Sewing machines have revolutionized the way we create beautiful clothing and accessories. But, of course, the most important thing we can learn to do on a sewing machine is the basic stitch, the one that will be the foundation of your work. Blind stitches, in particular, are used to create a strong, invisible and attractive finish on garments, handbags, and bed linens. Here’s how to do a blind stitch on a sewing machine.
Gathering Your Supplies and Preparing Your Project
When you’re doing a blind stitch, the most important factor is ensuring that the stitches you make are totally invisible. To do this, you’ll need to gather all of the necessary supplies, including a flat work surface, your sewing machine, thread, pins and fabric. Once you have your supplies ready, start by marking the area you want to sew and unfold the fabric so that the edges are even against the surface.
Setting up Your Machine and Blind Stitch Settings
Before you start your project, make sure that your machine is properly threaded and ready to sew. Depending on the model of your machine, there may be a separate setting specifically for blind stitch. Check the user’s manual of your machine for the appropriate setting for a blind stitch and adjust your machine accordingly.
Sewing the Blind Stitch
Once you’ve set your machine to the blind stitch setting, place the fabric under the presser foot of your machine, then slowly start to sew. When you’re finished, carefully lift the presser foot and move the fabric in the direction of the stitch. Make sure you’re pulling the thread tight but not too tight, in order to ensure that the stitches are tight and close together. Then, repeat these steps until you’ve sewn the entire length of the fabric.
Finishing the Seam and Neatening Edges
Once you’ve reached the end of the fabric, finish the seam by backstitching. Then, use sharp fabric scissors to trim the thread and neaten up the edges. Finally, use a damp cloth to press the fabric, then leave it to dry.
Practice and Troubleshoot
Any type of sewing requires practice and technique. Once you’ve tried a few runs with your machine, you’ll soon develop the skills necessary for a perfect blind stitch. If you have any issues, check the user manual for troubleshooting tips, as well as online tutorials. There are plenty of experts out there who share their tips and advice and might provide the answer you’ve been looking for.
Tips to Improve Your Blind Stitching
Here are a few tips to keep in mind when you’re practicing your blind stitching on a sewing machine:
- Make sure that your thread and needle size match the fabric
- Set the machine to the blind stitch setting
- Always keep the tension level set to the ideal point
- Pull the thread until it is tight, but not too tight
- Use contrasting thread to practice your stitch before using the same color thread as the fabric
- Set the speed of the sewing machine to a moderate level
- Take your time and pay attention to details
Special Considerations for Different Fabrics
When you’re doing a blind stitch on heavier or thicker fabrics, you’ll need to take special care to avoid puckering and bulging. To avoid this, reduce the fabric tension before you start stitching. Additionally, it can help to use a lighter, finer thread when working on heavier fabrics. This will help to reduce the amount of strain on the thread and fabric.
Alternative Methods of Blind Stitching
In addition to sewing machines, blind stitching can also be done by hand. This method is a little more complicated and time consuming, but it helps to ensure that stitches are invisible from both the front and back of the fabric. If you’re practising blind stitching for the first time, we recommend using a sewing machine for a perfectly neat finish.
Making a Template for Blind Stitching
When you’re doing a blind stitch, you’ll need to mark the points on the fabric where you’ll be stitching. If you’re creating a repetitive design, it’s best to use a template. To make a template, create a template design on a piece of paper, mark the lines where you’ll be sewing, then use an awl to transfer the markings onto the fabric.
Adding Embellishments to a Blind Stitch
Once you’ve mastered the basic blind stitch, you can try adding extra details and embellishments to your project. This is a great way to add a unique flair to your garments, bags, and pillows. To add extra detail to your blind stitch, you can use contrasting thread colors, decorative stitching, or add ribbon or beads to the design.
