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Sewing curves Length always off after sewing curves
Mikgirl Member since 2/24/10 Posts: 299	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 4/17/12 9:20 PM I noticed that everytime I sew curved pieces together, one side is always bigger than the other, and edges not matching. (or if I match the edges, one side ends up gathering) For example I'm working on Simplicity 1872, and when I sew the bottom skirt to the skirt yoke, skirt came out a little bigger than the yoke, although it's supposed to match exactly. I know I traced and cut the fabric right. Is there a trick to sew curves together so the seams match?
shajarataddurr   Member since 4/26/11 Posts: 108	Login to reply to this post In reply to Mikgirl << 1 member likes this. Date: 4/17/12 9:24 PM For me, the solution involves a) lots of pinning, with the pins perpendicular to the seam, and b) basting the seam first and adjusting if necessary.
JOshiro   Advanced Beginner MN USA Member since 5/14/05 Posts: 149	Login to reply to this post In reply to Mikgirl << 1 member likes this. Date: 4/17/12 10:41 PM Have you tried a walking foot? That really helps me with matching seams, straight or curved. Also, depending on the fabric, maybe try basting with a washable glue stick instead of pins. Glue the entire length of the seam, let it dry a few minutes, and then sew right through it. It won't gum the needle.
tinflutterby   Advanced CA USA Member since 8/9/11 Posts: 205	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 4/18/12 0:07 AM The problem you are having is probably caused by the skirt seam being slightly on the bias because of the curve where as the bodice is either straight or the more stable convex curve. Stay stitching will help if you do it right after cutting out the garment. You also need to be very gentle with larger pieces because their own weight can pull them out of shape. (holding the skirt up by the sides or top edge will stretch it) You can also shrink it back sometimes with steam. Just don't cut off the "extra". It will ease back in particularly in the off grain sections of the waist. Good luck.
schmammy   Intermediate TX USA Member since 12/5/06 Posts: 467	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 4/18/12 0:07 AM Walking the seam, per Sarah Veblen's method, is a good place to start. I also agree that using LOTS of pins helps. ------ Indecision may or may not be my problem. -Jimmy Buffet http://chihuahuaonmylap.blogspot.com/
KitnRose Intermediate TX USA Member since 6/18/03 Posts: 2026	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 4/18/12 0:58 AM And, just to make sure, you're matching the pieces at the stitching line, not the fabric edge itself, right? Voice of experience speaking. It doesn't work. ------ Kit "Never underestimate the power of the right dress!" - drsue "Hyu gots to know how to sveet tok de costumers, dollink" - Girl Genius, 11-24-08
a7yrstitch   Intermediate TX USA Member since 4/1/08 Posts: 4391	Login to reply to this post In reply to Mikgirl << Like this post Date: 4/18/12 1:09 AM You can create extra matching points on the pattern pieces and transfer those to the garment pierces. You always have the usual notches and dots. Add extras. I run a line or two of gathering stitches and then first match the piece up to its pattern piece and gather or ease back in anything that has stretched out. Keep an eye on the original markings as well as the extras you've added in to help squooch that cut line back to its original shape. And pin like crazy. When you have some experience with this, you may start over easing the tiniest little bit at the start as it is easier to release than when you pin than it is to work in in. I do not tie gathering stitches. I use one, two or three close together vertical pins to loop the gathering threads around like looping rope around a boat cleat. Have a dulled bamboo skewer or similar tool on hand to help maintain the easing on the bias sections as you pull the pins out. You can also use that to be sure that ease stays between the stitches and does not become a visible little gather. -- Edited on 4/18/12 1:47 PM -- ------ I have no idea what Apple thought I was saying so be a Peach and credit anything bizarre to auto correct.
Mikgirl Member since 2/24/10 Posts: 299	Login to reply to this post In reply to tinflutterby << Like this post Date: 4/18/12 4:13 AM Wow, this was like an Eureka moment. I think you're right, the large skirt piece seemed to be pulling the entire piece down as I try to pin them together.
Mikgirl Member since 2/24/10 Posts: 299	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 4/18/12 4:16 AM Thank you everybody, I am taking in ALL the advices as I wasn't doing any of them! I'm making this dress for my sister-in-law, so I really don't want to mess it up... I'm going to try basting first and try to ease the pieces together. I also had this problem when I was making a bucket hat for my daughter, and I cut the extra length off to match the pieces, and the hat ended up too small with no ease... So I knew *I* was the one doing something wrong and there had to be a way. Thank you again!
lareine   Intermediate NEW ZEALAND Member since 11/10/06 Posts: 1044	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 4/18/12 6:22 AM Pinning or basting AT THE SEAM LINE rather than somewhere near it was the golden moment of realisation for me. Before that, all my princess seams ended up with one piece slightly too long at the hem when I sewed them. I just chopped the longer bit off and called it good, but that is not the best approach! It is lovely to reach the end of a long curved seam and have everything finish at the same point

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