Sewing from point to point!

It can be challenging sewing a straight line from a particular point to another particular point without some for of reference except the ending points. The Manhattan Bag below has seams sewn on the folds of the bag and represent the technique I am addressing:

 When you have the purse panel flat, you sew from point 1 to point 2 to point 3, and to finish at point 4. There are no guide lines. I put pins at all points and simply sight from pin to pin and sew for it!!!!. 

Sometimes, I press crease marks from point to point, then sew on the crease lines.  This works pretty well.

A third method would be to use seam tape or some kind of 1/4" masking tape. The following picture shows what we mean:

I tried to put tape on all three seams but this particular tape started to fall off before I could finish the seams. Though I love this tape, a different tape might work better for this technique. I sewed right next to one side of the tape.

What's the hardest part of pattern writing?

So as I am writing six new patterns this spring, one thing has become increasingly obvious. I would love to write using all sorts of techniques  --- using specialized tools I have access to  -- but everyone's equipment/sewing machines are so different! I have to stay somewhat generic, writing for all brands and the average machine that might not have a lot of bells and whistles  --- or feet! Hmmmm!

The Edge Foot and All It's Glory!

The edge foot happens to be a great accessory for any sewing machine. It has a couple of ways to use it to your advantage. 
First, obviously, as an edge foot. This is great for things like top stitching along the edge of project. See the blade that comes down from the center bottom of the foot. Align the blade with the edge of the fabric. Then align your needle the distance from the edge that you want. And sew - - the seam maintaining a perfect distance from the edge. This really adds the "perfection" status to your project.

Second, the edge foot is great for "stitch-in-the-ditch". The ditch is the seam or junction of two fabrics. Stitching in the ditch means putting a seam right in that junction. When you do this, it seemingly hides the seam -- a great technique when you Don't  want the 'top stitch' look. So align the blade in the ditch. Then sew. The blade guides the seam to stay in the ditch. It's magical!

The Edge Foot!

Stretching and Sewing Elastic!

Here's a few pics that might help understand the stretching of elastic and sewing it in at the same time. This technique is used in patterns like P162 T-shirt Transitions and P163 Onzie Conversions.

First, start out by center aligning the piece of elastic on the spot of the fabric you want the elastic. Put a pin in the center of the elastic.

Now place the fabric and elastic in your machine, with one end of the elastic at the feed dogs when stretched to most of its maximum stretch. Go ahead and anchor the end of the elastic with a few stitches.

 

 You can now let go of the 'stretch' for a moment. You can see how much gather the fabric is going to happen.

 

 

Arrange your hands again to stretch the elastic until the fabric is flat (no gathering). 

With the zig zag stitch, continue sewing the elastic until you get to the pin.

You can let go of that first half of the elastic. Pull the pin out.

From the center spot of the elastic to the end of the elastic, stretch the elastic again to most of its maximum stretch. Continue the zig zag sewing until you get to the end of the elastic. Then you can let go and your elastic should be sewn in proportionately.