I get so disgusted...ready to give up

[Fabriclovr]

It sounds like you are sewing ith inaccurate seam allowances. If you are using templates or are measuring correctly before you cut, its not the cutting that's the issue, its the seams or the pressing.

Do this test: Cut 3 strips of fabric, 2 1/2 x 6 1/2 inches. Sew them together on the long sides using the seam allowance and set up you are using now. Press the seams to one side and then measure. You should have a square of fabric that now measures 6 1/2 x 6 1/2 inches square. If you do not, something is wrong. If it is slightly smaller, its probably your pressing, repress and measure again. If it is smaller than just a few threads, if you can, move the needle to the right 1 click. If you can not move your needle, you can do a couple of things. Measure from your needle out 1/4 inch and put a stack of postie notes to mark the edge (postie notes, masking tape, mole skin.. they all work) re sew using that as a guide. If you can get a presser foot with a fence, that is a good thing as well, but you need to measure where your needle is in relationship to the fence on the foot.

How ever you manage to achieve that quarter inch is your preference. Sew as many tests as it takes and then WRITE IT DOWN! After you get all that done, then move the needle one click to the right and that will be your scant quarter inch for a perfect seam.

I have taught this method to a lot of students and it works every time.

One thing that I also found is that not all machines are created equal when it comes to the feed dogs. most will pull the fabric straight, but some Viking machines will pull the fabric to the left, don't know why, but I have seen it happen on more than one and they were totally different Viking models. Hope this helps and don't give up!


Side note: I see your additional posts about being wankie.. Me thinks it is your pressing! If you are using UN-washed fabric and then using steam on the seams to press them open.. that is a big issue. Fabric shrinks unevenly and will cause a wankie seam if you use steam or starch on unwashed fabric. Lots of quilters wash their fabric before sewing, I don't, but I also don't use steam or spray starch.. that's your preference. Do this test: Cut a 6 inch UN-washed square using an Omni grid 6 inch square ruler, press it with steam, measure it... you will see shrinkage and that may be your problem right there.