Materials
To ensure successful stitching with your Brother sewing machine, you need to ensure that you have the correct materials to begin. You need to make sure your thread is suitable for the thickness of the fabric you are stitching on. You also need to consider the choice of backing material that you may need. A water-soluble stabilizer is often used with lightweight, sheer fabrics to help provide extra stability. Additionally, an iron-on adhesive or wash away stabilizer can be used on heavier fabrics.
When it comes to needles, there are several types of needles specifically designed for back stitching. Since Brothers sewing machines typically come with a universal needle, you should use a thin-shank hemstitch needle or a backstitch needle. Selecting the right needle size is also important. Using a too-large needle can break the thread and damage your fabric and a too-small needle may snag the fabric. So, check that you are using the right needle size for the fabric.
Preparing the Machine
Once you have the right materials, you must set up the Brother sewing machine. Select the back stitch option on the stitch selector. On many sewing machines, the back stitch is represented by either a pair of backward arrows tied together or a word that says “backstitch”. You will also need to set the length of the back stitches. The length and number of back stitches will vary depending on the material that you are stitching, as well as the type of stitch you want the machine to form.
When stitching on lightweight fabrics, the back stitching length should be short, about 1 to 2 millimetres. For heavier fabrics, a longer back stitching length of 3 to 4 millimetres is recommended. When you set the stitch length, ensure that the back stitch lever on the side of the sewing machine is pushed in to the sewing position.
It’s important that you select the right thread tension. That’s because an incorrect tension can make the back stitching uneven and loose, resulting in an unattractive finish. A larger tension should be used with light to medium weight fabrics, while lighter to medium thread tension is suitable for heavier fabrics. Some Brother sewing machines come with a tension guide that helps you select the right tension setting.
Positioning the Fabric
Now that your sewing machine is set up, you need to position the fabric on the sewing bed. You should ensure that the fabric is placed straight, with both edges of the back stitches sitting against a straight edge. However, since back stitching is usually used for decorative stitching, the fabric does not normally have to be in a specific alignment or orientation.
Make sure that the fabric is securely held in place and that it doesn’t move or slide around during stitching. To do this, you may need to use an adjustable ruler to keep the fabric in place or you may even want to use a tie-down tape or a quilting hoop. Many Brother sewing machines have a tie-down loop near the presser foot so that you can secure the fabric directly to the bed.
Stitching Techniques
Now that everything is set up, you are ready to begin stitching. To back stitch, you start with the machine in the reverse stitching mode. This will sew backwards in a single direction, which creates the back stitch. After a few stitches, you must switch the machine to the normal stitching mode and continue to the end. When you reach the end, switch the machine back to reverse mode to form the second back stitch.
Back stitching can be used for both decorative and functional stitching, such as joining two fabric edges or reinforcing a stress point. If you are reinforcing a stress point, you may need to use several back stitches. Depending on the type of stitch, you may need to back stitch either at the beginning or the end of the stitching line. If you are making a lapped seam, start with the back stitch at the end.
Be sure to follow the precise back stitching sequence, so that your stitching line is even and secure. When you reach the final back stitch, switch the machine back to the normal stitching mode and sew for a few stitches. This will help anchor the final back stitch in place and ensure the stitch looks neat and professional.
Stitch Removal
The removal of back stitches is relatively simple, thanks to the Brother sewing machine. All you need to do is switch the machine from the normal stitching mode to the reverse stitching mode and then press the reverse stitch button. This will cause the machine to automatically remove the back stitches. You should always remove the back stitches once you are finished stitching, as this will make it easier to adjust or adjust the stitching later.
Stitch Maintenance
Regular maintenance of your machine is important to ensure the longevity and security of your back stitches. Things such as oiling the machine, cleaning the bobbin area, and checking for tension problems will make sure that the back stitch is secure and neat. Additionally, you should regularly inspect the threading, needle condition and tension settings. If any of these things start to wear down, you should replace them.
To protect your sewing machine from dust, make sure that it is always kept clean and covered when not in use. It’s also important to read the manual before attempting to do any maintenance on the machine. Not understanding how to do the maintenance can often cause more harm than good.
Design Possibilities
Back stitching can open up a world of creative possibilities for your sewing projects. You can use back stitching to create decorative accents, such as stamps and appliqués on fabrics or to create interesting textures and patterns. You can also use back stitching to secure seams on garments, bags and accessories. And, you can use back stitching to add a security layer to any project.
To make your back stitching appear more attractive, experiment with different combinations of thread and fabrics. You can also try using different types of needles and threading styles to achieve different effects. Many Brother sewing machines come with a wide selection of decorative stitches that can be used in combination with back stitching to create unique designs.
Tips & tricks
Here are some additional tips and tricks to make your back stitching easier and more secure:
- Use a “walking foot” when stitching on heavy fabrics, as this makes back stitching easier and more secure.
- Make sure that the fabric is secure and doesn’t move during stitching.
- If you are using a hemstitch or backstitch needle, be sure to use the correct size for the fabric.
- To ensure even stitching, use a thread of the same weight or a slightly thicker thread than the fabric.
- For longevity, choose a thread of a good quality.
Additional Techniques
In addition to a standard back stitch, there are several other back stitching techniques that can be used with a Brother sewing machine. For example, you can use a blind hem stitch to secure the hem of a garment without showing the stitches on the right side. Or, you can use a “ladder” stitch to create a nearly invisible seam when joining fabrics. If you are stitching a seam that meets in the middle, you can use a double back stitch to join them securely.
Back stitching is a great technique for finishing hems, creating decorative patterns and joining fabrics. And with a Brother sewing machine, creating back stitches is easier than ever. As long as you follow the correct sequence and tension settings, you’ll be sure to achieve a high-quality finish.
Tack Stitching
Tack stitching, also known as tacking, is a decorative back stitching technique used to form neat and secure seams. This method involves stitching short and tight back stitches between two fabric edges. Tack stitching creates a secure and tidy seam and can be used to join fabrics together, reinforce stress points or provide additional stability.
To get an even and secure stitching line when tack stitching, you need to make sure the thread tension is set appropriately. You should also make sure that the back stitching length is short, about 1 to 2 millimetres, to ensure the stitches remain neat and secure. Additionally, it’s important that you use a thread that is appropriate for the fabric.
Tack stitching is a great method for providing extra security and for making sure that the seam is strong and sturdy. Many decorative stitches, such as satin stitches and blanket stitches, can also be tacked to provide a clean and neat finish.
Mattress Stitching
Mattress stitching is a backstitching technique used to create a secure and neat seam when joining two fabrics together. It involves stitching in a zig-zag pattern with small back stitches between the two fabrics. This creates a strong and tight seam that is ideal for joining fabrics and providing an extra level of security to seams that are exposed to a lot of stress and movement.
When mattress stitching, you should use a strong thread and ensure that the tension is set correctly. It’s also important that you use a needle that is appropriate for the fabric. For lighter fabric, a thin-shank hemstitch needle is ideal, while a backstitch needle is suitable for heavier fabrics. Mattress stitching should be used in combination with other stitching techniques to create a strong and durable seam.
Buttonhole Stitching
Buttonhole stitching is another back stitching technique that can be used with a Brother sewing machine. This method is used to reinforce buttonholes and to provide extra stability to the edges of the fabric. Buttonhole stitching is a decorative backstitch that is used to create small and even stitches along the edge of a fabric.
When buttonhole stitching, make sure the thread tension is set correctly. You should also use a hemstitch or backstitch needle that is appropriate for the fabric. Additionally, make sure the back stitching length is set to a small size, about 1 to 3 millimetres, to ensure that the stitches are neat and secure. Buttonhole stitching can be used to create a secure and tidy finish.
