Sewing a channel with middle exit

[Michael]

I don't know why I can't picture this but is there a guide or tutorial that shows how to sew a clean channel that has a middle exit. I want to use it for the top of my top quilt to access it when I am sleeping.

Thanks ahead.

[aboyd]

If you are trying to cinch up the top around the shoulders, I just used a regular channel with a cord lock on one end of the shock cord threaded through the channel and stitched the other end of the cord in place. I tried to do the center opening, but never got it. If I am off base, please ignore.

[gmcttr]

You would have to sew a button hole, reinforcing patch (to burn a hole in), place a grommet, etc. before sewing the rolled hem channel. To make the channel, fold the fabric over twice and stitch near the inner edge.

With a TQ snapped behind your neck, it would be difficult to access a draw cord exiting the end and I wouldn't want a cordlock under my neck anyway.

[MAD777]

Perhaps the best way to get a professional looking result, would be to see a channel onto the quilt, using a completely separate piece of fabric. Actually I'm picturing two separate pieces. One for the left half and one for the right half. Fold the ends of these pieces and sew them so that you have a finished look to what will become the outside. When you sell them onto the hem of the quilt, leave a small gap for the cord and cordkock to exit.

That's how I would do it at least. I'm sure there are better ways.

[bartlax4]

I do it like gmcttr said. Sew in a reinforced button hole before the final fold. This isn't in the middle per se, but I think it gives a good idea. I put the same kind of button hole like this above the footbox of my quilts about 22 inches up the side from the foot.

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[MAD777]

I like gmcttr's simple method also

[Michael]

Looks like it's time to mock some up! I've gotta learn the button hole but I'm sure I can do it.

[Vincethebutcher]

Button hole is easy. There is an attachment for the machine and it sews all the way around and then you just cut the middle open for the hole. I recently got my button holer working on my machine. Its kind of great, you just set it all up and you dont even have to hold it, just sit back and watch it all be done.

Looks like it's time to mock some up! I've gotta learn the button hole but I'm sure I can do it.

[sr1355]

Reinforced button hole is the way to go, hem the quilt then before you roll the channel add a reinforced button hole in the location you want it. Remember to allow for channel rolling and proper placement of button hole after channel is rolled either on the inside of the quilt or the outside of the quilt. After several thousand button holes we've learned a few things to do to ensure a long life and min thread fray.

[The Old Boot]

Most machine made non-commercial buttonholes benefit from going around stitching twice. No matter how high the stitch setting, I've found that the twice around method gives the buttonhole enough stitching to last forever. Once around and I get little pieces of fabric thread wearing through in fairly short order.