Suggestions and advice needed please.


D has the use of only her left hand and sews using a Janome SMD 3000, mostly household and craft with a little dressmaking.  We have found several things which are useful - washaway wondertape, a 3rd hand/sewing bird, clamps/holders, table top needle threader, and so on.
Now she really, really wants to tackle some FMQ.


So far D's efforts at FMQ have been frustrated because she cannot both spread the fabric around the needle area and move it around so she is looking for an adaptive aid that she can used one handed.


Looking around we wondered if something like the Babylock free Motion Quilting Grip could be a solution, especially as it has rulers/templates that can be fixed to the grip as shown in the video demo.
There are other grips around eg. the HusqV grip and there are some other ruler systems but they don't seem to have a way to lock the ruler in place.
Also there are things like the Octi Hoop which can be used one handed as shown in the viedo.




Which system do you think will be the most versatile and practical for setting up and working with using just a left hand?


Also it would be very helpful if any one handed stitchers would be willing to share their suggestions, advice and experience.


Thanks in advance.

Some helpful information about understanding and checking stitch density


Understanding stitch density & stretch allowance (push/pull compensation) and how to check stitch density on any design by measuring it yourself.


Density Measurement Units and comparison chart


Don't believe everything - test for yourself


A practical method to find the correct stitch density setting for threads of different thickness

The basics of the tutorial are -
1.  Ditch drafting from scratch and start with half the fitting work done already by using a straight skirt pattern that fits perfectly.


2.  After converting the skirt pattern into a preparatory pattern for trousers/pants which you will then do the fitting work on.


3.  Once the fitting work is done you make a clean copy of the adjusted prep pattern to create your personal basic trouser/pants block.


4.  The personalised trouser block is for a straight leg fit with no styling.  It is a fitted template (for wovens) from which you can create different pants style patterns eg. tailored, straight leg, crops, shorts, jeans cut, etc.


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Melissa Fehr's article on Coverstitch Machines in Seamworks
Some info re using and uses of a coverstitch machine - follow the links - excellent information and tutorials.coverstitching

For those who like understanding stuff like the way feed dogs affect stitching by a machine (not just coverstitch) see here

Debbie Cook's comprehensive information and Tutorials

Quickie Lingerie project

Kiddy Swimsuit project

Some more ideas

And here is a getting to know your coverstitch machine journey


There are several very inventive examples around for using coverstitch machines, especially creative use of decorative stitches.

Please add your links to Projects using a coverstitch machine

(Unsure which is the best board for the links to these products/resources/tools so parked under Tools but mods please move if there is somewhere more appropriate.)

A thread for links to pattern making software and tools for a domestic or small enterprise setting rather than a large scale manufacturing setting, plus links to practical and useful information or reviews about them.


Notes to bear in mind
* Patternmaking tools are not a magic solution to fitting issues.  The software packages/applications work in different ways and incorporate different levels of sophistication.   The key differences for the user experience is how the user can tweak the 'drawing', eg. change the numbers in a table or click on a node and drag it to a new position, WYSIWYG and so on.  Some are more flexible than others and a package must both suit your needs and your preferred way of working.
* Software packages are tools that can be used to best effect when the user already has an understanding of pattern making and fitting
All packages have limitations and once the user knows how to operate the system the trick is to learn how to make the package draw what you want rather than what it wants to give you.

For those interested in the Why as well as the what to do when you make fitting adjustments to a pattern
http://www.kommatiapatterns.com/2016/03/pattern-amendments-balance.html



Lovely video demo of using the idea of balance to adjust (fit) a pattern to shape rather than just measurements [size=78%]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nAvM8cD4iU4[/size]


And an example for making an adjustment at the side seam/armhole - [size=78%]http://www.madalynne.com/how-to-correct-armhole-balance[/size]


When your fitting adjustments have been made, you double check that seam lines and notches and joins match so that you don't pull the balance off.
Finalising [size=78%]http://www.clothingpatterns101.com/making-sewing-patterns.html[/size]

I have not tried these patterns so cannot comment or recommend.
Also, it's USA based and I don't know if the patterns are shipped to the UK.

It's likely that fitting adjustments will still be needed and anything that helps get us to a better starting area for shape may give us a fighting chance.

http://www.darlenemillercloz4u.com/pants/pants.html

Here is the link to Miller's  scheme for body shape to help choose the pattern for your body shape http://www.darlenemillercloz4u.com/bodyshape.html

Looking at these and the other patterns on the site, they look like they may be useful starter patterns and once fitted could be used as templates for adapting other styles.

The author of the Sewing Plums blog said favourable things about her experience with the Triangle Pant pattern  https://sewingplums.com/2010/06/27/pants-styles-and-body-shapes/

A couple to start the list -


http://sewwardrobe.co.uk/patterns by 'Alison Smith.  A small range of  classic patterns


http://www.bluedotpatterns.com/store/c1/Featured_Products.html another small range - the Dover Jacket pattern bang up to date