Pieced or unpieced on the bottom?

I like to stitch with the unpieced length on top. Maybe because I'm a control freak - but I want to see with every inch that there's no stretching or scootching going on. Polly

I was taught the same, Susan. My mother taught me that if you put the larger piece on bottom, you can give the top piece a gentle tug to get it closer to the length of the larger piece on bottom. Tugging the lower piece doesn't seem to work as well, to me.

ep

I'm surprised nobody has mentioned the walking foot. I use my walking foot for borders and binding; and I always pin thoroughly - everything I do, even with the walking foot. . In message , Susan Laity Price writes

Pat, Good point! I always use my even feed option, so I never even think to mention it. I pin and use the even feed feature for about 99% of my sewing. My results are usually pretty good. Pat in Virginia

Susan, I have always preferred to put the unpieced length on top. Especially if it is cut on the lengthwise grain. There are a few reasons for this... First, the feeddogs can ease the bottom, even if it is cut on lengthwise grain. But the pressure foot shouldn't "stretch" the top if it is cut on lengthwise grain. (Actually the pressure foot should be able to be adjusted so that it doesn't stretch at all, but that is a whole 'nother rant. ) Also, the feeddogs will help keep the pieced section from stretching or pulling at the seams. You should be able to feel the seam allowances, and if they are pressed well should generally feed fine on the bottom. And the seam allowances don't get caught on the pressure foot toes. I also find that I end up with straighter seams because I am not looking at the seam intersections. If I have been fairly accurate all along, the intersections will be at the right place. If not, oh well.

Have fun, Pati, > In Edna's post about uneven flying geese there was a discussion about