Sewing machines can be intimidating, even when tackling basic tasks. Here are some clever and inexpensive things to help you sew a straight line every time.
These products can be used on any sewing machine, and they all cost under $10. That’s a small investment to guarantee perfectly straight lines of sewing for all your projects. Check them out now!
6 Clever Things to Help You Sew a Straight Line
Sewing machines can move fast, especially for a beginner. These items will help you sew a straight line, with ease, every time.
Tulip Rubber Bands 30-pc
Place a wide rubber band around the arm of your sewing machine, to the right of the needle. Make sure it is straight to align with your desired seam allowance. The wide rubber will help keep fabric from slipping to the right and keep your stitches straight.
Dritz 626 Seam Guide, Magnetic
A magnetic seam guide is the most popular tool for sewing straight lines. It magnetizes to the metal sewing machine plate. It can be moved quickly and easily and works on any sewing machine with a metal plate. The guide is tall enough to keep thicker fabrics in place while feeding too.
Sticky Notes 1.5 x 2 Self-Stick Notes 6 Bright Color 18 Pads, 100 Sheets/Pad (6 Bright)
Peel off the back of a sticky note pad and press it along the right side of your needle to act as a seam guide. Peel off another sheet when it's time to move it for a different seam allowance. This method has the added bonus of a place to take notes!
IPG PMD24 ProMask Designer 14-Day Painter's Tape, 0.94", Blue, (Single Roll)
Masking tape or blue painter's tape can be easily removed to account for different seam allowances when you need them. Peel off enough inches to reach across the width of your sewing machine's arm. Press it in place along the measurement you would like for your project. It works well as a guide, but does not provide a lip to hold against the fabric like some other items on this do.
Smart H Adjustable Guide Sewing Machine Presser Foot. Fits for Low Shank Domestic Sewing Machine. Snapping On Brother, Babylock, Singer, Janome , Juki, New Home.
A presser foot with a built in ruler adjusts to your desired seam allowance. Move the guide to follow the edge of your fabric, and you're all set. The foot is universal for low shank domestic sewing machines including Brother, Babylock, Singer, Janone, Juki, Kenmore, and lots more.
CLOVER Needlecrafts 9584 3 Piece 6-in-1 Stick 'n Stitch Guide by Nancy Zieman
This inexpensive gadget is wonderful for piecing quilts and small sewing projects. It includes two reusable guides that adhere to each side your sewing machine's plate. Then your fabric can simply feed between the guides. The kit also includes a small ruler to ensure your measurements are precise.
I’ve been sewing for over 60 years and I think the best guides in your list are the Clover stick-n-stitch and the magnetic guide. I have several vintage machines so the magnet is great for them, but I also have 3 modern machines – all electronic. So even if the magnet would stick to plastic, magnets near circuit boards can be deadly for machine electronics.
There is a another alternative: anything with a straight edge and is the right size and depth can be used as a guide. The problem is how to attach it. The answer is easy; a $12.00 (approx) jar of clear museum gel from Amazon. This stuff is used to hold priceless antiques from falling off shelves and it holds tight. It’s removable and won’t hurt finishes. A little bit goes a long way, so get a jar and share it with friends if you wish. Just another idea that works.