Check Your Seam Width Between Machines
01-24-2020, 03:43 AM
#11
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: Greater Peoria, IL -- just moved!
Posts: 6,165
It may not be fun, but getting your consistent seam allowance and knowing where it is, is one of the biggest keys to successful quilting.
Funny, Jmoore, my Bernina decided to act up just after I started the Frolic mystery so I've been using my cheapo Brother. I tend to sew scant on the Bernina and apparently I'm sewing fat on the Brother, even chanting "scant seams scant seams" as I go and the seams are right where they should be when I'm expecting to trim. But, in the Brother's defense I use my quilter's foot which is made to give the 1/4" seam from both the left and right side, and it is very accurate on both sides. I'm sort of waiting to get done with the project to take the Bernina in, but the smart thing to do would be to take it in while I'm still busy.
I'm always amazed at people who can switch machines, using one in class and one at home. It's one of my strong sewing superstitions to do all the work on one project on machine.
It can make a difference in your seam allowance, btw, on what threads you are using. For my scrappy quilts with various fabrics and such I don't worry too much and am deliberately using up stable miscellaneous colors of threads from my collection. But back when I was more about precision, that included using the same thread throughout. Back then and on my vintage machines I just used Dual Duty. With my modern machine and modern options I'm happy with Aurifil.
The other thing is your needle. I change my needles a lot, along with rotary blades they are a cheap and easy way to improve your sewing projects and most people just don't do it often enough. I prefer to piece with a 10, I will use a 12.
It probably doesn't matter in reality (my seam is a bigger variable) but I also prefer to use one brand of ruler for a project. I find I cut differently depending on the lines/rulers and there is a slight but noticeable difference if I trim using different squares.
Funny, Jmoore, my Bernina decided to act up just after I started the Frolic mystery so I've been using my cheapo Brother. I tend to sew scant on the Bernina and apparently I'm sewing fat on the Brother, even chanting "scant seams scant seams" as I go and the seams are right where they should be when I'm expecting to trim. But, in the Brother's defense I use my quilter's foot which is made to give the 1/4" seam from both the left and right side, and it is very accurate on both sides. I'm sort of waiting to get done with the project to take the Bernina in, but the smart thing to do would be to take it in while I'm still busy.
I'm always amazed at people who can switch machines, using one in class and one at home. It's one of my strong sewing superstitions to do all the work on one project on machine.
It can make a difference in your seam allowance, btw, on what threads you are using. For my scrappy quilts with various fabrics and such I don't worry too much and am deliberately using up stable miscellaneous colors of threads from my collection. But back when I was more about precision, that included using the same thread throughout. Back then and on my vintage machines I just used Dual Duty. With my modern machine and modern options I'm happy with Aurifil.
The other thing is your needle. I change my needles a lot, along with rotary blades they are a cheap and easy way to improve your sewing projects and most people just don't do it often enough. I prefer to piece with a 10, I will use a 12.
It probably doesn't matter in reality (my seam is a bigger variable) but I also prefer to use one brand of ruler for a project. I find I cut differently depending on the lines/rulers and there is a slight but noticeable difference if I trim using different squares.
01-24-2020, 04:50 AM
#13
Super Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Glenmoore, PA
Posts: 7,941
I have magnetic postcards stuck to the base of my antique machines at the quarter inch mark, and check them periodically for movement. I have 2 different antique Singers based in different rooms so I can sew while watching TV or sew while the longarm is quilting. Then I have my Aria in the basement and my Juki industrial straight stitch machine, which I use mostly for putting on borders or any long seams that are nice to sew fast. I check frequently to make sure my seams are accurate. If I am working on precision blocks I will use just one machine, but most of my quilts are charity quilts not requiring such precision.
01-24-2020, 02:15 PM
#16
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2013
Posts: 989
Very glad you posted! I would also add checking with each new project, especially if you are using a foot that has a metal guide piece on it.
My preference is usually for my Janome's optional 1/8-1/4 clear foot with guide, vs. the O2 solid metal foot with guide. Something didn't look quite right the last time I put the clear foot on the machine and when I checked my seam width, it was more than a scant over 1/4" (it had always been a perfect scant less). Looking more closely, it seems either the plastic ridge that holds the guide is wearing OR the guide has weakened and bent open a little, because it's no longer perfectly upright and flush against the side of the foot. Time to replace it!
Michelle
My preference is usually for my Janome's optional 1/8-1/4 clear foot with guide, vs. the O2 solid metal foot with guide. Something didn't look quite right the last time I put the clear foot on the machine and when I checked my seam width, it was more than a scant over 1/4" (it had always been a perfect scant less). Looking more closely, it seems either the plastic ridge that holds the guide is wearing OR the guide has weakened and bent open a little, because it's no longer perfectly upright and flush against the side of the foot. Time to replace it!
Michelle
01-25-2020, 06:31 AM
#17
Super Member
Join Date: May 2017
Location: Sunny Florida
Posts: 4,431
Keep an index card near the machine. Perfect 1/4 inch measurement. I learned this from our instructor at the LQS on my first quilting class. You can cut them in half and store in the machine box on the bed. Always ready to go.
Here is a how-to if needed.
https://quiltville.blogspot.com/2005...rter-inch.html
Here is a how-to if needed.
https://quiltville.blogspot.com/2005...rter-inch.html
01-26-2020, 03:49 AM
#19
Super Member
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Boothbay Maine
Posts: 9,518
Funny, Jmoore, my Bernina decided to act up just after I started the Frolic mystery so I've been using my cheapo Brother. I tend to sew scant on the Bernina and apparently I'm sewing fat on the Brother, even chanting "scant seams scant seams" as I go and the seams are right where they should be when I'm expecting to trim. But, in the Brother's defense I use my quilter's foot which is made to give the 1/4" seam from both the left and right side, and it is very accurate on both sides. I'm sort of waiting to get done with the project to take the Bernina in, but the smart thing to do would be to take it in while I'm still busy.
I'm always amazed at people who can switch machines, using one in class and one at home. It's one of my strong sewing superstitions to do all the work on one project on machine.
I'm always amazed at people who can switch machines, using one in class and one at home. It's one of my strong sewing superstitions to do all the work on one project on machine.
