Sewing Strip Sets
 

I have read many times that one should sew strips in alternate directions to prevent the strip set from curving.

I have not been able to figure out the "mechancs" of why.

From my experience, I sew the strips in "whatever" direction, and - if the strips were cut straight - my strip set is straight.

I've done most of my sewing on an old Pfaff 1471.

Can/Will someone explain why/how they get curved strip sets if they sew all the seams in the same direction?

I think the pressure setting (of the presser foot on the feed dogs) varies, so that on some machines the sewn edges get stretched as you sew. In this case, alternating direction has the stretched edges cancelling each other out. If you have a machine that does not stretch the edges as you sew, there is no need to alternate directions on the strips.

I'm with you, bear. I had heard the same thing, so I reversed the direction I sewed strip sets, and I still got bowing. However, I learned that careful pressing will solve the bowing problem, whether I reverse or not.

Probably too, some of the difference is dependent on how much the sewist pulls the fabric through the machine, vs. letting it feed through.

I found this out the hard way. Got some ripping to do someday.

I sew mine all the same way and so far no bowing. I rarely sew more than five strips. Sewn with a 1956 or 52 Singer 301 or a 1950s Montgomery Wards clone of a Singer 15.

Like "Peckish", I get bowing even if I sew the strips in alternating directions. Glad to know it's not just me!

You can straighten them out (or cause them to bow) when pressing. I use a spray bottle with water rather than put water in my iron. A fine mist is all you needso you want the bottles that are sold for hair stylistsx. Others tend to spray large droplets which take longer to dry when pressing and don't evenly dampen your fabric. Make sure the strip set is straight while they are still right sides together and set your seam. As you open it out to press seams to the side again make sure it is going straight. You can easily adjust and press it straight at this point. I fnd it easier to do this after each strip is sewn on than to wait until all are sewn before stitching.

Rob

I have a 48" metal ruler (Lowe's) that I put on my ironing board. I put the seamed edge of the strip set along the edge of the ruler, making it straight. I then move the ruler a couple inches out of the way but still parallel & press the fabric. I try not to touch the ruler with the iron, but if I do, it's metal so no harm.

I have so much trouble with borders doing that. I may need to start starching and pressing more.