Are you really sewing 5/8" seams or is it slightly more orless?
If you are following the markings on your sewing machinethroat plate, I hate to tell you, but they aren't 5/8", etc.
The toes of your regular presser foot are not a good guidefor 1/4" seams either. Check them out and you will see thatthey are generally more than 1/4".
There is one exception to this that I know of and that isthe "little foot" that was made especially for quilters todo 1/4" wide straight stitching only.
Machines don't usually come with this foot. It is aspecial order narrow toed foot.
The markings on sewing machines are in centimeters. Why isyour machine marked in centimeters? Because they are notmanufactured in the United States. They are made overseasand they use the metric system.
Our sewing patterns and instructions are in inches.
To have sewing success, we must stitch accurately.
We need help to identify where the stitches should be.
We cannot "eyeball" it and we shouldn't use the centimetermarkings if you are stitching in inches.
I know that a lot of you believe you are stitching correctlyBut, I would like you to double check to make sure.
Here is a simple way to do that.
Drop your needle down and measure out to the markings onyour sewing machine with an accurate tape measure. Closeis not the answer. Exact is.
I highly recommend that you mark your machines so that youhave a clear guide to stitch accurately.
I don't particularly like the metal bar type stitching guides as I feel they are too bulky. And, they are'nt really where I need them. I much prefer a flat piece of tape.
I always have a tape stitching guide on my machine. You can useany kind of tape you like for this.
Some tapes already have ruled markings on them. Or, you canmark your own. I cut a piece of tape about 2-1/2" long. Thewidth of the tape I use is about 3/4" wide.
I place the top end of the tape straight out from the needlewith the long edge of the tape 1/2" away from the needle.The tape extends down about 2" in front of the presser footbut still 1/2" from the needle.
Yes, I have to lift up the end of the tape to get into mybobbin, but that's OK. I would rather stitch accurately andsave myself a lot of headaches later when things won't lineup.
Then, I mark the tape at 5/8" for my seams. I make a markat 1" also since I use that often.
Sometimes, I use a different color pen for each marking todistinguish one from the other.
The tape guide should be 2" in front of the presser foot sothat you can start guiding your fabric along your stitchingmark long before a stitch is made by the needle.
By the time the fabric gets to the needle, it is too late.You need to be guiding the fabric accurately long before itreaches the needle.
Watch the tape guide, not the needle!
With a tape stitching guide, you will see a greatimprovement in the accuracy of your stitching.
Other Helpful Tips
Usually, I use the "little foot" for 1/4" seams.
When I need to sew 3/8" seams, I place tape or mark 3/8"directly on my machine to stitch necklines and curved areas.
Of course, I have previously trimmed the pattern to haveonly a 3/8"' seam there.
You will have much more control on curves if you use shortstitches and a 3/8" seam allowance at your neckline edges.
Remember to prepare your patterns by trimming off 1/4" andleaving 3/8" before you cut out your garment. Make a noteto yourself until you get into the habit of stitchingnecklines at 3/8" instead of 5/8".
I use the edge of the tape placed at 1/2" from the needlefor staystitching.
If I'm making a 3" or 4" hem in something, I will mark thebed of my machine to help me keep it straight.
Do whatever it takes to help you.
Don't be afraid to use tape stitching guides on yourmachine to help you stitch accurately.
It just makes sense!
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?005 Marian Lewis - All Rights Reserved
1st Step To Sewing Success
Marian Lewis is a sewing instructor and the creator of anamazing new fitting method for hard-to-fit sewing folks whowant great fitting skirts and pants.
In her ebook, she teaches you step-by-step using commonsense techniques how to find out WHAT you really need,WHERE you really need it and HOW to apply that to acommercial sewing pattern.
Discover Fitting Secrets To Achieve Sewing Success In TheEbook:
"Common Sense Fitting Method For Hard-To-Fit Sewing FolksWho Want Great Fitting Skirts And Pants"
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=> http://www.1ststeptosewingsuccess.com
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