Working with the edging often awe-inspires even experienced craftsmen, because this process requires jewelry accuracy and an understanding of the mechanics of tissue movement. The finning leg - it is not just an accessory, but a complex mechanism that bends the edges of the braid and brings them under the needle in a strictly defined order. If you first pick up this tool, do not rush to immediately take up expensive fabric, as the risk of spoiling the material without prior training is very high.
There are many myths that only industrial machines can be edging, or that it requires a “hand of the master”. In fact, knowing, How to use a edging It is possible to get professional results even on a household sewing machine. The key to success lies in the correct preparation of the tape, the exact installation of the device and, of course, in the correct tension of the threads.
In this article, we will analyze all the nuances of working with edging legs of various types. You will learn how to avoid skews, why tape can get stuck and how to set up a machine to work with different materials. Safety techniques And mindfulness at every stage will help you turn a complex process into a pleasant and quick action.
Varieties of edging paws and their featuresBefore you start working, you need to figure out what kind of tool is in your hands. Legs for edging are divided into several main types, and each of them is designed to solve specific tasks. There are almost no universal solutions, so choosing the right one is half the success.
The most common funnel-footwhich are suitable for a certain width of the slab. They come in a variety of sizes, and it’s important to match them to the width of your braid. There are also models with adjustable guides that allow you to work with tapes of different widths, however, they require more careful adjustment before each use.
⚠️ Warning: Never try to shove too wide a ribbon into a narrow funnel of the foot. This will cause the metal to deform, break the feeding mechanism and possibly damage the needle driver of your machine.
Another type is paw-pawThey do not squirt the edges, but only direct the finished edging tape under the paw. Such models are often used to sew ready-made braid or cant. Understanding the design of your tool will help you avoid errors in its installation and operation.
Preparation of oblique backpack and materials for workThe quality of the edging 80% depends on how the tape is prepared. If you use a ready-made oblique bake, make sure it is not twisted and has no claws. However, the ideal result often requires self-cutting and preparation of the material, especially if it is a question of delicate fabrics or specific projects.
First, you need to cut strips of fabric along the oblique thread. The angle of inclination should be exactly 45 degrees, which will ensure the necessary elasticity of the edging. Slash-cut allows the tape to bend around curves and corners without the formation of folds and tension. The width of the strips is calculated taking into account the desired width of the finished edge and the bending tolerances.
After cutting the strips need to sew together in one long tape. This can be done on a sewing machine, folding the stripes with the front sides at right angles and stitching diagonally. Then the seam is unstuck, and the extra triangles are cut off. The finished tape must be carefully sealed, folding the edges to the center, or skip through a special template for edging.
Use a starch spray or a special stiffener of seams when preparing a baking from slippery fabrics - this will give it the necessary stiffness and facilitate the passage through the foot.
If the tape is too soft, it may get stuck in the feeding mechanism. At the same time, excessively rigid fabric can fall poorly on the folds of the product. Find a balance that is right for your project.
Proper installation of the edging on the sewing machineInstallation of the edging paw is a critically important stage, on which the stability of the stitch depends. Unlike a normal foot, the edging often requires not only replacement of the pressing element, but also the installation of additional guides or even the replacement of the needle plate.
The installation process begins with the removal of the standard foot and the pressing lever. Then a special fastening is installed in place of the pin or screw, which goes complete with the edging. It is important to securely fix all screws, but do not drag them, so as not to break the thread. Needle plate It may also require replacement with a model with a wider hole or special notches to pass the tape.
☑️ Installation of the edging paw
After mechanical installation, it is necessary to check whether the needle touches the metal parts of the leg when lowering. To do this, lower the needle manually, scrolling the flywheel "on yourself." If a metal knock is heard or a needle bends, then the foot is installed incorrectly or is selected for the wrong model of the car.
What to do if the foot does not stand in place?
Some models of edging require removal of the transporting rail or installation of a special adapter plate. Carefully read the instructions for your particular foot model, as there is no universal standard for fastenings.
Setting up the machine and choosing threads for edgingWhen the foot is installed, it is time to adjust the sewing machine. Working with the edging often requires changing the standard parameters of the line. First of all, pay attention to the position of the needle. For many types of edging legs, the needle must be shifted as far left or right as possible so that it falls exactly into the fold of the tape. Strand tension It also plays a key role. As the layers of tissue become larger (the main tissue plus a double-folded baking), standard tension may not be enough. The upper thread often has to be loosened so that the lower thread does not stretch to the front side.
The length of the stitch should be selected depending on the density of the fabric. For thin materials, a standard length of 2.5-3 mm is suitable, while for dense coat fabrics or jeans, the stitch can be increased to 3.5-4 mm. Use special threads that will not burst when the seam is stretched.
Technology of edging: step-by-step instructionsThe process of edging itself requires coordination of movements. You need to simultaneously feed the fabric, monitor the output of the tape from the funnel and control the speed of sewing. Start with straight sections to “feel” the car and foot.
Insert the prepared oblique beak into the edging funnel on the back side. Stretching the end of the tape under your paw and lowering the needle, making a few fastening stitches. Make sure the folds of the tape are symmetrical and the needle pierces all the layers exactly in the middle or at the right distance from the edge.
| Parameter | Recommended value | Impact on outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Position of the needle | Extreme left/right | Accuracy of hitting the bending of the baking |
| Strand tension | Weakened (3-4) | Lack of edge tightening |
| Length of stitch | 2.5 - 3.5 mm | Uniformity and strength of the seam |
| Sewing speed | Medium/Low | Control of feeding tape |
We move the fabric evenly, without pulling or stretching it excessively. The edging itself directs the tape, your task is only to maintain the direction of movement of the product. If you notice that the tape has gone crooked, stop, lift your paw and correct the material.
The main secret of flat edging is not to pull the fabric with your hands forward, but to allow the vehicle to move the material himself, only directing it.
Processing of corners and complex areasThe hardest part of the job is the corners and corners. Here special attention and knowledge of several techniques are required. When approaching the corner, it is necessary to reduce the speed to a minimum. When the edge is literally a few millimeters, lower the needle into the fabric.
Lift your foot without removing the needle from the fabric. Turn the product at the right angle (usually 90 degrees) and lower the foot. Keep sewing. At this point, the tape in the funnel should also rotate, forming a neat fold. If you are edging the inner corner, make a small overhead on the inner bend of the baking so that it lies flat.
⚠️ Warning: When turning the product, make sure that the tail of the tape does not jump out of the guide funnels. If this happens, stop, lift your foot and refill the tape, otherwise the edging will go indiscriminately.
For rounded areas, the fabric should be fed with a small tension or, conversely, with relaxation, depending on whether it is convex or concave. Practice on pruning will help you understand how your particular machine-foot-tissue bundle behaves.
Common Errors and How to Resolve ThemEven experienced seamstresses face problems when working with the edging. One of the most common mistakes is the use of a baking carved not on a scythe. The straight baking will not stretch and will lie in waves on any bend of the product. Always check the direction of the thread before opening.
Another common problem is broken needles. This happens when the needle touches the edge of the funnel. Altitude adjustment Replacing a needle with a thinner one (e.g., 70 or 75 instead of 90) often resolves the problem. Also make sure you use the right type of needles (such as Universal or Jeans) for your fabric.
- 🧵 Passing stitches: Check if the thread is properly tucked and the needle is dull.
- 🌀 Twisting of the edging: Most likely, the tension of the upper or lower thread is not selected correctly.
- 🚫 Tape locking: The funnel may be contaminated with pile or residues of threads interfere with the free passage of tissue.
If the line is uneven, try changing the sewing speed. Too fast driving does not allow the transporter to evenly promote the folded layers of tissue.
Care of the edging and storage of the toolAfter completion of the work, the edging must be cleaned. The villi of the fabric and thread dust tend to be stuffed into narrow crevices of the funnel and guides. Use a small brush or compressed air to clean.
Lubricate the moving parts of the edging should be rare and only special sewing oil, so as not to stain the fabric at the next job. It is better to store the foot in a separate container or box, so as not to damage the thin metal petals of the funnel.
Can the squirrel be used for other purposes?
Some craftsmen use the edging funnel to pull rubber bands or laces into the curtains, but this is not its main function and can lead to wear of the tool coating.
Proper care will prolong the life of your instrument and ensure consistently high quality edging for many years. Regularly check the condition of the screws of attachment, as they can weaken from vibration.
What width should be a slanting beak for the edging?
The width of the baking depends on the model of your foot. Standard legs are usually designed for a baking 12 mm wide, 18 mm or 25 mm in finished form. Before buying or slicing a tape, be sure to measure the width of your foot’s outlet.
Can I boundary the knitwear?
Yes, you can, but with caution. For knitwear, it is better to use an elastic baking of the same material or a special elastic strap. It is important not to stretch the fabric when sewing, so that the edging does not go in waves after washing.
What to do if the needle is constantly breaking?
Check if the needle touches the metal parts of the foot. Make sure the needle is inserted to the point and with the correct side. Try replacing the needle with a new one, perhaps the previous one was deformed. Also check if the needle plate is properly installed.
Will the edging be suitable for my sewing machine?
Most edgings are versatile and approach machines with low paw pressing. However, industrial machines or high-pressure models may require special adapters or paws specifically designed for these brands.