stitching English point accurately

[alpha2]

I just did my first belt on the new Cowboy. I had practiced on 4 different practice ends first, and unfortunately, every one of them worked perfectly at the tip. I was concerned that the stitch length would put the hole in other than the right spot. Well, every one worked out, so I went for it. Unfortunately, THIS time, of course, it didn't work out. I tried to make the most of it, and it's not totally horrible, but not what I wanted. So, what is the procedure for making the turn at the point, if the stitches don't cooperate? I tried to intentionally mess one of the practice pieces up, just so I could make it work out right, and ended up skipping a stitch. 

I suspect that it involved raising the presser foot, and the needle, and aligning it by hand. That is what I did on the practice piece that caused a skipped stitch. Obviously did something wrong!

Any video on the process that any of you are aware of? I couldn't find one.

thanks,

Jeff

[Wizcrafts]

Use a silver or gold gel ink pen (from Hobby Lobby, etc) to place a dot at the exact point where the needle has to go at the tip. As you approach the turn slow down, hand wheel the machine and stretch or compress the stitch length to force the needle to hit that point. It will cover the ink if done correctly. With the needle buried in the point hole, wheel just enough to raise the needle about 1/4 inch. Raise the feet just enough to clear the leather, with the floor lifter pedal. Turn the work and continue sewing.

I assume you are using an edge guide, so I didn't mention it.

 

[alpha2]

So you hand stretch or compress the stitch length with the presser foot still down, right? I'l try that on a few pieces tonight. Thanks for tip.

Yes, I'm using an edge guide. I did pretty good with the guide on a couple of pieces, but on a long belt, I know I'd drift away at some point. 

Jeff

[Northmount]

1 hour ago, alpha2 said:

So you hand stretch or compress the stitch length with the presser foot still down, right? I'l try that on a few pieces tonight. Thanks for tip.

Yes, I'm using an edge guide. I did pretty good with the guide on a couple of pieces, but on a long belt, I know I'd drift away at some point. 

Jeff

You have to ease the presser foot up just enough to be able to slide the belt a little to line up the stitch at the tip.

Tom

[Wizcrafts]

As Tom said, slightly raising the feet lets you cheat the stitch length. The smooth top feed dog on the Cowboy/Cobra/Techsew 441 machines makes it easier to do this.

[alpha2]

Here's my practice points from a moment ago. I think I've got it. Thanks, guys!

 

[alpha2]

Ignore the poor placement of the belt-end punch...this was all about the point!

 

[RockyAussie]

1 hour ago, alpha2 said:

Ignore the poor placement of the belt-end punch...this was all about the point!

 

All good points mentioned above. I use a point tool a bit like an awl to poke a good mark into where I want the stitch to turn at the tip and this makes you learn to get it right every time. With practice you should be able to start stretching or condensing your stitches as you get close to that point.

[alpha2]

That's my plan, Aussie!

[garypl]

I don’t know if I am doing it correctly or if this is what everyone means by handstretching the stitch, but I use the stitch length adjustment to position the stitch so it hits the point.  Is this what you are referring to?

Gary