The first time I saw this foot I assumed part of it was missing. It just looked so different than other presser feet. I had no idea that this little thing was not only a full and complete foot, but an amazing multitasker. Aside from edge stitching, the original singer 221 manual gives examples of how to use this foot for piping, applying bias tape, creating wide hems, pin tucks, and even french seams. Seriously, it’s like an 80’s infomercial. Is there anything it can’t do?!
Staying true to it’s main purpose, there really was only one good choice for bringing an edge seam into the middle of a quilt block: insertion lace.
Well, insertion ribbon in this case. Turns out finding lace suitable for this type of thing is pretty difficult, and color choice seems to be nonexistent. That didn’t stop me from finding out the very, very hard way that insertion lace is named that for a reason, and attempting to use other types of lace will only lead to cursing and frustration.
In order for this foot to work, your textile needs to have a clean, straight edge and be very smooth. Otherwise when it goes through the guides it will catch on the foot ruining your seam, possibly your fabric, and will definitely make you very upset.
While the instructions for this block are short, the difficulty level is not easy.
- Take your time positioning fabric, ribbon on top and fabric under it.
- Remember to test the needle position, make sure your fabric on both sides is fully under the needle. You may need to adjust the hole on the foot.
- Stabilizer will help keep the ribbon flat
- If your block is wavy in the middle, make sure the pressed fold is perfectly even.
- Start the first few stitches with the hand wheel.
- Cut strips a little extra long so you have wiggle room lining up the sides. (You will square the block up in the end.)
- If you have difficulty getting fabric in the foot, start with the ribbon side and then angle the folded fabric underneath it before pulling them both back and forth just a bit to even them out.
- Practice.
Cut:
(8) 2.5 x 24.5” grey 3
(4) 24.5” ribbon (or insertion lace if available)
Optionally, press-on water soluble stabilizer such as Sulky Stick N Stitch or Pellon 542. 1-2 sheets are more than enough.
Sew:
Turn grey under 1/4 inch down length and press. Apply stabilizer to back side of ribbon. Use edge joining foot set needle hole to center and carefully insert grey fold down in the slot 5. Insert ribbon right side up in slot 2 making sure it stays above grey. Pieces should slightly over lap. Sew entire length. Rotate piece and attach another grey opposite side of ribbon. Remove stabilizer and trim to 4.5 x 24.5.
