I've done some form or another of crafting my entire life. It wasn't until last year though that I got an interest in sewing. For Christmas I got a lovely sewing machine, some patterns and a "how to sew" book. I love it! While I haven't really gotten to use it nearly as much as I'd like, and I haven't gotten up the nerve to use any of the patterns yet, I have gotten to play with it enough to be comfortable using the machine. I've done a few little projects on my own, but nothing fancy or complicated.
Now, here is where you come in. I cannot cut a straight line into the fabric to save my life... Help! How do I do this? My current project is pattern-less, so it's not like I can just cut the pattern straight and then cut the fabric off of that. However, it has long straight edges (or at least, it's supposed to) and I'm not sure how to go about that in a way that they will be straight! Even using a seam gauge, it still doesn't come out straight. So my crafty friends, what tips and techniques do you use to cut your fabric in a straight line?
My second cry for help is this. After figuring out how to cut my fabric in that straight line, I'm going to need to hem it in an equally straight line. Short sections are fine, but somehow I manage to get into an angle or a bubble or funky section that ends up not making the edge straight. What are your best tips for doing a straight hem? I have learned that faster is not better when it comes to sewing, it's a lot easier to make a tiny mistake huge! However working at Disney in locations that embroider the ear hats (all computerized) all you hear is the machines sewing at 500 miles an hour, so it's hard not to try to run my machine equally as fast. I am much better at not "lead footing" it now though :)
Thanks in advance for any tips and tricks that you think of! I can't wait to read them :)
5 comments:
You should take a sewing class :-) it would be very helpful. For cutting strait there are rulers and grids you can use and really sharp sewing scissors that never cut paper. As for the hems the sewing machine has lines on it to eyeball sewing lines between the line and the foot. That is hard to explain without showing you. Use your iron to press your hem ahead of time it will be easier and practice on scraps. Patterns are great for really helping you figure out how to do things. I made dresses for my girls when they were toddlers it was a lot of fun.
Get a Rotary cutter, a mat, and a good sewing ruler. Line the fabric up with one of the mat lines, place your ruler where you want to cut, put all your weight on the ruler, and cut. Joann's sells all three in a nice kit by Fiskars.
As for hemming straight. Just take your time, go slow, and use a lot of pins. The pins will help keep everything lined up and cause you to go bit slower.
And iron the hem, that should also help keep it flat.
I suck at crafting! Although it is on my list to change as we make our move! I can not wait to practice and pretend I am crafty. Braeden is young enough he wont notice if I do something wrong LOL Can't wait to hear what you take on.
Thanks for the assistance ladies! A sewing class is DEFINITELY on my wish list, just have to find time to take it. Between here, Twitter and facebook I got a lot help! Project should be in the next blog post so stay tuned! ;)
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