Sideways sewing is a feature on some sewing machines that allows the machine to move the fabric from side to side, rather than just forward and backward. This is achieved through the movement of the machine's feed dogs.
Understanding Sideways Sewing
As the name suggests, sideways sewing is exactly what it sounds like. Instead of limiting movement to only sewing forward and backward, the feed dogs of the sewing machine are capable of moving the fabric laterally. This capability allows the needle to sew stitches in a side-to-side direction.
- How it works: The machine's feed dogs, which typically move the fabric forward and backward under the needle, are engineered to also move the fabric left and right.
- Functionality: This side-to-side movement enables the sewing of stitches that run perpendicular to the usual direction of sewing or to create wider patterns without physically turning the fabric as much.
Benefits of Sideways Sewing
Sideways sewing offers unique advantages for specific sewing tasks:
- It allows for the creation of extra-wide stitches or patterns that exceed the standard width of the machine's feed.
- It simplifies the process of attaching patches, appliques, or decorative elements that require stitching in different directions without constantly rotating the project.
- It can be particularly useful for quilting, garment construction, and decorative stitching.
In essence, sideways sewing expands the creative possibilities and practical applications of a sewing machine by adding a lateral dimension to its stitching capabilities.
