Sewing Strip Sets
#13
Super Member
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Illinois
Posts: 9,018
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.
#16
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Pearland, TX
Posts: 406
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.
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.
#17
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.
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.
#18
I just searched YouTube and can't find the video you are talking about. Would it be possible to post a link?
Thanks,
Thanks,
#20
Super Member
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: California, USA
Posts: 1,318
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
LucyInTheSky
Main
6
02-27-2012 08:44 AM
Barb_MO
Main
7
03-01-2011 07:58 PM