Trapunta

Yes, this happens a lot to me too. It was great to read all the advice and next time, I hope, will be better!

Mickeyullrich

Wow....you guys are great! Thank you so much for the feedback! I am going to try some of the tips mentioned here. I sometimes forget that I am new to this and I compare myself to my mom and friends who have been doing this for years. Their work looks perfect to me (though my mom says that we are all our own worst critic and that nothing is perfect) and I need to remember to have fun.
Thanks again! ��
Christine

NJ Quilter

I keep a finger or three on the fabric gently guiding it as I go but have found that at the end of the piece I'm sewing, if I let the right side of my index finger glide gently up against the presser foot, it helps keep the fabric where it needs to be....straight under the presser foot.

bearisgray

I don't actually pin the pieces together - it' s more like putting a weight on papers to keep them from blowing away than stapling them together.

I hope I did not confuse you on that.

Jeanne S

If it is the beginning and ending of the seam that are off, try using leaders and Enders. These are small scraps of fabric that you can use over and over as the very beginning and end fabrics of your seam, in a chain stitch manner. Some save up small pairs of fabric squares to use as leaders and enders, save each sewn pair to make a whole new scrappy quilt. Just google leaders and enders for more information!

ghostrider

I use my index finger, too, but the I use left side of my right finger on the loose edges of the fabric (the seam allowance side) to keep them going straight over the feed dogs. Pins, needles, or stilletos just don't have the same 'grip' over moving feed dogs and it's that rowdy right dog that causes all swerving the trouble. Works like a charm for me and I've never even come close to sewing my finger.

Homespun

Practice, practice, practice!!!

sewwhat85

I teach this very method in my beginning machine class but they do also have a post it note that is more sticky as well. And just remember practice practice practice it will get easier with time.

sprice

I agree with Mitty. The chain piecing helps with this problem. I feed piece after piece through--and at the end of the pieces I feed a 2"scrap for a bridge piece which I reuse as needed. Makes starting and ending each seam much smoother. This saves thread, too.

ManiacQuilter2

I put a ruler under my needle making sure it is straight and then I tape down 5 or 6 layers of painter's tape right next to it. I use pins but I put them parallel to what I am stitching. This works for me. Try different things mentioned above and find out what works best for YOU !!