How to sew in a straight line for beginners - without buying any new gadgets!

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[@angelbear_og]

"No one will honk at you for sewing slowly" is a great merch slogan. :)

[@David-fg3lr]

72 year old man here trying sewing again for the first time since I was a very young man. I want to alter my second hand clothing purchases. Wonderful and practical advise that makes sense and will be helpful. Thank you

[@prettysimplesara]

That is awesome!

[@berniecelee5062]

Yeah … you’re very awesome sewing and adjusting your second hand clothing ! 👍👍👍 I wish my guy would have your attitude instead of asking me . Or spending money to get it altered . He’s never touched a needle and thread until couple of years ago when he brought his shirt to me to reattach a button ….finally I said please …it is an easy thing to do , let me show you so you can look after it when it happens to detach again. My brothers never bothered my mother or me with stuff like that. When I see a man sewing , I am impressed . So I applaud you at 72 giving this a shot again .

[@M-hc9xm]

All great advice! When my mom taught me to sew actual finished pieces, she first gave me a piece of paper with a bunch of lines on it, and I sewed those without thread to follow the line. When I got that, she gave me paper with corners to navigate, and eventually curves. I was young and thought it was pretty cool to use one of her machines for that, and it gave me a lot of practice.

[@prettysimplesara]

That’s exactly the method I teach in my beginner class🙂. It helps so much. Your mom was a great teacher ❤️ I also suggest practicing without paper (presser foot up) for a bit just to get used to the pedal-learning how to sew slowly!

[@dianewerckle4983]

Smart mom!

[@thecarjacful]

Those are the exercises we had to do at school, a million years ago 😅

[@shariz2998]

That’s how I taught as well.😊

[@ellbow7287]

​@@thecarjacfulSame here 60 years ago.😂

[@delphy50]

😂I love the mentioning of nobody will be honking at you if you take you time. Thanks really great tips. 👌

[@elayned6147]

I’ve been a tailor for years and yes, we don’t sew super fast and we also use the tape trick. We use painters tape. Great tutorial ❤❤

[@prettysimplesara]

Thank you :)

[@amishgirl1000]

Finally, someone giving clear understandable advice. Thankyou

[@collef1136]

Omg I love this video. Thank you!! Lots of good analogies. So helpful. Love the line…. no one is going to honk at you for sewing too slow 🤣

[@prettysimplesara]

Glad it was helpful!

[@AngeliqueStevens]

This was the most helpful video I've ever seen on sewing a straight stitch. Thank you so much.

[@MossyMozart]

@AngeliqueStevens - Here is an off-topic, but similar, technique for drawing a straight line. - - - - * Put a light dot on your paper where you want the line to end. * Put the pencil at the point where the line starts. * Then draw, looking ONLY at that far dot, NOT your hand or pencil. * This will help you improve the very first time you try. .^_^.

[@debrasonner5970]

❤❤❤❤ thank you. I am a Jane come lately to sewing I am 71 I always quit sewing because I couldn’t sew straight! Thank you.

[@prettysimplesara]

You should definitely try again!❤️🙂

[@bccabernet]

oh me too. I always have my seam ripper out whenever I sew because I know I'm going to need it. :( And I've quit many times because I wasn't given basic tips when I learnt how to sew in my teens.

[@prettysimplesara]

Hugs! Keep going!

[@maryt2887]

Excellent video! The analogy with a new driver is spot on.

[@prettysimplesara]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@phyllismay4384]

I like the way you explained the logic behind this tip. When I first began to sew when I was seven, (I'm 53 now) I couldn't couldn't follow the lines on the metal plate because I couldn't see them so ended up putting masking take on my moms machine just like this.

[@globoboboglob3270]

This is soooo blommin' useful! I even have washi tape that I got because it was pretty but didn't know what to do with it, HAH! This is perfect timing for this tip!

[@prettysimplesara]

Glad it was helpful!

[@janiceworsley8344]

I’ve been sewing for sixty years and yet, found this “back to basics” tutorial very helpful! Thank you so much.❤

[@prettysimplesara]

You are so welcome!

[@annethevenot461]

I learned to sew back in the 1960s on a cast iron, black Singer sewing machine (1947 model) . The machine went forward and backward and had no lines engraved on either side of the presser foot for gauging seam allowance widths. It had a narrow feed dog area with a 1/4” wide presser foot. It always made beautiful stitches on every fabric, chiffon to thick denim. I had no problem sewing straight. I had been watching my mother sew 5/8” and 1/4” seam allowances for years, so I began sewing what I thought was a 5/8” seam allowance and found out I was pretty darn accurate. The more I sewed, the more accurate I became by just gauging the amount of fabric that was on the right side of the presser foot. Of course sewing the 1/4” seam allowance was very easy because you sewed with the raw edge against the right side of the presser foot. When I purchased a more modern sewing machine with wider apart feed dogs, a wider presser foot and engravings on the needle plate I noticed that the sewing machine, though a good one, did not sew every fabric quite as easily and sewing curves was more of a challenge, but I loved the other things this new machine could do-zig-zag, buttonholes, decorative sewing. I learned new ways to handle the fabric as the machine sewed. I kept on improving my skills at cutting and sewing different garments, tailoring and pattern alterations. I love sewing and ended up setting up a studio where I taught children and adults to sew on and off for about 30 years. I now have a very fancy, top-of-the-line sewing machine that has a 9mm wide feed dog area, a 9mm wide presser foot with dual feeding. This machine also embroiders. I still sew mainly garments and I love my big machine, but I recently purchased an industrial sewing machine that only sews straight stitches and goes forward and backward. I find myself gravitating to the straight stitch machine more and more for garment sewing. It is so much easier to sew, handle the fabric and especially when sewing curves. I also find that when I sew on this machine or my Singer featherweight with no seam allowance markings that I am able to gauge seam allowances easily and accurately, just like my teenage years when I was learning to sew. You can gauge any and all seam allowance widths with practice. In fact, sometimes the engraved line gets in the way in sewing curves with wider presser feet. You need to look on the right of the middle of the presser foot where the needle pierces the fabric to make sure that the seam allowance stays the same width as in the straighter areas. Sewing is all about accuracy and judgement. Happy sewing, y’all!

[@lynetterene]

Sewing and driving- who knew.....thank you

[@deuscaritas1]

New to sewing and I always questioned the magnetic tools. Any tool is only as good as the operator. This is amazing advice! You are a good teacher! Thank you.

[@prettysimplesara]

You are so welcome!

[@sabtube77]

Best, most concise, useful advice available online

[@prettysimplesara]

🥰

[@rubychurch3466]

Now Sara that is the sort of advice that every sewer should have been given but weren't!!! Thank you. And thanks for the chuckle at nobody will honk at you if you sew slowly. Love that.

[@prettysimplesara]

Yes! But so many people now are learning to sew without an experienced sewer sitting beside them.

[@patrice8657]

The bare essentials that most sewing channels forget! I find that the precious information often comes from quilting sewers though :)

[@lazygardens]

My mom taught me to guide the fabric from the edge of the sewing machine table for long seams ... tiny adjustments keep it going straight. And she was making choir robes so I had miles of seams to do.

[@prettysimplesara]

That certainly must have been miles of seams!!!!

[@lazygardens]

@@prettysimplesara You learn to sew FAST and straight.

[@slantdwave]

She was making and you were making!

[@lazygardens]

@@slantdwave She was being paid to make the robes. I was making less as a subcontractor and child labor.

[@arevyah9517]

Loved this video, it was the biggest pat on the back that I didn’t know I needed

[@prettysimplesara]

So glad to hear it-sending you lots of pats on the back!!

[@anee57]

I’m 66 & I’ve always struggled to sew straight & on the rare occasions I have I’m pretty pleased with myself I haven’t had my machine out for years but thank to your wonderful advice ,tomorrow I’m going dust off the proverbial cobwebs find some fabric to play with and do it your way

[@prettysimplesara]

So glad you are going to play!

[@sofieonecrow3380]

Thank you for these clear explanations and valuable tips! I've been sewing since I was twelve (am 76 now) and your car driving analogy is the best instruction ever. Thank you, Sara.

[@KarinMurati]

Wow, this were very important tips for me as a sewing beginner. Thank's a lot. Greetings from Germany.

[@prettysimplesara]

Gern geschehen! 🙂

[@Deesignz718]

This video is a huge reminder that some fixes are so simple and free; thank you!

[@prettysimplesara]

Glad it was helpful!

[@deawallace3584]

Well made video and great sensible tips! Thanks. We all need reminders even if we have been sewing for 50 years.

[@prettysimplesara]

Yes, I am sometime reminding myself as well LOL!

[@lsheffield6205]

I agree. I needed this refresher.

[@PurpleCottageCrafts]

This video is a God send!!! Thank you for explaining this SO well. Using driving as the analogy for sewing was brilliant. I thank you and my future straight seams thank you, lol. 😊

[@elizabethharvester6111]

I really like the driving the car analogy!

[@prympammi]

Thanks so much!!💗before my mama passed she had wrecked her car (ran under her a semi truck) and she tried to drive but was terrified to do so. I encouraged her to try she then had a hard time… when I asked her why she was having trouble keeping the car in the middle of the road she said “ it was harder on my car” then she explained that she was taught to center the car emblem on the hood (in the middle) was supposed to lined up with “right” side of the road!! Can’t believe I never thought of this!! Thankssssssss oh I’m only 72 learned to sew by myself over the phone with a friend lolol

[@prettysimplesara]

Awesome way to learn to sew!!

[@bonnielarson6431]

My mom told me the same thing about lining up the hood ornament with the side of the road. Where have they all gone?

[@aprilhernandez3077]

I'm 65 and that's how I've learned to sew the last yr. Phone calls and alot of you tube

[@imenabbasi8772]

Wawwww, first time I see your channel, perfect video from beginning to the end , no BS, straight talk, I really appreciate it, thank you for sharing, and new subbie

[@prettysimplesara]

Thanks!

[@brendak5486]

I just 'found' you today and don't know how I missed you before! I've been sewing for over 57 years and your tips make so much (common) sense in the sewing world. I have subscribed and know that I will be watching everything I can find with you. Thanks for posting such a wonderful video.

[@prettysimplesara]

Thank you and welcome!

[@coritavanderburgh7675]

Dito for me. 👍

[@jpendowski7503]

Thank you for the great and patient information. I have done some garment sewing on and off for years and commonly struggle with going straight, your insights will make a big difference.

[@prettysimplesara]

I’m so glad to hear that 🙂

[@tinas977]

Fantastic! I’ve been sewing for decades, didn’t know about eyes on the hood of the car. Thx!

[@judyjunes3612]

Great tips and I might add an amazing knack for teaching. Thanks so much! I’m just learning sewing again and this was super helpful.

[@prettysimplesara]

You are so welcome!

[@jackybraun2705]

I'm no beginner - have been sewing for 60 years on and off. But I have had several yards of fabric sitting around for months because I dont have the confidence to sew long straight hems to make curtains. Perhaps now I can take a deep breath, check the driving mirror and set off, adapting your seam instructions to hem those curtains. Wish me luck!

[@prettysimplesara]

Good luck!!

[@janieeller2871]

I ❤ your commentary. So true, nobody is going to honk at me for sewing slowly 😅 thanks for sharing these amazing, yet simple tips!

[@prettysimplesara]

You are so welcome!

[@jumper123910]

Excellent video. I have seen the tape trick, but I couldn't work out how to get the tape lined up. So simple and easy. It must be a guy thing we work out how to make it difficult. I will be having a close look at your other videos and looking forward to more. Thanks.

[@prettysimplesara]

Glad it helped!

[@johntheoldmod]

What a great video , you managed to explain some pretty technical stuff in a nice non techie way and I love the driving analogy. I have put a servo motor on two of my machines to slow them down and sometimes on tricky stuff I am quite literaly putting stiches in one at a time and nobody honked at me.

[@prettysimplesara]

Much appreciated!

[@evgeniyagorovaya8075]

Maybe a simple trick of not hurrying would be extremely helpful 😅

[@prettysimplesara]

Definitely! Always remember that this is supposed to be fun!

[@amandamikyska5807]

This video was SO helpful! Full of tips and information. Thank you so much.

[@prettysimplesara]

Glad it was helpful!

[@souei9289]

I’m so glad this showed up in my recommended. I’ve only been sewing for two months or so and bought a seam guide to help but even using it my lines aren’t straight. I look forward to trying these tips out tomorrow!

[@Bobby-bz8bk]

Very clear and helpful. Thank you!

[@xstinktion]

Wonderful video! To the point, entertaining, and I feel more confident to take on my first project

[@prettysimplesara]

You can do it!

[@danishskiwarehouse]

Superb video, thank you! This should be mandatory viewing for all new sewers. And some not so new ones, too… 😉

[@HollysDollies22]

Thank you so much Sara- I cant wait to try these. I've been really struggling with straight lines and I havent been able to figure out what Im doing wrong lol Im glad I saw this before I went out and bought all the gadgets. Thank you

[@prettysimplesara]

I am so glad it helped 🙂

[@sylviafarmer589]

you have a gift for teaching Bravo. and thank you

[@prettysimplesara]

🥰 thank you so much 🥰. I hate to see people struggle with technical things when creating.

[@hfdsthjjbgt3655]

I love your analogies! You broke this video down into bite size actionable steps we can all relate to! Great job and keep them coming!

[@prettysimplesara]

Thank you! Will do!

[@mjb9176]

I just received my brand new Juki and I’m going to check that it sews straight like yours. My astigmatism makes things look crooked even when they are not. This was very timely.

[@D31taF0rc3]

When I was doing textiles in grade 6 we had to earn our "sewing licence". We practiced on sheets of paper with printed lines that were about 2-4mm thick with no thread. There was corners, curves, and straight lines. We only passed if we could do the full sheet without going outside the lines. After that we made pillows which was a good beginner project before we moved onto frog heat packs with button eyes.

[@prettysimplesara]

Sounds like an excellent program!

[@whatsupwithpchannel7329]

Such a good video with calm, clear instructions. I came across your channel by accident & subscribed straight away. From in the U.K.

[@prettysimplesara]

Thank you so much!

[@debbiethornton3254]

I'm so glad I ran into this! All of this makes sense & I've been quilting for a long time now! Thank you! Such great advice!!

[@prettysimplesara]

Yay quilters!

[@deniseledbetter6091]

I am so glad that you came up in my feed. My middle daughter wants to learn how to sew. She watched me while she was growing up and now wants to make things. Since we don’t live in the same city, I will tell her about your channel so she can watch

[@prettysimplesara]

Thank you so much!!

[@sandyrobertson9198]

I just found your channel today & subscribed 😀 I’m 62 trying to learn how to sew. My mother didn’t have the patience to teach me, my hope is to learn enough to share it with those I love . Your channel is truly a blessing.

[@prettysimplesara]

You can do it!

[@jdmarr2259]

I really thought that everybody sewed fast because that's all I've seen in real life & in videos. Oh, except for the walking foot because it IS a WALKING foot, after all. I won't be putting my pedal to the metal anymore & will be staying away from that guardrail. Thanks for making learning fun.

[@donnaclinton5578]

This was excellent. I haven’t used a machine in decades and inherited my grandmother’s machine. I needed a refresher. Your cues are perfect. Thank you. I’m so glad your video came up on my feed.

[@prettysimplesara]

Glad it was helpful!

[@elizabethkrafnick5466]

Oh my gosh what a great analogy. I might actually buy another sewing machine! I will subscribe!

[@prettysimplesara]

Welcome aboard!

[@susanw9630]

Wow- thank you! This made "sew" much sense! I wish I had known this before I made a 2.2 m wide roman blind with lots of long straight seams for rod pockets etc. Love from England.x

[@vasudhakhanapurtavag7600]

I just bought a new machine to get back to stitching which I used to do in my younger days. I triec it today and my stitch lines went all crooked. So happy i found your wonderful and useful video today. Will try out your tips now. Thank you !

[@prettysimplesara]

Have fun!

[@JesBewsey]

Oh god thank you so much for this video. Not only is it crucial & much-appreciated information, but the way you presented it is so refreshingly wonderful, simple, straight-forward, & easy to understand. Like your delivery itself has given me extra confidence. I just really appreciate it.

[@prettysimplesara]

You're very welcome!

[@lindawinn2568]

This sounds like great advice. I’ve been using a sewing machine occasionally for many years and always struggle to keep a straight line. I’m sure that watching your video is going to greatly help me. The driving reference made so much sense. Thank you.

[@prettysimplesara]

👍🙂

[@hannahstraining7476]

Super!! While I have advanced skills in several crafts, sewing has always seemed impossible to me because I can't sew a straight seam to save my soul. You've given me hope!

[@juliescott4390]

Love your driving analogy. Makes sense!

[@Katwumyn]

Thank you for a great tutorial! Your tips are very helpful.

[@prettysimplesara]

You are so welcome!

[@sandimcp]

This is such a great video. As a new sewist, it's just the best advice. Thank you for sharing it. Hi from Kingston, Jamaica 😊

[@prettysimplesara]

Thanks! Someday I will get to visit beautiful Jamaica 🙂

[@jimgeelan5949]

Brilliant and very clear advice thank 😊

[@prettysimplesara]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@vs-yt5tc]

Merci beaucoup for the best driving lesson, it make so much sens for sewing staight

[@prettysimplesara]

You are welcome!

[@Momamamih]

OMG thank you dear. I'm a beginner and dont know how to drive a car 😂😂😂. But now I know how to sew straight line. Luv u ❤

[@prettysimplesara]

😘❤️😘

[@lisafox3013]

great comments-VERY practical. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE your approach!❤

[@prettysimplesara]

Thanks so much!

[@SueLea_Designs]

Thank you so much for this video. You’re a great teacher with sound advice that is both concise and memorable. You have built my confidence another step up in just 7 minutes and 12 seconds. Yep. You’re good! 🥰

[@prettysimplesara]

Aw, Thanks! Building confidence in sewers is exactly my goal I. Making these videos 🥰🥰

[@NephilaClavata]

Thank you!!! I'm a beginner and was struggling to sew straight-- I had a bunch of fabric hanging off the machine and didn't realize it was making things worse!

[@prettysimplesara]

So glad it helped! Congrats on learning to sew-great things are in store🙂

[@lyshlysh9970]

I'm a new driver (I have trouble driving straight in particular) as well as a new sewist so this video is like a 2 in 1 deal! Fantastic explanation.

[@prettysimplesara]

So glad to help! Driving will come-be patient!

[@barusathish]

Great advice. It really helped. ❤

[@prettysimplesara]

I'm so glad!

[@EDWRFle]

You can also extend the stitch length to get a straight line. It's not always necessary to have a tight stitch in everything you sew.❤

[@amysewz]

Thank you so much for your tips, I struggle making straight lines and I now know it’s because I’m looking at the hood and tightly gripping the wheel. The washy tape is a great idea!

[@prettysimplesara]

So glad it helped 🙂

[@sheilajones4491]

Im a sewer of many years and this video was so helpful as i have had a long break from sewing so just getting back to it. I think i did this naturally when i was younger but didnt understand why it worked and why when using seam guides my stitching got worse,so thank you. Have subscribed and Looking forward to checking out your other videos now ❤

[@prettysimplesara]

So glad you are back to sewing🙂

[@DamnMandi]

Best advice I’ve heard so far. As a novice sewer, I’m gonna try it later today.

[@prettysimplesara]

Have fun!

[@okirp3613]

Thank you for this video. Thank you for reminding us to enjoy sewing and to slow down.

[@prettysimplesara]

Glad it was helpful!

[@xoxoDayDreamingxoxo]

This is such a helpful video!!

[@prettysimplesara]

Glad it was helpful!

[@maryjacobsen6539]

Thank you for the excellent video and advice. I’m going to be teaching my older brother to see and quilt, and I think this advice is an awesome first lesson for him.

[@prettysimplesara]

Awesome sauce teaching your brother!!🙂🙂

[@neslihanesendal2282]

Thank you, very clear advice.😊

[@louisejeffries7155]

This is a good video While I can sew a straight line some months back. I was reading a sewing book that told you how to hold the material properly. I’ve never seen that in a book before I realise sometimes I hold material the way they said and sometimes I didn’t Now having practising and being consistent I can truely say what a difference

[@prettysimplesara]

So glad you are having success!

[@chrisp4962]

WOW! So glad I found your channel! Thank you!!!!!!!!!!

[@prettysimplesara]

You are so welcome!

[@platinum646]

Excellent advice! Thank you ❤🎉😊

[@martincruiz7976]

Wow, impressive! You deliver the information without nonsense, clearly and in basic language and terms novices can easily understand. I have been sewing for years (my wife gave me a sewing machine for Father's day on our anniversary 50 plus years ago) and I still found your wonderful refresher very useful.

[@prettysimplesara]

Thank you!

[@Creator_Nater]

Thank you, great video!

[@prettysimplesara]

You are welcome!

[@cubluke]

This makes perfect sense, thank you

[@amyberg1413]

Thank you! Love the quilt in the background!

[@prettysimplesara]

Thank you! 😊

[@GiromondoItalian]

Thank you so much! Clear explanation, fun analogy and encouraging ❤

[@prettysimplesara]

Glad it was helpful!

[@SilverDiva]

Fabulous advice. Thank you

[@emb5091]

THANK YOU!

[@prettysimplesara]

You're welcome!

[@nz-nz]

Great sensible advice!!!!

[@saintbrownuchechi2400]

You are a great teacher thank you so Much .❤

[@prettysimplesara]

🥰

[@marcydiver]

Thank you so much! Very informative, and useful.

[@stefaniaponitz5738]

Great tips, thanks so much for sharing! I'm doing very slippery seat cushions at the moment and let's just say it has been challenging lol

[@prettysimplesara]

Good luck!! You can do it 🙂. I think if you Google there are probably tips for slippery fabrics-but definitely use a walking foot!

[@IAMMiriamG]

Thank you so much for these great tips! They were very informative and helpful

[@teenaray8084]

I'm guilty of not sewing straight seams, but now I know why and can correct it. Thank you!

[@prettysimplesara]

Yay!!!😁

[@suttonbrybry]

Brilliant, simple instruction. Thank you, thank you!

[@prettysimplesara]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@kocaburra]

Your advice is very useful, I really like it now that I have a new computerized Janome machine, and I am adapting to it. After 40 years with my Singer, it scares me a little. I'm sewing slowly as you say, but I'm going to put the tape on as you mention. thank you.

[@prettysimplesara]

I find that if I read the manual thoroughly, trying out each thing on my machine as I do I feel a lot more confident. You might have to go online to get a good manual- some manufacturers don’t put them in the box anymore 😢

[@prettysimplesara]

And don’t forget to have fun 🙂🙂

[@Catsaresupergreat]

Possibly the most useful newbie advice I have found! My future quilts and I thank you! ❤

[@prettysimplesara]

I’m so glad it will help you create! ❤️❤️. And thank you for my very first KZbin $ 🥰🥰

[@Catsaresupergreat]

@@prettysimplesara My pleasure! You deserve more!!

[@elizabethdavis7049]

Wonderful explanations! Great teacher!

[@prettysimplesara]

Thank you so much!