In this video, I will demonstrate how to clip and sew curved edges. Have you ever sewn your exterior together perfectly, but then gone to sew the curved edges of your lining and thought, “Hmm, this doesn’t seem to fit?” I’ll talk about that in today’s video!
You can find the video to make my Easy Leather Hobo Bag here: https://tinyurl.com/muk7wczk
You can also find my video demonstration on how to use staples to finish your bag here: https://tinyurl.com/1awmuzrd
The reason why you find it more comfortable to sew on the opposite side of the piece is because the feed dogs pull the bottom piece more than the top piece. This has always been a factory method and is also used to ease fabric such as sleeves. I taught this in my shop for several years. The method is used in conjunction with how you place your hands on the fabric. The appropriate way is to place the thumb of your right hand under the fabric with the four fingers on top. This allows for feeding the fabric appropriate for what you are sewing. The left hand simply guides the fabric and never goes beyond the foot. It’s all a matter of understanding the physical properties of the machine. The method I use to teach this is to have the students cut 2 pieces of fabric about 24″ long and then cut one inch from one edge of one of the pieces. Match the 2 pieces at one edge with the shorter piece on top, then sink your needle into the fabric BEFORE you lower the presser foot. With your hands in the position I previously stated, bring both pieces up perpendicular to the bed of the machine. Begin to sew. Stop about 1/3rd of the way and allow the bottom piece of fabric to gap from the top piece. Your hand will have tension on the top piece while the lower one is feeding. When the gap is gone, do it again until you have reached the end. You should find that both ends will meet exactly at the end. Iron to set the stitches and flatten the fabric. I hope this was clear. Thank you. Nadyne Buck