New Machine, can't sew a straight line-- help!!?

Question

I just got a new sewing machine and I picked a very simple bag as mu first project but for the love of all that is holy, I can't sew a straight line! Help! Is this a normal problem for beginners? Anything I can do to improve?

Answer 1

I've been sewing for years and still can't get a straight line without my quarter inch foot.
You can go to a sewing machine store or search online for a quarter-inch presser foot that would fit your brand of machine. It has a thin piece of metal or plastic on the right that you can rest your fabric edge against... I love mine!

Here's an example of one:
http://www.elna.us/en/products/accessories/sewing_accessories/quarter_inch/


Good luck, I know it can be very frustrating!

Answer 2

Once you've decided what features you want on your machine, points that are important considerations: Dealer Support Warranty Trade-up/Trade-in Policies Education As someone who owns 3 Husqvarna Viking machines, and has worked PT for a dealer off and on for the past 5 years, I can't stress good dealer support enough. WalMart won't give you a loaner machine if you are in the middle of a project that has to be completed and your machine needs service, nor will their staff sit down with you and take a look on the spot to see if it's a quick and simple fix. In the price range you mention, there are two really nice mechanical machines at present - the Emerald 116 and Emerald 118. You can well afford the 118. Go into a dealer and ask for a demonstration - the Emeralds make incredible buttonholes, can easily stitch through several layers of fabrics and are very quiet and smooth running. The Husqvarna Viking accessories and feet fit the Emerald machines. This is an important consideration if you decide later on to take advantage of the one-year trade-up policy where you can get credit for a significant portion of what you paid - sometimes all of what you paid - toward a machine with more features (depends on how soon you trade-up within the year). Free owner's classes - up to 6 hours - are offered by authorized dealers. If the trade-up policy isn't a consideration - check the Huskystar line of machines. The feet & accessories don't fit the Husqvarna Viking machines and their aren't as many available but for the price, you'll get some nice higher-end machine features. Warranties on the Emeralds and Huskystars are 10 years mfr defect, 5 years electrical, 1 year everything (that's an over-simplification, so you'd want the dealer to explain fully). Some of the machines sold in discount stores such as WalMart only have 90 day warranties. You might also want to check to see if your school has an arrangement for discounts at any of the local dealers. I don't know a lot about the other brands, but I do know that Pfaff, Bernina and Janome make good machines in your price range that are most likely comparable to the Vikings. Brother makes nice machines, but I would only buy one from a dealer - WalMart isn't the only place to buy Brother. Most Sears don't carry a range of mid to high-end machines any longer, they are selling lines similar to what you'll find in WalMart and Target. Compare the warranties, trade-up policies, etc, to make the best decision for you. I strongly recommend resisting the temptation to buy a machine on sale for $129. I can't tell you how many students buy those and bring them back because, well, you get what you pay for. The $99 and $129 machines are truly only for someone who doesn't really sew and just wants to be able to mend things occasionally or knock together a pair of cotton curtains from time to time. While there are those who will most likely argue this point, they really aren't the right machine for someone who is sewing a diverse range of projects and using the machine frequently. I hope this helps with your decision. Good luck and ENJOY sewing!

Answer 3

When I first started sewing, I realized my problem was when I watched the needle. The needle doesn't go anywhere, it is the fabric. Watch the edge of your fabric and keep it the same distance from the seam markings on the machine .They are there for a reason. What I do is pin my seams at the exact seam width I want and make sure the pins are removed before they go under the needle until you become more proficient at sewing accurately . When I first started sewing in school (50yrs ago) we were taught to hand baste all our seams on the exact sewing line in a darker colour of thread . Sew along the basting , then remove it when you are finished.. This method takes a little longer but is very accurate. Please get yourself a sewing book for beginners. They are really worth having. I keep mine on my machine . Could I suggest "Sewing With Nancy "? Sewing really is fun once you get a little more experience. Don't give up! Good Luck!

Answer 4

Your machine should have lines on the sole plate. If you run the fabric along one of those lines, you'll sew straight. Also, check the manual and switch your machine to the slowest speed. Usually there is a button on the pedal for that. Use the line that has the measurement in your pattern - it might call for a quarter inch, half inch, or 5/8 inch seam.
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