To find the right combinations
of tension and stitch length, spend
plenty of time practicing on a
scrap of the fabric you'll be using
with a piece of stabilizer backing
it.
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The
tension is correct when the upper
threads wrap around to
the back with a bit of it showing
on either side or even one
side of the bobbin thread.
No bobbin thread shows on the
top of the fabric.
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If
the bobbin thread pulls
to the top of the fabric,
the tension is too tight and
some of the bobbin thread will
show on the right side of the
fabric.
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 The
tension is too loose if
no bobbin thread shows anywhere
on the fabric. In this case,
the bobbin thread is not anchoring
the stitch and tugging on
it can easily pull it out.
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 Write
down the settings (they will
be handy when you begin your
project) as a good starting
point.
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starting the satin stitch in
the center of a line
rather than in the corner,
it is much easier to match
up at the end. |
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Sew
to the edge of the applique;
place the needle in the down
position, pivot the fabric and
line up the applique again
to sew down the next edge.
Raise the needle and the
presser foot slightly. Move
the applique a sewing thread
or two towards the rear of
the sewing machine. Lower
the presser foot. Gently
lower the needle down into
the outside edge of
the applique and begin to
sew. |
 
This technique prevents a
sewing thread or two from hanging
over the edge of the corner and
makes the corners look square.
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Large
circles are nice and easy
to sew because they can often
be sewn without stopping.
Smaller circles need more
care - sew them a few stitches
at a time. Since the presser
foot is designed to sew in
a straight line, it's necessary
to pivot around the
arc of the circle.
Do this by gently lowering
the needle down on the outside
edge of the applique,
raising the presser foot
a little, and turning the
fabric slightly to begin
sewing again. Repeat the
process until the circle
is complete.
Gently lowering the needle
down along the outside edge
before pivoting prevents the
fabric from moving. When
the needle is in the up position,
it is more difficult to position
the fabric properly to keep
the circle from becoming
distorted. |
Computerized
machines make sewing points
difficult. They go down in
width increments of .05 and
do not have an over ride
to go in smaller decreases
like the older machine will
do. If the newer machine
has different positions for
the needle, the points can
be decreased on one side,
then switch the needle position
to the other side and gradually
increase the width of the
stitch.
This is way more work than
I want to. A good friend
devises this method instead
(which on closer observation
is not pointed at all).
Satin stitch to the end
of the point, gently
lower the needle, raise
the presser foot slightly
and turn the applique,
lining it up to sew down
the other side. Hold the
fabric steady and lower
the needle to the other
side of the applique point.
Now begin to sew down the other
side of the point.
You will sew over a few
stitches in the process. |
The newer sewing
machines have a built-in tight
stitch that is sometimes
called a satin or applique stitch.
Nearly all sewing machines built
in the last 30 years or so have
a zigzag stitch that can be adjusted
to make a satin stitch. It doesn't
matter which you own, you can make
a good looking satin stitch.
