How do you get stitches evenly in a row?

Dear tedneeley,

I'll bet you're watching the needle. You don't have to; it knows what to do. Instead, watch the cut edge of the fabric, and keep it lined up with one of the lines on your machine. For example, the common seam allowance is 5/8 inch. So, line up that cut edge with the 5/8-inch mark on your machine. Your stitching line will be perfect.

Teri

Lots of practice! Oh, and stop looking at the needle! Watch where the cut edge of the fabric goes past the guide lines on the needle plate, and guide it past those.

But the needle is so FASCINATING! I know that is my problem as well, and sometimes I can stop watching the needle as it goes upanddown, upanddown, upanddown*....it's so hypnotic and somewhat relaxing!

Am I just a little nuts or do others have this same problem?

Dannielle

Not at all - this is why we have to keep telling folk DON'T WATCH THE NEEDLE! :)

And me!

Dear Teri,

I just love this description. :) And you are so right.

Phae

LOL

I discovered that I can do a much straighter long seam on my treadle machines than I can with an electric. It's exactly the same stitch - a straight stitch, so it doesn't care if it was made with electricity or pedal power. For some reason, having to treadle gives me enough to do that I can keep the line straight. On an electric machine, I'm pedal-to-the-metal racing to the end. With the treadle, I'm part of the process, and it's more relaxing.

And you think you're nuts? ;-)

I often use a seam guide. It is an attachment that attaches via screw to the bed of the machine.=20

Also...have you been sewing long? If not, then practice helps a lot. Sew with no thread on lined composition paper; this is a good way to practice sewing straight lines.

-Irene

-------------- You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.=20

--Mae West=20

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LOL It sure is, after all the ENTIRE SEWING machine is designed around that needle :)

Absolutely not! When I started sewing again (after a 20 year break) I had the same problem!

Also, don't sew when you're tired :) Ask how I learned that lesson LOL

-Irene

-------------- You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.=20

--Mae West=20

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Two things that seem like an incredible trick to me: sewing machines and airplanes. I know how to operate both but there is still the little thrill of seeing something so unlikely occur once more. I've learnt that the needle will work just fine without my supervision but from time to time, I still marvel that it works at all, let alone as well as it does.

Max

I really cannot resist: I understand that women using foot-pump sewing machines would occasionally speed up the cranking for no apparent reason until they uh, peaked all panting. Then left the room to have a cigarette. All that upanddown, upanddown, upanddown...

;-)

Pora

Do you have a seam guide for your machine? I find it's essential for us beginners. I use mine religiously to keep my stitching nice and straight.

Cookie

You've been reading some of that Victorian literature!

Oh good grief, I think I'm having the vapours!

My stars and garters! Fetch the smelling salts, someone!

Strictly an urban legend, I'm sure.