Are you really sewing 5/8" seams or is it slightly more or less?

If you are following the markings on your sewing machine throat plate, I hate to tell you, but they aren't 5/8", etc.

The toes of your regular presser foot are not a good guide for 1/4" seams either. Check them out and you will see that they are generally more than 1/4".

There is one exception to this that I know of and that is the "little foot" that was made especially for quilters to do 1/4" wide straight stitching only.

Machines don't usually come with this foot. It is a special order narrow toed foot.

The markings on sewing machines are in centimeters. Why is your machine marked in centimeters? Because they are not manufactured in the United States. They are made overseas and they use the metric system.

Our sewing patterns and instructions are in inches.

To have sewing success, we must stitch accurately.

We need help to identify where the stitches should be.

We cannot "eyeball" it and we shouldn't use the centimeter markings if you are stitching in inches.

I know that a lot of you believe you are stitching correctly But, I would like you to double check to make sure.

Here is a simple way to do that.

Drop your needle down and measure out to the markings on your sewing machine with an accurate tape measure. Close is not the answer. Exact is.

I highly recommend that you mark your machines so that you have a clear guide to stitch accurately.

I don't particularly like the metal bar type stitching guides as I feel they are too bulky. And, they are'nt really where I need them. I much prefer a flat piece of tape.

I always have a tape stitching guide on my machine. You can use any kind of tape you like for this.

Some tapes already have ruled markings on them. Or, you can mark your own. I cut a piece of tape about 2-1/2" long. The width of the tape I use is about 3/4" wide.

I place the top end of the tape straight out from the needle with the long edge of the tape 1/2" away from the needle. The tape extends down about 2" in front of the presser foot but still 1/2" from the needle.

Yes, I have to lift up the end of the tape to get into my bobbin, but that's OK. I would rather stitch accurately and save myself a lot of headaches later when things won't line up.

Then, I mark the tape at 5/8" for my seams. I make a mark at 1" also since I use that often.

Sometimes, I use a different color pen for each marking to distinguish one from the other.

The tape guide should be 2" in front of the presser foot so that you can start guiding your fabric along your stitching mark long before a stitch is made by the needle.

By the time the fabric gets to the needle, it is too late. You need to be guiding the fabric accurately long before it reaches the needle.

Watch the tape guide, not the needle!

With a tape stitching guide, you will see a great improvement in the accuracy of your stitching.

Other Helpful Tips

Usually, I use the "little foot" for 1/4" seams.

When I need to sew 3/8" seams, I place tape or mark 3/8" directly on my machine to stitch necklines and curved areas.

Of course, I have previously trimmed the pattern to have only a 3/8"' seam there.

You will have much more control on curves if you use short stitches and a 3/8" seam allowance at your neckline edges.

Remember to prepare your patterns by trimming off 1/4" and leaving 3/8" before you cut out your garment. Make a note to yourself until you get into the habit of stitching necklines at 3/8" instead of 5/8".

I use the edge of the tape placed at 1/2" from the needle for staystitching.

If I'm making a 3" or 4" hem in something, I will mark the bed of my machine to help me keep it straight.

Do whatever it takes to help you.

Don't be afraid to use tape stitching guides on your machine to help you stitch accurately.

It just makes sense!

Marian Lewis is a sewing instructor and the creator of an amazing new fitting method for hard-to-fit sewing folks.

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