hand sewing quilt binding
Trying to find out why my sewing machine keeps binding and jamming on me?
I make quilts and blankets, I am tired of doing them by hand. I have to date tried three different sewing machines all with the same results. When I sew the material 1/8-inch from the edge the machine will jam and bind the material and the thread. I do not understand why. I have gone to several different sewing places and they cannot tell me why.
Unfortunately employees of fabric/sewing stores are hired for stocking, measuring and cutting fabric and running the cash register.
It is not the tension, but you may want to lengthen the stitch length a bit. The thicker the item being sewn, the more thread is need to create the stitch.
I've had the same problem, which is due to not enough fabric under the presser foot to properly guide the fabric as the feed dogs are trying the move the fabric for stitching.
1/8 " from the edge is pretty narrow.
If you have a sewing machine that features an adjustable needle position, you can move the needle to the right until you have the width you want for the seam while the foot is actually holding 1/2" of fabric.
A very helpful accessory is the walking foot. It has the same effect as feed dogs, only on the top layer to help keep the top layer from shifting while sewing.
When changing the needle position be sure the needle plate and presser foot have openings wide enough to accommodate the new needle location so there isn't any chance of the needle hitting the foot or plate and breaking.
Except for Bernina, you can find generic walking feet at fabric stores - I got one at JoAnn for less than $20.00.
As long as you are not using a computorized sewing machine, you can use a magnetic seam guide to help keep the fabric feeding straight (check the sewing notions area of a fabric store), or several layers of blue painter's tape - it does not leave a reside like the tan colored masking tape.
Before sewing, open the needle plate and make sure it is clean from any residue from the jamming. Same for the bobbin case and surrounding area. You will need to do this pretty often when quilting due to the amount of lint it can create.
Make a little sample quilt and try the longer stitch length, needle position and walking foot - anything that is a new technique before working on your project ....this can be a real stress saver!
Good luck with your projects.
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