Sewing on the Featherweight

Hope you all had a great weekend!  We launched our Christmas shopping and got a fair amount accomplished.  No waiting until the last minute this year.  

I started a new project on the Featherweight, and I have really been enjoying getting reacquainted with that little machine.  There are a few tips that I am discovering along the way that are giving my piecing much better results.

As you see in the photo above, I am holding onto the top and bobbin threads as I begin to sew.  I also will put the needle in the down position for that first stitch, and I am not getting any scrambled threads or having the needle become unthreaded as I start my stitching.  A reader mentioned a week or so ago that she learned that tip in Home Ec class ages ago, and I agree, it is a golden nugget of advice.  Hold those threads just when you start stitching.

I am making some little log cabin blocks (more on that tomorrow), and my first block came out a bit oversized.  I have a tip that I got from Kim Diehl, which is making all the difference.  Do you see in the photo above that my last pin is horizontal?  The is preventing the strip from flaring out or fishtailing.  It is holding the little strip exactly where it needs to be.  Pinning.  I love to pin.

A second thing I have been experimenting with is the seam allowance.  I was just going by the quarter inch foot on the Featherweight, and my strips were always just a skosh too short, which meant fudging with that bottom layer.  I didn't like that.  I tried making my seam allowance just a hair (and I do mean a hair) wider than the presser foot.  My goodness, once I did that consistently, each strip fit perfectly.  So check your seam allowance if your piecing isn't coming out perfectly accurate.  A tiny adjustment could make all the difference.

Here is a close up of the stitching I am getting on the Featherweight.  I think it is pretty darn good.  No skipped stitches ever since I put in a Singer brand needle.

See you tomorrow!

Comments

[Barbara Anne]

Good tips! Thanks!!

When I finish my Christmas sewing, perhaps I'll get out Mama's Featherweight?! She was DH's grandmother.

Hugs!

[gailss1]

They are looking good Nicole and thanks for the tips...every once in a while I use my featherweight to keep it in shape...;)

[Mary Kastner]

GReat tips and they are new to me- not just reminders. Thank you so much. I saw pictures on Instagram of your blocks. They are just adorable. Love the colors! CHristmas shopping! You are really organized!!!!

Mary

[Nancy Watkins]

I am anxious to try the holding the thread trick next time I sew. Thank you

[Chris]

Thanks for the Singer needle tip! Just bought a featherweight and am having a bit of trouble, will try new needle!

[Jan]

I'm so happy you're enjoying your Featherweight! I'll definitely use that horizontal pin tip on my current project that has 2 1/2" strips! Were you able to solve the foot pedal problem?

[Hildy]

I love to chain-piece or use a small fabric strip as leader-ender for the same reason.

[Janet O.]

Your two tips are things I have learned over the years, as well, and I will add my voice that they work for me! :)
Seeing your KD project makes me want to go dig out a little kit I have of hers. I love her stuff!

[Bridget]

I have used the hold the threads trick for quite some time but I am new to the horizontal pin. I am all over that one now. I, too, love to pin!

[Audrey]

I like my little Featherweight but I can't get used to the fact that it doesn't have the automatic thread cutter and the needle up/down feature! I am spoiled!

[Kyle]

Great tips. My little featherweight has be so neglected.