When I was growing up, with 3 siblings, my mother made all our clothes. I remember a few things in particular. I have a skirt, but can't find it, that she made. I do have some doll clothes that she made that I can find. It almost looks like she may have pinked the seam allowance on one dress. I know she would not have taken the time to actually finished the seam in any way. It was all done on straight stitch machine. She also made my sister's wedding gown and some of the attendants as well. I also made some clothes for my kids, but doubt I finished many seam A few I may have. I have also made t-shirts with just a straight stitch. For most patterns that I have made, they have a 5/8" seam allowance, so if it does fray a bit, it is no big deal. For Barbie doll clothes, one definitely needs a straight stitch only machine.
Back when these machines were made there was not a lot of stretchy fabrics like there are now. While a serger or extremely narrow zigzag helps with some knits, there are lots that can be and are done with a straight stitch.
Janey - Neat people never make the exciting discoveries I do.
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