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Help with straight lines Yes, straight lines :)
ninacrum Beginner PA Member since 1/3/13 Posts: 47	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 2/15/13 6:20 PM Is there some trick to getting my lines to go straight when sewing. Or do I just need more practice? It seems like I gradually increase the seam allowance from 5/8 to 1, to more...and more.
Julia C   Advanced Beginner NV USA Member since 7/1/07 Posts: 911	Login to reply to this post In reply to ninacrum << 2 members like this. Date: 2/15/13 6:31 PM Sew very slowly. Try a piece of tape or stack of post it notes to align the seam with. A new seam ripper is also helpful. Uh, can you tell I have this issue too?
solveg   Beginner MN USA Member since 2/16/12 Posts: 366	Login to reply to this post 2 members like this. Date: 2/15/13 7:10 PM I bought a little magnet at Hancock's for a couple bucks. It has a long edge that you put at your seam allowance. The you just keep the fabric butted up to the magnet. However, it's really just as easy to go slow and follow the line on the plate of your sewing machine. What I can't figure out is how to have a straight seam allowance with a Serger. I have a Viking 931 I haven't used yet because I can't figure out how to make accurate seams.
jannw   Intermediate WA USA Member since 9/3/06 Posts: 7392	Login to reply to this post In reply to ninacrum << 4 members like this. Date: 2/15/13 7:15 PM Try sewing a piece of lined notebook paper...without thread...Once you start, let go of the paper and see if your machine pull towards the left or the right... Most of my machines seem to pull towards the left and now I automatically compensate for this..I'm beginning to think it's characteristic of the brand..but it is too bad, you can have feed dogs adjusted. ------ 2009-113.25 yds 2010-115.5 2011-80.25+30+donated 2012 86.3 yds.. 2013 21.0 Everyone who sews seriously has a stockpile of fabrics, because it is natural to purchase more than can be sewn in any one season" Singer, Timesaving Sewing, 1987
PattiAnnJ   Advanced OH USA Member since 12/3/06 Posts: 4986	Login to reply to this post 2 members like this. Date: 2/15/13 7:21 PM Use your left hand to steady the fabric as it feeds through the stitching process.
allorache Advanced Beginner OR USA Member since 12/10/11 Posts: 74	Login to reply to this post 1 member likes this. Date: 2/15/13 7:40 PM this is a hard one for me. Sometimes I use a ruler and chalk or washable marker to mark the line where I want to sew. It's easier for me if I can see exactly where I should be going. ------ Now a Babylock girl almost all the way - Ellegante 3, Evolution, and Melody. Plus a Sailrite LSZ-1 for those heavy duty projects
misschris AUSTRALIA Member since 2/3/06 Posts: 1327	Login to reply to this post In reply to ninacrum << 6 members like this. Date: 2/15/13 7:51 PM Don't watch the needle. As per the other advice given, use something to line up the edge of the fabric and keep your eye on that to keep your seam straight. ------ chris Melbourne
Maia B   Advanced Beginner IL USA Member since 10/27/10 Posts: 3401	Login to reply to this post 1 member likes this. Date: 2/15/13 11:02 PM Try a screw-down seam guide, but be prepared to pivot, even raising the presser foot if needed, when sewing curves on many machines. Be sure it's not the fault of your machine. Cut some 4-10" long by 1-4" wide rectangles and see how they feed "hands-off". Try adjusting the foot pressure, make sure the feed dogs aren't packed with lint, but then if the feed is wonky, take it in for service. I sewed with a Singer 9410 for 20+ years, constantly struggling to keep topstitching straight. I thought it was my deficiencies. I got a new machine, and presto! Instant improvement. Doesn't have to be an expensive machine, either. Best of luck! ------ 🌸 Plenty of machines, mostly Berninas 🌸
andye   Beginner VA USA Member since 5/9/09 Posts: 1531	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 2/15/13 11:15 PM Are you sewing on the freearm, or do you have a sewing table?
Sewncooknmom Advanced Beginner USA Member since 6/2/12 Posts: 130	Login to reply to this post 1 member likes this. Date: 2/15/13 11:17 PM My dd's sewing teacher has her use painter's tape to help her sew a straight stitch. I have even started using it.Especially when using other SA than 5/8. You will get there. Don't give up!

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