Regardless of your sewing level, ending a stitch on the sewing machine requires a few basic steps.
The first step is to get the tension right. It is essential to thread the machine correctly and adjust the tensions so that the thread has the right amount of tension on it. Most machines come with instructions on how to properly thread the machine and adjust the tension, so be sure to consult these instructions.
Once the tension is correct, it’s time to begin stitching. It’s important to start off with a simple straight line. This will help to ensure the stitch is uniform throughout. When the stitching is complete it’s time to secure the end of the stitch so it doesn’t unravel. To do this, turn the handwheel of the machine until the needle is at its highest point.
Next, lift the presser foot, pull the bobbin thread up, and use the twin needle to catch the loop of the thread. Pull the bobbin thread tight, and knot it off against the fabric. This will keep the thread from unraveling once it is cut.
The next step is to cut the thread tails. To do this, hold the tails with the left hand, and use the right-hand scissor blade to snip the threads close to the fabric. Once the tails are cut, turn the handwheel to slightly lower the needle, and then pull the loose threads away.
Finally, turn off the sewing machine and reattach the bobbin to avoid tangling of the thread.
Finish with a seam
To secure the stitch further, use an overcast stitch or zigzag stitch on the edge. Use the width and length adjust knob to set the stitch width and length. For a heavier fabric, a width setting of 3-4mm and a length setting of 1.5-2.5mm would work well.
Sew around the edge of the fabric and make sure to lock off the stitch on both ends. To lock off the stitch, lift the presser foot and turn the hand wheel to bring the needle to its highest point. Lower the presser foot and then cut the threads.
Sewing a button is usually the last step in any sewing project. Many sewing machines come with a special buttonhole foot that makes the job much easier. If yours doesn’t have one, you’ll need to manually mark the buttonholes with a fabric marker or tailor’s chalk.
To start, place the button in the center of the buttonhole and thread both the needle and the bobbin. Then, lower the presser foot and begin stitching. Keep your fingers away from the needle as you sew. After several stitches have been completed, lower the needle and raise the presser foot. Then, cut the threads and pull the thread tight.
Now, insert the needle into the back of the fabric, loop and pull the thread tight. Repeat these steps a few times until the buttonhole has been completely sewn. Finally, the button can be securely fastened in place with a few stitches.
Mending a tear
Mending a tear can be done by hand or on the sewing machine. Firstly, pin the two sides of the fabric together and make sure that it is lying flat. In some cases, you may need to trim off any excess fabric at the edges of the tear. Then, if you’re doing the repair by hand, use upholstery-grade thread and a needle to stitch together the tear.
If you’re mending the tear on the machine, carefully thread the machine and adjust the tension, if needed. Start with a backstitch and then use a zigzag stitch to sew the tear together. Make sure to keep the stitches even throughout. Once the stitch is complete, backstitch and knot off the thread.
Working with a Serge finish
A serge finish is used to finish the edges of a garment and give them a neat, finished look. It can also be used to join multiple pieces of fabric together. To begin, thread the machine as usual and set the differential feed to the appropriate setting. This will prevent the fabric from puckering or stretching as the serge stitch is sewn.
Place the fabric under the foot and begin stitching. To finish the seam, start by backstitching. Then, sew several stitches in reverse to secure the start of the seam. Finally, knot off the thread and then trim off any excess thread tails.
Hemming fabrics
Hemming a fabric can be done either by hand or on the machine. For a machine hem, set the stitch length to approximately 3mm and begin stitching. Make sure that the edge of the fabric is under the foot before stitching. This will ensure that the hem is even throughout.
Continue stitching until the entire edge has been hemmed. To secure the hem, backstitch at the end of the seam, and then cut off any excess thread. For a more secure hem, use a zigzag stitch or an overcast stitch along the edge.
Final notes
There are a lot of variations to ending a stitch on the sewing machine. Once you’re comfortable with the basics, give yourself time to practice different techniques and find what works best for you. As with any skill, the more you practice, the better you will become.
