Things your machine might be able to do: Needle Offset

[VictoriaGuy]

Most of you folks probably discovered this quicker than I did....

If you have a zig-zag machine, (EDIT:probably ) you can control the needle position manually- centre, R or L.

It's handy to set the needle off-centre if you are stitching near the edge of the fabric, as it keeps the fabric under the feed dogs better, and tends to feed straighter.

If you want to add two lines of stitching, using the R offset for one line then restitching using L offset can make it easier to keep things looking even.

[E.A.Y.]

Also, if you have a foot for blind hemming that has a keel-like metal part sticking through the foot and out the bottom, you can use that in combo with the needle position to stitch perfectly parallel to a turned edge.

[VictoriaGuy]

Also, if you have a foot for blind hemming that has a keel-like metal part sticking through the foot and out the bottom, you can use that in combo with the needle position to stitch perfectly parallel to a turned edge.

Liz-
Thanks for that reminder.
I have a blind hem foot, but not for the machine in the pic.

A foot like one in the pic below?

[robv60]

Mine is adjustable L-C-R too and it has come in VERY handy so far! I have used it for the exact scenario you describe!

E.A.Y., I need to dig through my sewing machine case to see if I have a blind hem foot. I know my manual mentions a setting for a blind hem but im not so sure about a foot. Ill dig through my sewing machine's case as soon as I can muster the gumption to lift that heavy sucker off the floor.

[sploiz]

my machine can do the zig zag stitch but i cannot manually control the needle left and right. i really wish i could because i already know how useful it can be because of things i'd like to do but can't. that's the one thing that makes me want to get a new machine.

[VictoriaGuy]

my machine can do the zig zag stitch but i cannot manually control the needle left and right. i really wish i could because i already know how useful it can be because of things i'd like to do but can't. that's the one thing that makes me want to get a new machine.

What machine are you using?

[sploiz]

Its a Kenmore 1211
http://i.imgur.com/4Baslt1.jpg

[VictoriaGuy]

That Kenmore looks like a nice solid (1977?) machine.

I assumed (incorrectly) that zig zag machines all had needle position control....perhaps it wasn't until the machines had more decorative stitch and buttonhole options that the needle control came in?

I've been 'spoiled' with having a couple of Pfaff machines (and recently an Elna) in the 'toolbox' here, and they all have needle position control.

Sorry about that!

[gmcttr]

...I assumed (incorrectly) that zig zag machines all had needle position control....perhaps it wasn't until the machines had more decorative stitch and buttonhole options that the needle control came in?...

My zig zag Singers and Necchi's from the mid to late '50s all have needle position control.

[The Old Boot]

Yea, it's not the newness of the machine that counts!

My Singer 401A has 5 settings - 2 left, center and 2 right.

Of course it also comes with a whole bunch of cams for decorative stitching that I've never used.