I keep finding new things to love about the
HQ Stitch 710.
The latest is the Locking Stitch. You can use it when you want an invisible stitch that will not come unsewn at the beginning and the end of a seam.
I’ve been quilting a small sampler that I designed for a retreat this fall. The border will have scalloped edges so I wanted straight line quilting perpendicular to the edges. In the photo above, each line of quilting begins right where the blue fabric and the white fabric meet. I wanted those lines to be secure but I didn’t want backstitching, which in this case would be a distraction.
Enter the handy Locking Stitch. When this feature is activated, as you begin to sew, the machine stitches in place invisibly several times and then continues on with a normal, visible stitch. When you get to the end, you activate it again by pushing the Reverse button once. It sews several invisible locking stitches in place. (Then I use the handy automatic thread cutter!)
This is just the second thing I’ve quilted on the 710, so I’m still getting to know it. I’ve been thinking about something. If you’ve lived in your home for any length of time, you know exactly where the light switches are. You can find them in the dark without any trouble. You’ve reached for them so many times that you’ve memorized their exact locations.
The same idea applies to a sewing machine. It took me a few tries to get those first few stitches placed exactly on the edge of the blue fabric. I didn’t want stitching on the white fabric, and I didn’t want any gap without stitches—so it had to be spot on.
In just a few hours, I’ve gotten pretty good at placing the first stitches perfectly. It’s just like the light switches in our homes. After a while, it becomes second nature and we hardly think about it.
To be skillful in our sewing, we need to know our machines well. This happens by using them often, by exploring their features and by practicing. So take heart, and get started today!
If you own an HQ Stitch 710, you’ll find the Locking Stitch as selection 03 or 03S in Mode 1. Find an explanation on page 32 of your instruction book.
If you’re interested in owning the 710 or another HQ Stitch model, now is the time! Great deals on all machines from your local retailer through May 30.
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