Help please!
 

I just sewed two sets of strips together, I measured the distance between the strips to make sure I had the quarter inch right, I did. When I was cutting them I noticed that my strip sets were a little curvy and I had to constantly square up the left side before each cut? Why did this happen? Thanks in advance for any advise.

I wonder if you were cutting through too many layers of fabric when you cut your strips? I had this happen to me if I tried to cut through more than four layers Also is your cutting mat on a hard flat surface? Once I set my mat on an ottoman and cut while I was watching TV and got some curvy strips because my mat was bending a little from the pressure of my cutter into the soft surface.

Could be your sewing machine stretched the seams a bit. Or you did it when pressing. I don't think it's uncommon. There's also the possibility that your cutting was off by a tiny bit - just enough to throw off the squareness every few cuts.

When sewing strip sets it is best to alternate the direction that you start the next strip. Sew one on at one end the next at the end you just finished at. When you do this you alternate which fabric is on the bottom layer. The feed dogs will slightly gather ever so slightly the bottom layer causing a curve . When you alternate at each strip , each strip has its turn on the bottom... so all the strips will have that same slight gather... and be straight. I have been successful in avoiding alternating by starching my fabrics prior to cutting... it seems to ride the feed dogs better, and no curve.
It can also happen if your cuts are not on the straight of grain... and there is a ever so slight bias edge.. this can stretch as it feeds through the machine. Another is that all layers did not feed at the same tension going through the machine. If the top or bottom layer is more tought than it will curve.

Lori gave a good answer.

You can also use an even feed/walking foot/dual feed presser foot as you sew--some machines have them built in and some have them as an after market purchase.

You might also try shortening your stitch length.

this has happened to me on more than one occasion

Thank you Lori for this great explanation.

It might be your rotary blade needs changing. I had that happen & when I changed blades it stopped. I tend to forget to use new blades ever so often!

Lori's explanation is spot on, and I would only add that it's best to not sew the full width of fabric length - cut your strips in half and sew.

I also press each seam as I go. When you lay it on the ironing board, you can usually straighten out a curve right there. I also alternate the stitching direction.
Also, when you do your sub cuts, walk your hand up the ruler so that you are applying pressure opposite the area you are cutting, especially at the top of your cut. The seams hold the ruler up a bit from the fabric allowing it to be pulled by the blade.

Good advice all around. Strip sets are a challenge to keep straight. I usually make them short and sew in opposite directions to keep them straight. It makes for a few more cuts and some material waste but less aggravation.

Even when you alternate the direction when sewing strip sets together it is helpful to use some pins to hold the layers together. Unless you have a duel feed machine or use a walking foot there is a tendency for the bottom layer of fabric to slip a small amount and create the curve which becomes more pronounced with longer and longer strips. A few pins will stop that curvature.

I think she's saying the trouble is a curved strip or dog leg in the strips when cutting - not after sewing. That happens to me when I haven't folded my fabric correctly. And I do have to square up my material after cutting 2-3 strips.

When you sew strips together, you start sewing each strip at the opposite end.........ex - 1st strip sewing starts at top...2nd strip, turn your pieces and start sewing at opposite end............If you start sewing multiple strips all at the same end, your pieces will curve like a letter C..............

I find it helpful to cut my long strips length of fabric instead of width of fabric.

I went through the same frustrating thing with distorted edges. With help from members here, I realized it was the fabric I was using. It was a broadcloth, not 100% cotton fabric. Never again to I use anything but 100% cotton.