Sewing Circles
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.
Sewing Points
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 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. 
Write
down the settings (they will be handy
when you begin your project) as a
good starting point.
