom so that you do not sew against the grain, that way it tends not to walk (as much). Pin generously or baste, if necessary to keep the lines matched. 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: mozeyrn
Date: 01-05-2006, 04:47 PM (4 of 10)
|
I folded the fabric right sides together and made sure the checks matched up. I pinned the fabric when it was folded correctly so when I pinned the pattern pieces it wouldn't slide around. The pattern matched up pretty well in the zipper area and the one side seam is ok, I'm just having a hard time getting the last side seam. It was pretty close when I sewed it last night (the third time) but not close enough - the mismatch would have been very obvious. Even though I was about 1/4 of an inch off, it was just enough to look sloppy - so the seam got ripped out. I may put it aside for tonight and play with my dd instead.
- Maureen.
Learning something new with every stitch!! Kenmore 16231000 |
User: mozeyrn
Member since: 11-29-2005 Total posts: 349 |
From: mamahoogie
Date: 01-05-2006, 05:49 PM (5 of 10)
|
Any time I have to match plaid or checks, I cheat! I use the fusible steam-a-seam in a roll that is 1/4" thick. It is a temporary fuse but sure holds the fabric together long enough to stitch it. Just line up the area(s) that have to match, put down the tape, peel off the paper bit and press firmly with your fingers to do a temperary fuse. Open seam carefully to make sure it didn't shift and then fuse carefully with your iron. Sew your seam. You can buy the tape at most fabric stores. Hope this helps. Violet I've decided to live forever - so far, so good.
|
User: mamahoogie
Member since: 12-25-2002 Total posts: 461 |
From: luv2sew
Date: 01-05-2006, 07:42 PM (6 of 10)
When I sew a fabric where the pattern needs to match, I use the notch on the pattern pieces to line it up by placing the notch in the same area on the fabric........and pray.  So far it has worked. Luv2sew
An act of kindness is never wasted!! |
User: luv2sew
Member since: 05-21-2004 Total posts: 174 
|
From: DorothyL
Date: 01-06-2006, 08:24 AM (7 of 10)
|
A walking foot helps a lot. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: mozeyrn
Date: 01-06-2006, 10:44 AM (8 of 10)
I found a woman here in the office that sews!  She knew I was starting out (again) and offered her assistance whenever I got stuck! Wow, my prayers were answered. I was trying to match the pattern up ACROSS the seams but since the skirt curves as it goes up it couldn't match up. She said, "No wonder why you were losing it - you can't match the boxes up but you need to match up the line of the pattern". Oooops. She was also happy that I wasn't giving up after having so many rip outs. When I read about all the wonderful things you ladies and gentlemen are sewing I can't give up. It will take me longer since I can't go to sewing classes (at least not for awhile) but this skirt has been a real learning experience. I'll realize if I learned anything when I sew up the lining. I've got to admit - this is fun! - Maureen.
Learning something new with every stitch!! Kenmore 16231000 |
User: mozeyrn
Member since: 11-29-2005 Total posts: 349 |
From: paroper
Date: 01-06-2006, 11:06 AM (9 of 10)
|
ANother problem you may have been having is that the plaid may have (often is) one way or uneven plaid. That means that not only can you not turn the pattern pieces over and cut, but that the pattern has a line or several that are different on one side of the design from the other. On the right side of the plaid there might be 3 yellow lines close together, on the other side there might be one blue one. Plaids are not the easiest to match/sew. You need to be careful when sewing certain prints also. Often you will find in even the simplest prints that the design goes one way. My sister's daughter's bridesmaid dresses LOOKED like the pattern went both ways but when you looked at it closely, there was one design running down the center of the print that was (pretty good size) only printed one direction. All 7 dresses had to be cut in the same direction. Although many prints do this, Chintz prints are the worst. 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: mozeyrn
Date: 01-06-2006, 11:49 AM (10 of 10)
|
I knew plaids were difficult and didn't want to get discouraged so I stayed far away from them and did a basic black and red check print. I wanted to learn something from doing a print since my daughter's flannel pajamas was just a starting point in getting used to my machine. I wasn't too concerned about matching things up. I chose a print for my skirt that I might be able to wear to work or church. I'm going to do the lining and start the waistband this weekend. We've got a very busy weekend with office parties and a christening so I won't get too much done anyhow. I'd like to make a quilted tote bag so I can carry around a sewing project in progress (a baggie just isn't cutting it) but what kind of fabric would I use for the lining? Bamburg or something else? T'anks!! - Maureen.
Learning something new with every stitch!! Kenmore 16231000 |
User: mozeyrn
Member since: 11-29-2005 Total posts: 349 |
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