How did people make clothing on straight stitch only machines?
04-11-2023, 07:16 AM
#21
Power Poster
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Southern USA
Posts: 15,963
In Home Ec class we made an outfit of A line skirt and vest. We used seam tape on the seams and hems. We also learned to make French seams. All the machines were straight stitch. Clothing seam allowance is 5/8 inch seams not 1/4 inch so not much raveling unless loose weave fabric.
04-11-2023, 08:32 AM
#22
Super Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 3,513
My Mom's 301 (her first electric sewing machine) was only straight stitch. But it had a buttonhole attachment (it was easily 2 inches wide by 4 or 5 inches long) that moved the fabric from side to side to create the zigzagged buttonholes. If I remember correctly, she could increase the stitch length to zigzag a seam.
Most every pattern was cut out with a pinking shears. I still use my pinking shears when working with flannelette. I don't remember her frenching any seams in garments, unless the item was meant to be reversible. Stay stitching and facings plus interfacing, helped necklines and armholes keep their shape. Sleeves were eased in as were the inseams in pants.
Most every pattern was cut out with a pinking shears. I still use my pinking shears when working with flannelette. I don't remember her frenching any seams in garments, unless the item was meant to be reversible. Stay stitching and facings plus interfacing, helped necklines and armholes keep their shape. Sleeves were eased in as were the inseams in pants.
04-11-2023, 11:08 AM
#24
Super Member
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Texas
Posts: 5,546
Growing up in the 50's, I made all my clothes on a straight stitch machine. I did not pink or seam bind any of the seams & none of them frayed so much that they fell apart (remember, garments are sewn with a 5/8" seam...not a 1/4" seam). I have never owned a serger & have lived this long without needing one.
