mac

In my early days of quilting (the 70's), I didn't know that it worked better with sewing two fabrics the same length and that you pinned them for better results. Instead I would always just cut strips and start sewing. Even though I would iron the heck out of it, I would sometimes come up with ruffled seams. Then a friend of mine, who was a home ec teacher, gave me the scoop that it was better to measure the lengths and cut them the same size, pin, and don't stretch while sewing. The results were nice looking flat seams.

Suz

Regarding ruffled seams, I reduce my upper tension. And I usually do a practice run on scraps before starting my stitching for the day. Ruffled seams will always be ruffled seams. Regardless how much you press, the ruffles remain. They are particularly noticeable if the ruffles are on a plain fabricm i.e., white.

Pagzz

if you want to ease in fullness in the bottom seam you hold the top up and pull on it a bit. holding level and together they should both sew the same. when concerned use the advice given to secure the fabric together.

quilting cat

My top layer often DOES end up a wee bit longer! But it is also easier to slightly stretch the top layer over the under layer to help ease in a difference. Holding at the next pinned point with one hand and just behind the presser foot with the other, with just a bit of tension, is enough to keep the layers where I want them to line up.

Rhonda K

Ditto...ditto exactly as Bard in Louisiana.

I also stay stich all borders and quilt edges. Press and use lots of pins. Then sew them together.

Example, sew a long piece along the edge. Look at the fabric edge. It has movement from running through the machine. Press the fabric edge down so it is smooth and then attach to quilt piece.

Stay stitching takes less than 5 minutes usually. Well worth the extra effort in my quilting world.

Another tip: I don't usually pre-wash fabric but did wash the backing for my last quilt. Plus it was stay-stitched all around before quilting. The quilt was barely out of square 1/4 inch or less when I received it back from quilter. I'm not sure if the pre-washing helped or not. Perhaps I was just lucky.

givio

It seems like a lot of newer machines don't have a pressure regulator, or if they do, their owners either don't use it or haven't learned how to use it. Shifting of fabric layers, and ruffling of seams can often be improved with adjustment of the pressure regulator. If you have too much pressure on the feed dogs, then they will grab the fabric they are touching (the bottom layer) more than they do if there is less pressure.

Barb2018, I would suppose that when you are sewing two fabrics that are the same size you are paying attention and doing it carefully so that the end of the seam is even. Otherwise, if your feed dogs are truly moving the bottom layer faster (facilitating the easing in of extra length), it would mean that when you are sewing two fabrics the same size, the top layer will be too long at the end of the seam.

kittiebug

yes put the longer piece on bottom it will work in . but not 3 to 4 '' that a bit much.

Wanabee Quiltin

I have a Bernina that does pull the bottom more than I like. When I sew my 2.5” squares together, they never match. I have no answer for you, wish I did.

Geri B

I too have watched Donna from Jordan fabrics and wondered what brand that machine was...could never quite see the name. So it's a Consew.....it does do beautiful stitches....and fabric stays even.......almost worth looking into for just a straight stitch machine....

Still Sew N

I think its amazing any of us are still sewing! It seems to be so much more than placing 2 pieces of fabric together and then stitch! My quilts have mysteries in them because it should have lined up and didn't! Thank goodness my philosophy is "done is better than perfect". I didn't make that up but it fits the bill. There are some aspects of sewing that will mystify me until the end but I think I'll just keep sewing!