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!:(

Cut circles on bias to help with smooth. Next put bulk on feed dog side to help move the fabric through. Hope that helps.

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.

Just for my information, how can you NOT cut circles on a bias?

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

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

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....

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.

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.

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