Materials Needed
Basting stitch, a machine sewing technique, is a great way to hold fabric in place while working on a project. To baste stitch on a sewing machine, you need a few essential materials. Firstly, you need to choose the fabric you’ll be working with. Secondly, you’ll need a sewing machine, preferably one that can be used for stretch fabric. Additionally, you’ll need an appropriate size needle for the job, plus a spool of thread, an iron, and some pins for marking.
Threading the Machine
Once you have all the materials ready, it’s time to thread your sewing machine. Start by separating the thread into two strands. To ensure it passes easily through the needle, stop approximately 10 inches before the end of the spool. Then, pull the two strands of thread up and guide them through the machine’s threading paths. Continue, pulling the thread through the guide and needle until the thread has been threaded through the needle’s eye.
Preparing the Fabric
Before you begin to baste stitch, ensure that the fabric is prepped and ready to go. Iron the fabric to ensure there are no creases. You may want to use pins to mark out any fabric pieces, so that you don’t miss any details. Once prepared, then cut out the required fabric pieces.
Setting Up the Sewing Machine
Now that the fabric is ready to go, it’s time to set up the sewing machine for a basting stitch. Start by setting the stitch length on the machine as high as possible to create a long loose stitch. It’s important to note that the high stitch length will make it easier for you to unpick the stitching later.
Once you have the machine threaded and set up, the next step is to adjust the tension. To do so, roll the adjustment wheel to its highest thread tension. This setting prevents the fabric from puckering up while basting.
Starting to Sew
When you have the fabric and the machine ready, you can now begin the basting stitch. Start with the edge of the fabric, position the fabric under the presser foot of the machine, then lower the needle. Once the needle is lowered, hold onto the top and bobbin thread firmly, then lower the presser foot to hold fabric in place. Next, gently guide the fabric through the needle, ensuring the edge of the fabric remains lined up along the side of the foot. As you sew, use your index finger to lightly hold onto the fabric while you gently guide it.
To end your basting stitch, select the reverse stitch mode on the machine, then backstitch over your final two stitches. This will secure the stitching and secure the seam. Finally, cut off the top and bottom thread to finish the sewing.
Remove Basting Stitch
To remove a basting stitch, it is recommended to gently pull on the top and bottom thread of the stitch, until the seam gradually give way. The stitching will then be easily unpicked. However, if the basting stitching has been done on a delicate fabric, then a more careful approach should be taken, using a seam ripper for example.
Sewing Tips for Beginners
When sewing for the first time, it is best to practice on a scrap piece of fabric. This will provide a more relaxed environment to get used to how the machine works. Furthermore, it is important to adjust the presser foot pressure so that it isn’t too tight. This prevent damage to the fabric when stitching.
Finishing Touches
Once you have finished stitching, it can be a great idea to turn the fabric back free, before cutting off any loose threads. This will ensure the stitches don’t inadvertently catch on any other fabric pieces when manipulating the project.completing this step will ensure your project looks perfectly neat and tidy.
Basting Stitch Alternative
If you don’t have access to a sewing machine, then you can use a special basting stitch thread to achieve a similar outcome. This thread generally comes in the form of a long self-contained thread, which is easy and convenient to use. Furthermore, with these threads there is no need to separate the two strands before stitching, which can be very time-saving.
Safety Precautions
When sewing, it is important to ensure your hands remain away from the base of the needle. Additionally, never push the fabric past the needle as it can cause the needle to break. If a needle does break, stop using the machine, remove the broken needle, and replace it with a new one.
Care and Maintenance
To look after your sewing machine and ensure it remains in working condition, it’s important to regularly clean and oil it. Additionally, always unplug the machine from the electricity outlet before performing any servicing or repair. Furthermore, if too much tension has been applied when sewing, gently remove it with the presser foot lever.
