Machine Made Kilt Problems...

**richardljohnson** · 28th November 05, 06:01 PM

I am working on the 3rd machine made kilt with PV material. I have a continual problem which has been present on the previous 2. Matching up fabric strips AFTER machine sewn! I have tried different 'feet' devices and even a 'freehand' but I still have a problem.

I admit that only 2 does not make a full life of experience but I am looking for suggestions. True, the misalignment is only a fraction of an inch but the matching stripes look like the 'Mark of Zorro' attack.

At a distance it is not too noticable but upclose it is not something I want to live with.

Any suggestions?

Thank,
Richard-

**switchblade5984** · 28th November 05, 06:24 PM

hmmmmmmmmm i take it that using non tartan fabric is out huh?

**richardljohnson** · 28th November 05, 06:35 PM

Been there and did that and got the 9 camo kilts in the closet to prove it!

Trying my hand at tartan PV now.

Richard-

**The Wizard of BC** · 28th November 05, 06:58 PM

Look at your stripes. Is the one that was on the bottom now slightly higher than the stripe that was on the top?
If this is so, your problem is that the feed dogs are pulling the underneath fabric but the top is being held by the foot.
There are a couple of things to do. First, if possible on your machine, loosen the foot pressure as much as possible.
Then with a practice piece, sew a small seam. After sewing, see how much off your stripes are. Then sew another seam. But this time offset the stripes slightly in the opposite direction. Just exactly the same amount they were thrown off on the first test.
By offsetting the stripes before they go into the foot you compensate for the misalignment.
Practice, practice. After about two or three test passes you should find how much offset is needed and how to hold the fabric to get the required final result.
This practice and holding a slight amount of tension in your fabric as you allow it to pass under the foot will usually solve your problem.