I'm working on a quilt top using the double layer cake pattern. I've sliced the 3 1/2 piece off and am now stitching them to the 6 1/2 pieces. I'm finding that on a good number of the seams, the top fabric is extended past the bottom fabric, like its being stretched. I've tried sewing slower. I've loosened the tension on the presser foot and they still want to be uneven. The only way I'm getting them to end up even is if I hold the bottom fabric as it feeds through.

Now, these pieces start out the same length. I've sewn with pins and without pins. Its better with the pins but still have the problem.

Anybody got any suggestions?

I'm going to keep going because I can fudge a little, but its annoying as heck.

I have two thoughts. If one fabric is more stretchy than the other (eg. cross grain stretchier then lengthwise grain) you may have better luck if you keep the stretchier one on the bottom next to the feed dogs. Or just use a walking foot to help keep the top layer moving along with the bottom layer.

You might also try holding the 2 edges at the bottom together as you sew them. Start the 2 pieces then stop match up the bottom and hold the edge until you need to stitch it. This is what professional sewers do when then sew clothing. They don't use notches to line things up they just match top and bottom. (not in all cases)

Yeah, Bozie, we're working with across and length grain here. That may be the problem. I didn't think of using the (built it --DUH) walking foot.

Sewnsew -- I didn't hold both pieces but did hold the bottom since it was the one that always seemed to shorter. The top on was spreading out.

I'll give both these ideas a shot as I move forward.

If anybody else has any ideas, I'd love to hear them, too.

I was going to suggest flipping the fabrics,but Bozie beat me to it...if all else fails,maybe a bit of spray starch? I love my Best Press especially for HST's

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU to Bozie and Sewnso. IT WORKED! Now, to get them all sewn together and the blocks finished. I may live with the walking foot on the machine!

Sometimes I amaze myself how I can simply not recall some of the most basic things.

I'm glad the suggestions you already got helped you solve the problem. The only other idea I could come up with is to lower the presser foot pressure - not sure that's the right phrase but on my machine there is a knob on the top to adjust how tight the presser foot sits against the bed of the machine.

If your machine has a built in walking foot (dual feed) I would use that all the time. With my own machine I don't ever turn that feature off unless I am changing to a different pressor foot and the new one won't work with the dual feed.

I can sew all styles of fabric well with the dual feed.

Glad it is working for you now.

I agree with Quilting Wifey, mine stays on all the time unless it doesn't fit the foot I'm using. You're not used to all the new stuff on that Horizon!

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Navy Wife,

I have had this problem with my Janome 6600 since the day I got it. I've had it in the shop several times and had it adjusted. It still will do it if you aren't careful. When you have your machine cleaned, request they check it out. Take a sample with you to show them exactly what is happening. My repairman would run a short seam and no it wouldn't do it but with a long one it will.
Good Luck.
Mollie

Glad you found a solution. I'll tuck this away in my brain for later.

I a;ways use the dual feed on the machine...just leave it engaged if you have it as it makes a big difference. Now, go girl go!

Glad that worked for you. After having my Horizon for over 1 1/2 years, I decided to try the even feed feet and have just left them on. I switch between the regular and 1/4" foot. Has really made a difference in all my sewing, not just piecing.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: ekbuckeye,

Ellen, I think that's what I'm going to do also. I'll have to get the 1/4 inch even feed foot but I sure like the way it keeps things aligned.

I put together the 30 blocks that I was working on and got them sewn to the top. How, to make the rest of the blocks which will make up the "drop" on the coverlet. (This is for the bed in our RV, so its queen sized.)