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Paige Handmade

You are here: Home / Sewing Machine Basics / Sewing Straight & Curved Lines

Sewing Straight & Curved Lines

in Sewing Machine Basics on 02/25/20

In this video, I’ll share three tips that I have for sewing straight and curved lines.

First Tip: Practice seam widths using your presser foot and needle plate as a guide.

A presser foot is a very useful tool for sewing a straight line. The foot I have on my machine in this video has two marked lines in the clear middle section that indicate 1/8″ and 1/4″. If I keep the edge of my fabric following the line then I will have an even seam width. The edge of my foot is 1/2″.

When I am sewing a seam or hem that is bigger than 1/2″, such as 5/8″ or 1″, then I will use the needle plate as a guide. The needle plate has markings to show different widths. Bonus: you can extend the line with a piece of painters tape or a rubber band around the base. Admittedly, I have never done this and haven’t needed to, but it is a good option.

Second Tip: Draw straight and curved lines on paper and stitch along the lines.

This tip may sound so weird. Paper!? Yes, paper. Paper has no flex and you can practice manipulating it without worrying about the movement of fabric.

Draw a few lines and curves. Don’t forget angles too. That helps you practice pivoting for corners. Place the paper under the presser foot and stitch. Follow the lines and adjust as needed. If the curves are tight you can lift the presser foot with the needle down in the paper and pivot the paper slightly to keep it on track.

Third Tip: Practice on plain woven cotton.

Woven cotton is generally very stable and that makes it a good beginner-friendly fabric to learn with. You can make practice hems, organic curved lines, or try writing your name. Practice and experimentation is one of the keys to sewing.

These three tips are a good place to start when you are just beginning. If you have a favorite technique for keeping a straight line or sewing a smooth curve, share your tips in the comments below! It is so fun to learn together.

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Comments

  1. Addison says

    February 17, 2021 at 4:23 am

    Thanks for the video! I’m totally new to sewing and I need to practice my curves before my first project–some face masks. Printing (or drawing) curves and lines on paper is something I never would have thought of but I think it will be super helpful! I’m off to do that now 🙂

    Reply
    • Paige says

      March 2, 2021 at 8:21 am

      I hope you have a successful first project! Cheering for you!

      Reply

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Hi! I'm Paige... Paige

...an elf who has achieved Master Tinker status. Give me a tool and I’ll make something! I am married to the coolest nerd and Mama to two girly girls.

My mission is to take the overwhelm out of projects, so you can go get creative and make something you love! a little more backstory…

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paigehandmade

Another pair of socks that deserve a solemate phot Another pair of socks that deserve a solemate photo. They are quirky and cozy. 🧦 

As always, the #imsobasicsocks is the foundation pattern.

#sockknitting #knitsocks #boxofsocks2023
Today I did my own plumbing work for our shower re Today I did my own plumbing work for our shower remodel. I was afraid to do it, but I spent a lot of time learning and preparing. The more information I learned the more I felt capable. The soldering made me nervous and my hands felt a little shaky, but I committed no matter the outcome. I followed all the steps (even if they aren't shown in this tiny video). John encouraged me and showed me how to turn our water supply off for the first time. This was a good exercise in being willing to try something new. I'm really proud! We turned the water on and it's holding tight! On to the next task. 🚿

#bathroomremodel #homerenovation #plumbing
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Yarn: @labienaimee "Pinku Graffiti" & "Malachite"
Pattern: a spin on @summer.lee.knits #imsobasicsocks
Guess who's back!? My studio tour just went live o Guess who's back!? My studio tour just went live on @youtube. I hope you like getting a peak into how I organize this space. All sources are linked on my blog. Link in profile. 💕

#roomreveal #sewingroom #sewingstudio #homeschoolroom #arossweater
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