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.

I suggest you watch Donna from Jordan fabric videos....her technique of preventing the "bowing" is logical and it does work.....assuming one has cut the strips correctly.......

I feel if I cut the strips shorter too that I have less bowing.

Yes, this is what Donna of Jordan fabrics does!

I know Donna from Jordan fabric is a big advocate of finger pressing as you go, and Ironing after in some cases. I wonder if this has any bearing on keeping the strips straight.

I have started using Donna Jordan's method and have much better strip units. I finger press before sewing the next strip on and also do not pull or stretch either strip and allow the machine to pull them through carefully.

I have found myself putting a little extra pressure on strips as I sew them so that they will line up. Even the slightest pressure, plus the grab from the sewing machine feed dogs, will distort the seams. When I let up a little, there is less bowing. I still get some bowing occasionally (sigh!), but a quick shot of steam will usually take care of it.

When do I get the most bowing? When I am in a hurry -- which I usually am -- so I try to slow down a little bit. It usually helps.

Starching helps keep the fabric stable.
Another problem for some is they press the seams by ironing rather than pressing and then lifting the iron and move on. Most irons have a curved side which we use the push the fabric away from the seam and this curve of the iron can cause some distortion if you're not careful. Setting the seam (press the seam from the wrong side before you move the seam allowance to one side helps as well on the pressing issue.
The way your material feeds through the machine (feed dogs, sewer pulling/pushing etc) can also result in some distortion. The shorter the strip the less the issue here.
Cutting can also be the culprit. Things that are not cut on the straight of grain are more likely to distort. It is difficult to get a good true straight of grain on long pieces with cutting. The less volume of fabric you're working with the easier it is to manage and fold it and position your ruler in such a way to try to get it as straight of grain as possible.

I just searched YouTube and can't find the video you are talking about. Would it be possible to post a link?
Thanks,

If you have enough fabric cutting them in half before sewing really helps.

Here is a link to all of her utube tutorials:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?lis...oGD27nG1AMCCgc

Wow! I just watched her Drag Race quilt tutorial and she is a great teacher. I don't know which one shows how not to bow your strips, but I think I'll fun finding out by watching her tuts.

Here is a video of Donna making a rail fence quilt with striped units. If you advance to 7:00 (minute) point she is sewing and talking about bowed seams.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SSxm0YVgmfM&t=48s