Go Back  Quiltingboard Forums > Main
Help.....sewing around curves >

Help.....sewing around curves

Help.....sewing around curves

Thread Tools
 
Old 01-15-2012, 03:18 PM
  #1  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
kacklebird's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2010
Posts: 799
Default Help.....sewing around curves

Do any of you have issues with sewing around circles or curved areas?? Is it me?? I can never go around a curve without the fabric bunching/puckering. If anyone knows any tips please tell me. I am making a pot holder. Pretty pathetic when I can't go around a curve. Then after I tackle the curve, I then have to put the binding on. That's really going to be hilarious....not!
kacklebird is offline  
Old 01-15-2012, 03:21 PM
  #2  
Super Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Keller, TX
Posts: 7,417
Default

Cut circles on bias to help with smooth. Next put bulk on feed dog side to help move the fabric through. Hope that helps.
lfstamper is offline  
Old 01-15-2012, 03:23 PM
  #3  
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Midwest
Posts: 258
Default

Can't help you here---but glad for the post as I will be checking up on this also. I too have a lot of problems with curves.
GrandmaJeanne is offline  
Old 01-15-2012, 03:30 PM
  #4  
Super Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Bosque County, Texas
Posts: 2,709
Default

Just for my information, how can you NOT cut circles on a bias?
TanyaL is offline  
Old 01-15-2012, 03:33 PM
  #5  
Super Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: howell, Mi
Posts: 2,345
Default

Small clips help, and pin often so you can ease the extra fabric into the curve. Once you get the hang of it it is a piece of cake. Keep trying and let us know how it works. It's another situation where practice makes perfect.
Sue
susie-susie-susie is offline  
Old 01-15-2012, 03:51 PM
  #6  
Super Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Piedmont Virginia in the Foothills of the Blue Ridge Mtns.
Posts: 8,562
Default

Originally Posted by TanyaL View Post
Just for my information, how can you NOT cut circles on a bias?
Yeah, I was wonderfing the same thing! LOL! Since it is 360 degrees, some part of it will be bias no matter what, right?
I stitch circles more slowly and have learned to fractionally turn the fabric when the needle is in the up position....don't ask me how I did this 'cause I don't know!....I also shorten the stitch length just a bit. I watch the front of the presseer foot I use, which has an indent just between the toes, and that let's me keep the circle's edge under the needle just a couple stitch spaces ahead of the needle strike.

Jan in VA
Jan in VA is offline  
Old 01-15-2012, 03:59 PM
  #7  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Lived in San Diego now retired in Eagar, AZ.
Posts: 887
Default

short stitches for more control, curved pc on the bottom so feed dogs can help, make a small drunkard's path quilt (small quilt not small patches, bigger is easier to learn on), by the time you get done with the top, you will be so much better at doing this.... make an extra 10 blocks so you can pick thru and delete the worst 10 from the group....
deemail is offline  
Old 01-15-2012, 04:01 PM
  #8  
Super Member
 
Krisb's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Asheville, previously Lake Vermilion, Tarpon Springs, Duluth, St Paul, Soudan
Posts: 1,651
Default

I slightly reduce the stitch length and sew more slowly around curves. Also, I "move" the fabric when the needle is up. But the recommended method on a tight curve is to sew a few stitches, stop with the needle in the fabric, lift the pressure foot, turn the fabric slightly, put the foot back down, sew a few more stitches, etc. On a good day, it goes around the curve without adjusting. On a not as good day, I stop, lift and turn. Just be sure that the fabric stays flat on the bed of the machine.

Sometimes I even pin if needed.
Krisb is offline  
Old 01-15-2012, 04:03 PM
  #9  
Senior Member
 
Marni's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Duck Lake SK Canada
Posts: 537
Default

Glue and clips-I put clips on curves,then glue, remove clips, then sew-did a queen size drunkards path without a pin-glue sticks or glue pens work really well and wash out when the quilt is finished.
Marni is offline  
Old 01-15-2012, 04:22 PM
  #10  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 493
Default

Curvemaster foot works well, but I sold mine because I found out I could do it with my foot that has the 1/4" guide on side and following the directions on their website about lifting the top piece as you sew instead of having it down flat on the bottom piece.
http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j...nphD3jA5vzqhdg
cheryl222 is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
OutdoorQuilter
Main
31
12-11-2019 07:41 AM
ruby2shoes
Pictures
83
12-21-2018 05:13 AM
mary r
Main
6
01-02-2015 08:48 PM
Krystyna
General Chit-Chat (non-quilting talk)
8
05-26-2013 01:54 PM
locoruner
Main
6
01-22-2010 03:05 PM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is On
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off



FREE Quilting Newsletter