Today we’re reviewing one of the core basics of quilting and sewing—sewing a perfectly straight line. It is an essential skill that every sewist and quilter has to learn, and even for practiced pros, it doesn’t hurt to get a little refresh!
There are two big factors that influence the lines you get:
- pedal control
- your ability to keep consistent lines
Keep consistent Pressure
When you are working with your sewing machine, it’s important to keep consistent pressure on the pedal, and use it in gradual increments. Move at your own pace and adjust your foot pressure, guided by your work, but never abruptly cut off pressure or push down hard. Focus on always easing into the pedal, whether you need more or less pressure. This will help you avoid snags and keep your fingers out of the way!
Let the plate Be Your Guide
The lines on the plate under the needle of your machine are your best friend when it comes to sewing straight lines. There are several lines next to each other on these plates, which are evenly spaced out. Use the stitch plate lines to align your sewing and maintain straight lines as you sew. They are your visual cue so you always know exactly how straight you are sewing. They are also super helpful for keeping pleats consistent the whole time.
Mark Your Fabric
Don’t be afraid to mark your fabric with a washable or heat erasable pen! Grab a ruler and draw your straight line directly onto your fabric, or use a template to trace shapes. This is especially helpful for curves. You can remove the lines later when you’re done.
invest in a good presser foot
Did you know that some BERNINA presser feet have built-in seam guides? Using a seam guide will make it sew easy to sew straight lines! A presser foot like the Patchwork Foot with Guide #57D (seen above left) includes a seam guide along the right edge. Just position the edge guide against the fabric edge or seam line to yield straight spacings and lines when sewing.
The BERNINA Three-Sole Walking Foot with Seam Guide #50 (seen above right) is another excellent choice. It has two seam guides to ensure accurate sewing and straight lines!
And remember: if you make a mistake, it is perfectly normal! Even the pros make mistakes every now and then. The key is to never get discouraged, and to always take every mistake as a lesson. And after the lesson has been learned, there is always picking!
Getting it perfect every time is going to take practice and muscle memory. The great thing is that you can develop these skills as you go without having to focus on them too much—because the more projects that you do, the more the skills will develop over time! Dave’s BERNINA also offers lots of classes to elevate your sewing and quilting skills, so keep an eye on our calendars!