A sewing machine is a very useful tool that can be used for a variety of projects. Sewing machines can be used for straight stitching, zigzag stitching, decorative stitching, and much more.
They vary in the number of stitches they offer usually this is the number of straight stitches it can do.
For example, one straight stitch sewing machine can do maybe a straight stitch, a zigzag stitch, and a backstitch, whereas a four-step straight stitch sewing machine can do all of that and a few more.
Some of these stitches might take a little practice, but they are fun to learn.
Some sewing machines have only one stitch setting, while others have a variety of stitches to choose from.
The more advanced your sewing machine, the more different types of stitches it offers.
Sewing Machine Stitches
There are several ways to sew a stitch. Over the years, machines have evolved to make sewing easier, and a number of different stitches have evolved as well. Each stitch has a purpose.
Straight stitch
A straight stitch is the most common type of stitch in sewing machines. It is also very simple. All sewing machines have a straight stitch.
The length and width of the stitches can be adjusted by changing the length and width of the needle.
The straight stitch is the basic stitch in a sewing machine. It is used for everything from simple hemming to quilting.
The size of the stitch is determined by the length of the stitch. Most machines have a range of 2.5 to 5.0 mm. The stitch can be adjusted to be narrower or wider.
Zig-zag
The zig-zag stitch is a common sewing machine stitch that is used for several purposes. It is commonly used to finish raw edges, hem a piece of fabric, create elastic, or stitch stretchy material.
It uses a short, straight stitch moving side to side and then down and back in a zig-zag pattern.
It is done with a straight stitch, usually a 1mm to zig-zag stitch, and is a very common stitch used in sewing. Typically, the zig-zag stitch is considered very easy to sew and is a good stitch to start a beginner out with.
Overlock (or over-edge) stitch
The overlock (or over-edge) stitch is a finishing stitch that is used at the end of the seam on stretchy fabrics to prevent the fabric from stretching further and to give a neat finish to the garment.
When sewing with knits, most of the time the zig-zag stitch is used as it’s stretchy and doesn’t unravel. But there are times when the overlock stitch is preferred. Overlock stitch is also called “serger stitch”.
Sewing machines are very useful and one of the most useful features would be the overlock stitch.
The overlock stitch, like the name suggests, can overlock or finish the edge of the fabric. This is a feature that is mainly used to finish hems, seams or any edges that you want to look neat and tidy.
If you want to create an overlock/over-edge stitch on your sewing machine, you can do this by adjusting the stitch length and width.
The stitch length should be about 2 mm to 4 mm long, and the stitch width should be set between 3 mm and 5 mm.
Blind Hem Stitch
The blind hem stitch is a quick way to finish a raw edge, especially on thicker fabrics like denim.
This stitch is often used around the bottom of a garment to prevent unraveling, and is sometimes referred to as a “lapped” hem.
While it is similar to a standard hem stitch, there are two differences: the hem is not turned under, and the needle never comes up through the fabric, but goes straight through the fabric from the front to the back.
Blind hemstitches are used for sewing seams on thin fabrics and are nearly invisible. They are most often used on linings so the stitching is hidden from view.
These stitches can also be used on a scarf, pillowcase, or other decorative crafts to make decorative seams.
Decorative stitches
Sewing machine needles, otherwise known as the upper and lower arm, are one of the most important parts of the sewing machine.
Decorative stitches are an important part of sewing and can be used to create many different kinds of decorations on fabric.
Some people who sew at home don’t need to be very good at using these decorative stitches, but if you are a professional seamstress, you will need to learn how to use them well.
Buttonhole Stitches
It’s an unfortunate reality, but sometimes we don’t get to choose how we make a buttonhole. Whether you’ve been asked by your pattern to stitch the buttonhole on your machine or you’ve been asked to do it by a tailor, there are a few things you should know about the various buttonhole stitches that are used on a sewing machine.
In general, a buttonhole stitch can be sewn with the needle down or the needle up.
When the needle is down, it is traveling toward you with the thread behind it and you can see the stitching. This is called “Right Side” stitching.
When the needle is up it is traveling away from you with the thread in front of it and you cannot see the stitching
A buttonhole stitch is a special kind of decorative or functional stitch that is sewn on a sewing machine to create a hole in the fabric.
This hole can then be used to button, loop, or snap onto the garment. The stitch is created by sewing a series of zigzag stitches that gradually decrease in length.
In Conclusion
There are many different stitches on a sewing machine. Most sewing machines will have a basic set of stitches that are commonly used. These stitches can be used for a variety of projects and are perfect for beginners.
There are also decorative stitches that are nice on occasion but are not used as often. Some decorative stitches can be used to help finish raw edges.
