Sewing straight

[Elliptic5]

I haven't done any sewing for years but having picked up a machine last year I'd tried to get back into it. So far I've only done repairs and hems, however I seem incapable of sewing straight and as I've got some curtains all cut ready to sew I'd better try and sort this out.

I don't remember having this trouble when I used to sew, any hints or tips so I don't ruin metres of curtain material?

You could practise a bit with ruled paper and no thread, to check if you're sewing straight. You should get a straight line of holes in the paper when it's right.
Are you measuring and pressing the hem into place before you stitch? Are you lining up the edge of the presser foot with the top edge of the hem as you sew? Most machines have a gauge on the sewing plate to help you keep it lined up. These things help me to keep it straight. I find it tempting to try to rush when stitching long boring lengths of fabric. Could that be a part of your problem?

You can put a rubber band round your machine to act as a guide.

Also if your machine has a speed control slow it right down.

Agree re machine speed - I've recently gotten a much better sewing machine, but it's much faster. I'm sure I'll get used to it, but it's harder to control the accuracy when it's so much quicker. If you can adjust the speed, I'm sure that'd help.
But sewing is great. I wish I'd known sooner ...!

Quite an old machine so the only speed control is via my foot pressure on the pedal. I'll try practising on paper, that's a good idea GERT thank you.

Masking tape on top of machines to help you guide the fabric.

Quilters also use quarter inch seam feet...which assuming your fabric is cut straight helps ensure a straight seam

www.amazon.co.uk/Snap-4-inch-Loading-Janome-60°/dp/B008HAV1TY

I've realised I don't have any guide marks on my needle plate so I thought I might get a magnetic seam guide. It's an old Toyota 221 machine so I assume this would be ok.

yes, you just need to practise.
another thing, is you probably have a seam guide inyoyr attachments box.

onw way I do it is to look at gow far away my foot is from the edge of the fabric and keep it that distance.

the only way to get good at straight lines is practise.

(but don't panic, I've been sewing all my life and still can't do a perfectly straight line)

practise with foot pressure too, on.your pedal.

proper paid machinists sew and lift their foot frequently - it means they can sew quickly but still can control the fabric when they stop the machine.

small adjustments and frequent is the trick.

I use one of these as I do patchwork and need to be very exact with my seams. Even my DS can sew a reasonably straight line using it.

Don't look at the needle as you sew- focus your eyes at the front of the foot.

Thanks GrowlLike that's the one I had been looking at, I shall buy that and get practising.

I'll be fine with a basic machine like you have, you can't use it with the fancy super expensive machines with computers in them as the magnet scrambles the computer.