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How not to make them look like V's (Moderated by EleanorSews)
Posted on: 7/2/08 5:21 PM ET
I haven't sewn too many curves. I am making this apron for a friend and her daughter. She wants style B.
I have practiced on the dolls size version. I am having trouble making the scalloped bottom part. Any tips on moving the fabric through the machine on those kinds of curves?
I am starting to think it would be easier to hand-sew that part.
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I have practiced on the dolls size version. I am having trouble making the scalloped bottom part. Any tips on moving the fabric through the machine on those kinds of curves?
I am starting to think it would be easier to hand-sew that part.

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www.pinkededges.com
Posted on: 7/2/08 6:16 PM ET
In reply to Cat MacGregor
Take the curves slow - just like when driving.
Trim the seam with pinking shears for better ease of the curve.
Lay down a stack of sticky notes as a seam guide.
I hope this helps, it is a cute apron.
Hancock Fabrics has Simplicity patterns on sale this weekend (July 4 - 6). I think I will add this one to my list.
-- Edited on 7/2/08 6:21 PM --
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Trim the seam with pinking shears for better ease of the curve.
Lay down a stack of sticky notes as a seam guide.
I hope this helps, it is a cute apron.
Hancock Fabrics has Simplicity patterns on sale this weekend (July 4 - 6). I think I will add this one to my list.
-- Edited on 7/2/08 6:21 PM --
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OLD CHINESE PROVERB: I HEAR & I FORGET; I SEE & I REMEMBER; I DO & I UNDERSTAND.
Posted on: 7/2/08 6:38 PM ET
In reply to Cat MacGregor
Cut a facing as wide as the hem area, but without the scallops.....sew the facing (right sides together) with the fashion fabric up, that way you will be sewing the curves on 2 flat pieces of fabric....no hem pinned under. Press, clip and flip the facing to the inside. HTH
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2012 : starting stash 386, net additions 206, used 164, ending stash 428...I'm never going to get in front of this pile of fabric!
Posted on: 7/2/08 8:49 PM ET
I sometimes have a hard time figuring out where to pivot on the tops of these types of seams, too, so I always draw a line upwards from the highest point of those peaks (where you would pivot). This saves me the guesswork and my ripper gets to stay home! 
Eve
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Eve
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People who say it cannot be done should not interrupt those who are doing it - Chinese proverb
Posted on: 7/2/08 8:57 PM ET
In reply to Cat MacGregor
Cat, I understand why you're practicing on the dolls-sized apron, but those itty bitty scallops are way harder to do well than larger ones, where the curve is not as tight. I suggest you practice on the full-sized scallops. Use a slighter shorter stitch than usual so when you notch the curves, the stitches will hold. And do notch the curves (not clip them). If you clip on a convex curve (the curve bows out), the seam allowance sections will overlap. If you notch well, the extra seam allowance fabric is removed, and the seam allowance is smooth.
Posted on: 7/2/08 10:30 PM ET
If the hem part is not faced, I would use a manilla folder template method to press the scallops into shape before sewing them, maybe tape them into place so I don't have to use pins. Don't iron/press the tape, though.
If it is faced, you can do almost the same thing and use your pressing marks as a seamline guide, or have the hem edge carefully cut into the scallop shape, INTERFACE it with a fusible that won't make the hem too stiff, or STARCH it, so the bias edges don't distort, then sew it together. Stay-stitching might work, but it may not be as tough as fused interfacing
HTH.
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If it is faced, you can do almost the same thing and use your pressing marks as a seamline guide, or have the hem edge carefully cut into the scallop shape, INTERFACE it with a fusible that won't make the hem too stiff, or STARCH it, so the bias edges don't distort, then sew it together. Stay-stitching might work, but it may not be as tough as fused interfacing
HTH.
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Fictionfan
Posted on: 7/6/08 3:52 AM ET
The way I teach this is to take 4 or 5 stitches, following the curve of the seam, stop with the needle down, and pivot your fabric a tiny bit. Repeat all the way around. Fewer stitches for tighter curves, more stitches (and fewer stops) for larger curves.
Then notch your seam allowance and turn. It helps to run something flat through the inside of your curve before your press it to really open that seam all the way out. The back side of a butter knife works really well for that.
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Then notch your seam allowance and turn. It helps to run something flat through the inside of your curve before your press it to really open that seam all the way out. The back side of a butter knife works really well for that.
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Posted on: 7/6/08 9:18 AM ET
I don't know how wide your sas is, but seams like this are easier sewn at 1/4" and line up a 1/4" foot on the edge and sew, with smaller stitches at the points.
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www.nancyksews.blogspot.com
Posted on: 7/6/08 2:29 PM ET
In reply to Nancy K
Out of curiosity and because I liked the look of this pattern, I pick one up (Simplicity #3746).
Now I understand why the scallops are so troublesome............there's no cutting line for the scallops.
The scallops are formed by transferring the stitching line to the fabric (band) for the scalloped edge, then the band, apron, and lining/facing are sewn together, forming the scallops with the stitching and trimming.
That is three layers of fabric, or has this pattern befuddled me too!
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Now I understand why the scallops are so troublesome............there's no cutting line for the scallops.

The scallops are formed by transferring the stitching line to the fabric (band) for the scalloped edge, then the band, apron, and lining/facing are sewn together, forming the scallops with the stitching and trimming.
That is three layers of fabric, or has this pattern befuddled me too!
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OLD CHINESE PROVERB: I HEAR & I FORGET; I SEE & I REMEMBER; I DO & I UNDERSTAND.
Posted on: 7/9/08 2:37 AM ET
Thanks so much for all the responses. I should have added more info so you understood how it went together but not till your posting and re-reading my instructions did I figure out there is more than one way to make an apron.
Nancy is correct - the front of the apron, back, and trim are all sewn at the same time. You trace the scallop pattern onto the trim and sew thru 3 layers.
I went slow, use small stitches, tweaked a lot, and clipped away excess fabric and notched. When I finished - the wrong side of the fabric - it looked pretty darned good! But when I flipped it to the right side. Le sigh.
I tried pushing out the seams with my little tool. Clipped some spots where it look like the thread was making it curl. And then pressed. I have no idea what happened. I have some close ups to upload but my computer and camera are currently arguing and I'm getting tired. Here's a beginning shot.
Any suggestions on what I could have done? Or didn't do?

-- Edited on 7/9/08 2:38 AM --
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Nancy is correct - the front of the apron, back, and trim are all sewn at the same time. You trace the scallop pattern onto the trim and sew thru 3 layers.
I went slow, use small stitches, tweaked a lot, and clipped away excess fabric and notched. When I finished - the wrong side of the fabric - it looked pretty darned good! But when I flipped it to the right side. Le sigh.
I tried pushing out the seams with my little tool. Clipped some spots where it look like the thread was making it curl. And then pressed. I have no idea what happened. I have some close ups to upload but my computer and camera are currently arguing and I'm getting tired. Here's a beginning shot.
Any suggestions on what I could have done? Or didn't do?

-- Edited on 7/9/08 2:38 AM --
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www.pinkededges.com
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