Bows

[yeeehawterri]

Not the kind you tie. I avoid patterns that have long strips sewn together, I ALWAYS wind up with my strip sets having a bow in the middle. I've tried pressing different ways, I'm careful with my seams, I just cant seem to master a straight set.

Am I the only one with this problem? And for those of you that don't have this problem, what's your secret? I do so much better with smaller pieces and blocks.

[Cat n bull]

Re: Bows

Have you tried alternating which end you start sewing from, for each set?

[yeeehawterri]

Re: Bows

They always seem to dip at the beginning and end, and arch in the middle. I've tried pressing the ends first then the middle and doing the opposite on another set withe the same results. When I have shorter strips, I don't seem to have this problem. Maybe I'm just too heavy handed.

[starlover]

Re: Bows

I wonder if it has anything to do with your thread tension?

[Cat n bull]

Re: Bows

Do you press each seam as you sew it? Or sew a few then press them?

[yeeehawterri]

Re: Bows

Sew, press, sew, press. As for tension, it seems to be fine, but I will check this out tomorrow and play with it some.

[auntiemern]

Re: Bows

I don't think it is a tension issue. Sew strip from the opposite end as the one before. Make sure you are not pulling on the fabric, and the machine is doing the work. Make sure you are pressing and not ironing. Good luck...you'll get it figured out.

[brook]

Re: Bows

It also might help if you press on a hard board like Jenny uses. That will help the fabric not to stretch.

[brenmar]

Re: Bows

Are you talking about strips you cut yourself by folding the fabric to get a straight edge? If so, make sure you have no 'bow' as you fold the fabric - this can cause bows in the cut. Not sure I've explained that well enough but this shows it better.
Squaring up Fabric - YouTube

[Cat n bull]

Re: Bows

Sew, press, sew, press. As for tension, it seems to be fine, but I will check this out tomorrow and play with it some.

Try sewing a few, then pressing.

[paandrus]

Re: Bows

Moda had a great tip for this. As you sew, make sure the middle folds match up and both ends. I tried it and it works great. Hope this helps.

[mary3100]

Re: Bows

Just cut them in half on the fold. Easier to work with and no more bows!