How To: Sew a straight seam

You can learn to confidently and accurately sew a straight seam.
You Will Need
* Straight pins
* A measuring tape
* A sewing machine
* Masking tape

Step 1
Align the fabric to be hemmed and pin it in place. Align any notches, dots, or other pattern markings when pinning the pieces together.

Placing pins perpendicular to the fabric edge about two inches apart will help to keep your fabric in place when sewing.

Step 2
To determine seam allowance, measure the distance on the needle plate from the needle to the right of the presser foot. Mark the distance with a piece of masking tape on the needle plate.

Step 3
Put the fabric under the presser foot and line up the edge with the masking tape seam guide.

Step 4
Lower the presser foot and check that the fabric has not shifted.

Step 5
Sew the fabric together, keeping the fabric lined up with the seam guide. Remove pins when they are two inches from the presser foot.

Fact: A sewing machine made for the German Royal Family around 1865 sold at auction for $41,000 in 1997.