sewing a Gusset with a machine

[UKRay]

I guess the same rules apply when you stitch heavier leather? I'm planning to use 3mm thick veg tan to make a gusseted satchel - so two pieces is pretty hefty. I wouldn't think a stapler would hold the pieces together but I'm happy to use tack ties as long as the holes can vanish under the stitching.

I've had a try at stitching gussets before and found I had cut the gusset too short. It is probably a trial and error thing but it would be helpful to hear suggestions on how to get the gusset to line up with the bag front and back. Do I need to start stitching in the middle and work to each side? Should I stitch the back to the gusset first or the front? Does it matter?

Ray

[dirtclod]

Ray when i put a gusset in saddle bags i measure where the gusset will go with a dress makers tape and add a couple of inches to measurement. Then i glue the gusset to the back side and use spring clamps to hold it. When i get ready to sew i take the clamps off as i get to them. Personally i sew the back on first. I wouldn't staples or tacks. Their to easy to get out of the stich line then you have holes were you can't hide them.

To get the gusset to line up i use a sqaure and make a pencil mark on the inside from where the back was started. Then to know where to start putting in the front piece. I always start at the end and take a couple of back stiches then go forward to the other end and back stich again.

That's the way i do. But i'm sure there others ways that will work fine.

[barra]

Ray. Use location/progress marks on the front/back and gusset and ensure the marks line up as you go.

Barra

[acowboy]

another good trick if its a piece i can do is pull the thread out of the machine, and stitch the holes on the outside pieces...then glue the gussett....then with awl, make tie tacks around the gussett as suggested....

might have to re-adjust stitch length a bit,,,but, the machine will want to follow the holes, and wont leave marks or holes where you dont want them