Crafty Threads 'n' Yarns

CJ · Posted: Sat Mar 22, 2008 7:24 pm Post subject: Top stitching?

Does anyone have any tips for topstitching really close to the edge of say a bag? cos I'm finding it quite hard to get really near it. Rolling Eyes

I can just about do straight now, but at say, 1/4" away, but would like to make the fiona bag here (jennalou.com) and that requires narrower topstitching? ta. Very Happy

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Ravelry ID ~ ChristinaJL

Sprite64 · Joined: 28 Dec 2006 Posts: 2879

I'm no expert but if you've got a foot for doing zips maybe you could use that? I used my zipper foot for the first time when I lined my booga bag and put a zippered pocket in it - and you have to sew close to the edge for sewing the zip in place. I found it was easier with the zipper foot to I just used that to sew the lining into my bag too (maybe totally wrong, but it worked for me!)
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Sharon

CJ · Posted: Sat Mar 22, 2008 7:29 pm Post subject:

I did try the zipper foot last time, but was still a bit far away. Rolling Eyes

Just practise I guess. Which bit of the foot did you line the actual edge up, maybe that's where I'm going wrong? Laughing

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Ravelry ID ~ ChristinaJL

Sprite64 · Joined: 28 Dec 2006 Posts: 2879

Hmm I think I lined up the edge of the foot pretty much with the edge of the fabric - I just had a look at my zip in the booga bag and the stitching is only about 1/4" (2mm I've only got a tape measure in inches handy!) from the edge - it's really very close. You have to put the foot on a different way (on my machine anyway) depending on which side you're stitching (if that makes sense?!)
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Sharon

Sprite64 · Joined: 28 Dec 2006 Posts: 2879

What sewing machine do you have? There might be a special foot for this?

edited to say - just did a quick google and did find some 'feet' which mention top stitching.
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Sharon

CJ · Posted: Sat Mar 22, 2008 10:39 pm Post subject:

I have a singer confidence 7463. Very Happy

*heads off to do some googling* Laughing

ta.

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Ravelry ID ~ ChristinaJL

Farmgirl · Posted: Sun Mar 23, 2008 7:26 am Post subject:

CJ, you can get a quarter inch foot for all sewing machines. It lets you machine a quarter of an inch from the edge. I use it a lot mainly for patchwork.

It is a very handy "foot" and not very expensive to buy Very Happy

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Linda

Sprite64 · Joined: 28 Dec 2006 Posts: 2879

Mmmm I need more feet! I've been trying to avoid getting lots of sewing bits, fabric stash etc. but I have a feeling I might not be able to resist for much longer!
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Sharon

CJ · Posted: Sun Mar 23, 2008 10:16 am Post subject:

thanks. I'll definately "persuade" DH to let me get a foot or two for my singer then. Twisted Evil

yeah, sprite I know what you mean, I just found an american quilting site that stocks a full range of most designer fabrics. Razz

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Ravelry ID ~ ChristinaJL

melody yarns · Site Admin Joined: 03 Nov 2006 Posts: 8688 Location: UK

You should have a bigger foot and smaller top-stitching foot with your machine CJ - it's slimmer and have one side bigger than the other. That's the one you use for top-stitching Cool

the other broader foot with the two sides about equal lengths you use for seaming, zig-zag and stuff.

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Melody's blog
Ravelry name ~ melodyyarns
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