Sewing a straight line isn't a difficult task with the right tools and tips. You can either sew a straight line by hand or with a sewing machine. This wikiHow will teach you how to do so.
Steps
Method 1
Method 1 of 2:
Hand Sewing a Straight Line
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Get your fabric ready. Pre-wash you fabric. Washing your fabric is important, since it can shrink.
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Pull the thread through the eye of a sewing needle.Advertisement
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Draw a guide. Draw a straight line onto your fabric. Use special sewing chalk or washable pens that are easily removable. [1] X Expert Source Amy Collins
Sewing Expert Expert Interview- Use something straight - a book, cardboard, boxes or a simple ruler - to draw a line that is truly straight. This line will be your guide through the sewing process.
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Tie a knot at the end of the thread to make sure the end of the thread doesn't go through the fabric. -
Finish the straight line and tie off the thread. Go through the loop of the last stitch to secure it. Make another stitch and go through this loop one more time. Pull tight and weave in the loose ends. [2] X Expert Source Amy Collins
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:
Sewing a Straight Line Using a Sewing Machine
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Get your fabric ready. Pre-wash it.
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Use a guide. To help you make a straight line while sewing, you will need something to guide you. [3] X Expert Source Amy Collins
Sewing Expert Expert Interview- Some sewing machines have a seam guide engraved in the machine. It will help tremendously while sewing straight lines. [4]
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Expert Source
Amy Collins
Sewing Expert Expert Interview - If you don't have a seam guide on your machine or it isn't helpful for you, try using a headband, elastic or tape, to wrap around the arm of your sewing machine.
- Some sewing machines have a seam guide engraved in the machine. It will help tremendously while sewing straight lines. [4]
X
Expert Source
Amy Collins
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Start your sewing line with a backstitch and carefully and slowly guide the fabric through your sewing machine with the seam guide, headband, elastic or tape to guide you. [5] X Expert Source Amy Collins
Sewing Expert Expert Interview -
Use a backstitch to secure the thread to finish the seam. Cut the loose ends with a pair of scissors.Advertisement
Community Q&A
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QuestionHow do I sew a straight stitch?Community AnswerMake sure your sewing machine is set on straight stitch. Also, make sure your feed dogs are down so that it will guide the fabric straight through under the needle and stop it from slipping around.
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Tips
- Practice. Like everything practice makes perfect. It's okay if the first sewing line is not straight. If you're not satisfied with your straight line, you can always use a seam ripper. With this you can easily take out an existing seam and you can try again.Thanks
- While sewing by hand, use a thimble to prevent hurting yourself with the needle.Thanks
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Things You'll Need
Hand Sewing a Straight Sine
- Sewing needle
- Thread
- Fabric
- Scissors
- Thimble
- Fabric marker such as a pencil or chalk
- Seam ripper
Sewing a Straight Line Using a Sewing Machine
- Sewing machine
- Sewing needle
- Fabric
- Scissors
- Thread
- Seam ripper
Expert Interview
Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about sewing, check out our in-depth interview with Amy Collins .
References
About this article
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 51,772 times.
Reader Success Stories
- "I was able to sew a straight line by hand. The tutorial was quite easy and very helpful. The sewing with the machine did not work for me. I'm still seeking ways to sew a straight line. It is so frustrating having to rip because it's not straight." ..." more
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"I was able to sew a straight line by hand. The tutorial was quite easy and very helpful. The sewing with the machine did not work for me. I'm still seeking ways to sew a straight line. It is so frustrating having to rip because it's not straight."
..."
more
