B Using short stitch (15-18 stitches per inch), and beginning and ending 3-4 stitches beyond the ends of the seamline, stitch on the line between #1 & #2, through paper and both fabrics. Clip all threads front and back. The portable table makes this easy. I simply lay my paper and positioned fabrics down in front of the feed dogs, lift the presser foot and needle, and slide it all into position. Simple!

Brenda's Trimming Tips • Deciding where to trim is half the battle, and where most beginners make a mistake. Here's a tip to help you remember: Always trim underneath the highest number! Do this, and you'll never trim away the wrong side of a seam. • Don't trim the paper, just the fabric; always at least 2 layers, sometimes as many as 4 or more.

• One common error made by beginners is to trim "around the corner". Don't do it! Trim all layers of fabric parallel to the latest seamline.

• Aim for a 1/4" seam allowance, but don't fret if you’re not exact. Your ability to "eyeball it" will surprise you! Sometimes, 1/8" is all you can get if the pieces are very small.

• To keep dark fabrics from showing through, grade your seams by trimming the dark seam allowances narrower than the lighter fabric seam allowances (see photo above).

• Finally, don't forget to trim as you go along, or you'll end up with a nice, thick potholder!

USER COMMENTS

rog50cec

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I See!

Have seen these type of instructions before but you pictures were great.

Nov 02, 2009 at 09:20 AM

lneeley

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I'm doing it!

Your instructions are so clear, I can understand them, so I'm doing it.

Aug 10, 2009 at 05:41 PM