I have a couple of very basic sewing questions?

Question

I'm NEW to sewing. :) How do you go about cutting a straight line in a fabric and then hemming a straight line?

Also, how in the world do you manage to make a rolled seam?

EEP! Thanks...

Answer 1

I use rolled seams (No, not hems, SEAMS!  :) ) in sheer fabrics: I use a longer stitch and 2 or 3 threads on the serger, and they come out like this:

inside: http://www.diceyhome.free-online.co.uk/K...

from the outside: http://www.diceyhome.free-online.co.uk/K...

And a serged rolled hem in the same stuff: http://www.diceyhome.free-online.co.uk/K...

If you want a rolled hem using a narrow hem foot on an 'ordinary' sewing machine (like this one: http://www.diceyhome.free-online.co.uk/K... take a look at the whole of that part of this project: http://www.diceyhome.free-online.co.uk/K...

Cutting a straight line with either rotary cutter or scissors is mostly a matter of practice.  So is sewing straight seams, or seams properly parallel to the edge you have cut.  Just keep at it and it will come.  Use the lines on the needle plate of the machine as a guide.  Be nice to yourself!  We ALL wobble at both to start with!

Answer 2

Lay the fabric flat and mark it with disappearing ink, using a straight edge like a book or ruler, measure in a few places along the line from the edge of the fabric to make sure you're straight.  If the fabric is crooked to begin with, look at the weave in the fabric and follow a line.  Use sharp scissors.

Fold the hem over, iron it.  Fold it again, pin it and iron before sewing.  

Voila, no rolled seam.  (I'm assuming rolled seam is undesirable, lol).  

Answer 3

Kacky is actually describing a shirt tail hem.

A rolled hem is done with a special foot that really rolls the fabric as you sew it down. It isn't easy to master a true good rolled hem.

To sew a straight line on your machine you need to pay attention to the seam guides as you sew. If it is difficult for you to follow them don't be afraid to use masking tape or draw a line with a sharpie on your machine to help you keep the fabric straight as you sew

Answer 4

I use a rotary cutter with a quilter's ruler on a mat for cutting straight lines. Or if it's a skirt or other hemming job, I measure and make marks all along the hem, then connect the marks with one line.

To sew a straight line, use a sewing machine and run your fabric along one of the lines on the bed of the machine. Use the slowest speed so you can stay in control.

For a rolled seam, fold it twice as small as you possibly can, ironing as you go. Pin it with a lot of pins,  and then sew with matching thread. It takes a long time but it's worth it.

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